The winter weather here in Iowa can be tough on your garage door, causing various issues due to cold temperatures, ice, and snow. The last thing you want is to be stuck outside your house in the winter because your garage door won’t open.
Here are some common garage door problems in winter and some troubleshooting tips to address them. When in doubt, give us a call at Amega!
Frozen Garage Door
The issue: Cold temperatures can cause your garage door to freeze to the ground.
How to troubleshoot:
- Use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt the ice around the door’s edges.
- Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the garage door bottom seal to help prevent future freezing.
Stiff or Slow Operation
The issue: Winter weather can cause the lubricants on your garage door components to thicken, leading to stiff or slow operation.
How to troubleshoot:
- Lubricate all moving parts with a garage door lubricant that can withstand cold temperatures. The lubricant you use must be specifically for garage doors.
- Check all garage door components, including the operator to make sure they are in good condition.
Door Seal Issues
The issue: Although rare, the weatherstripping and door seals may become brittle and crack in cold weather, leading to drafts and heat loss.
How to troubleshoot:
- Replace damaged weatherstripping and seals with new ones.
- Apply a silicone-based lubricant to keep seals flexible.
Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener
The issue: Cold temperatures can affect the performance of your garage door opener mechanisms.
How to troubleshoot:
- Inspect and lubricate your opener’s moving parts. Call our office for advice on what lubricant to use and which parts to lubricate.
- Ensure that the bottom of your garage door is free from ice accumulation.
- If problems persist, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek professional help from Amega.
Broken Springs
The issue: Temperature fluctuations affect steel, which is what garage door springs are made of. When temperatures change, there is a bigger risk of your garage door springs breaking.
How to troubleshoot:
- Inspect the springs for signs of wear or damage.
- If you notice broken springs, do not attempt to repair them yourself; contact a professional garage door technician.
Misaligned Tracks
The issue: Chilly temps may cause metal components to contract, leading to misaligned tracks.
How to troubleshoot:
- Inspect the tracks for alignment issues and adjust them as needed.
- Ensure that the tracks are clean and free from debris.
Battery Issues With Remote Control
The issue: The performance of remote control batteries may decline with winter weather.
How to troubleshoot:
- Replace the batteries in the remote control.
- Keep spare batteries in a warm place to swap them out as needed.
Call Amega Garage Doors & Openers to Solve Your Winter Garage Door Issues
Remember, safety is crucial when dealing with garage door problems. If you need help addressing a problem or if it requires professional assistance, reach out to our team at Amega! Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities and we won’t let you sit out in the cold this winter.
Get a jump on the ice and snow by scheduling your preventative maintenance today!