A garage door sticking in the winter is fairly common and could be due to a number of concerns, from sensor obstruction to busted springs. Before attempting to replace it or make DIY repairs that could cause more damage, troubleshoot the cause to determine the best course of action. Find the five top causes of sticking garage doors due to cold weather below and begin preventative maintenance.
Source: Pexels, Erik Mclean
“Simple issues can be resolved with DIY solutions (like ice melt or warm water at the base of the door), but more serious issues will need professional repairs.”
Why Does My Garage Door Stick In The Cold?
When the garage door is stuck, that means you’re stuck, too. Either inside or outside of your garage until it’s repaired. You may even have to park outside in the cold, tracking in all the wet signs of the season.
If the garage door or garage door keypad is not working in cold weather, it could be due to one of the following reasons.
Safety Sensors Are Obstructed
The safety sensors have to maintain a direct line of sight to each other in order to trigger safe operation. Check for any obstructions to your safety sensors, like fog, ice, snow, or condensation. This could prevent the lenses from detecting correctly, causing a stuck garage door.
Broken or Weakened Springs
In winter, the metal components of the garage door opener can become brittle and weak from cold exposure. It may feel heavy or be completely stuck, and this could be due to a broken spring. If you spot a coil above the garage door or hear a bursting sound when you attempt to open a garage door that is not closing in cold weather, you’ll need a repair.
Frozen Weatherseal
When weatherseals sit in a mix of cold weather and moisture, they can freeze. This creates an ice dam at the bottom of the garage door, keeping it frozen shut. Look for ice or snow building up around the base of the garage door, but don’t attempt to break through. Try pouring warm water over the weather seal first to reduce the risk of damage.
Hard Grease
In cold weather, greased tracks can harden and stop rolling smoothly. The grease hardens in the extreme temperatures, creating obstacles. The best solution is to use a silicone-based lubricant to wipe away the grease and use WD-40 or another lubricant instead of grease.
Warped Tracks
This can happen any time of year due to wear and tear or extreme weather conditions in the winter. The tracks become worn, misaligned, or damaged and can’t be easily repaired. Professional garage door repair in Pflugerville may be necessary to get the door operating again.
How To Prevent Garage Door Sticking During Colder Weather
If your garage door sticks when opening in the winter, you will need to change your maintenance routine. Preventative tips include:
- Spray Lubricant: Use a silicone-based lubricant instead of grease on the tracks, springs, hinges, and rollers to prevent seasonal hardening and a sticking garage door. Be sure to thoroughly clean the components first.
- Add A Heater: Consider installing or using a portable heater in the garage during particularly cold weather patterns. This may help keep the metal components from getting fragile and the grease from hardening and prevent ice build-up on the weatherseal.
- Regularly Clear The Tracks: Keep the tracks clean and clear so that weather or misalignment issues are less likely.
- Check Safety Sensors: Before you leave or when you get back home, check that the sensors are clear of frost or grime.
- Use Ice Melt: Sprinkle ice melt just inside and just outside of the garage door to help prevent freezing and ice build-up.
- Weatherstrip Any Gaps: Check for gaps around the garage door and all access points to reduce cold air flow inside.
When A Stuck Garage Door Requires Professional Repair Or Replacement
A few indicators that a sticking garage door may signal it’s time for garage door repair Pflugerville range from loud noises (a bang or bursting sound), broken springs, damaged garage door, loose or frayed cables, and misaligned tracks.
Or, if your garage door opener sticks in cold weather, it may be time to replace the remote or the opening system. Simple issues can be resolved with DIY solutions (like ice melt or warm water at the base of the door), but more serious issues like these will need professional repairs.
Contact Austin’s Greater Garage Doors for garage door repairs, replacements, installation, and advice on all things related to garage doors.
