As the weather cools down, it’s a sign that winter is approaching, and your home should be ready for the long chilling days. The cold season can subject your garage door to wear and tear conditions, especially for those living in areas with harsh winters.
As one of the hard-working, large-scale moving equipment in your home, it’s crucial to be ready to deal with issues with the garage door during the winter. Although you might encounter problems you can readily deal with, there are times when calling in a professional would be the best decision. If the issue is more complex, checking out reliable garage door repair professionals such as Queen City Garage Doors and others would be a good starting point.
Several issues are likely to occur during the winter that you should watch out for to ensure it functions optimally. Here are some of the common problems during the winter and helpful garage door repair tips on dealing with them:
1. Contracting Metal With Damaged Parts
All the components and parts of the garage door should be in good shape to function optimally. Sadly, it’s common for the metal to contract during the cold season due to the drop in the temperature. Even if the door isn’t metal, most components are still metal in composition. The springs, screws, rails, and other components are likely to end up with damage or cause the garage door to jam.
A common problem you’re likely to encounter during the winter is a broken spring. Since the springs are responsible for keeping the door’s weight well-balanced, they’re essential in maintaining the door in good working order.
One of the seasonal garage door maintenance tips that can help prevent the metal from contracting during the winter is applying any good quality oil or lubricant. Make sure to thoroughly lubricate the metal components of the garage door throughout the year. Still, it’s more crucial during the winter season to prevent the metal from contracting and ending up with a malfunctioning door.
2. Damage To The Weather Stripping
The garage door has airtight weatherstripping made of rubber on the base. It’s responsible for keeping the cold air out and warm air inside.
During winter, water will likely solidify around the door’s base and trap the weather stripping amidst the ice and the ground. Once you attempt to open the door, it can tear the stripping off. Additionally, the stripping deteriorates over time and tends to harden until it cracks, resulting in a diminished seal that could no longer keep the warm air inside. Due to the size of the garage door, a poor seal can be the culprit for a significant increase in the overall heating costs.
One way to avoid this typical garage door problem is to regularly sweep the snow and water away from the base of the door. Doing so will prevent it from solidifying. Don’t forget to inspect the weather stripping to ensure it’s still in good shape to keep your home warm during the winter effectively.
A simple hack to prevent the garage door from freezing to the floor is to utilize cooking spray on the base of the door’s weather stripping.
3. Damage To The Garage Door Springs
If you end up with a malfunctioning garage door during the winter, it’s likely due to damage to the springs. In such circumstances, it’s impossible to lift the garage door either with an opener or manually. One way to effectively work out this problem is by calling a professional.
Although you can readily purchase garage door springs from local stores or online, installation can be complex. If you’re not skilled or careful enough, you’re putting yourself at risk for injury.
4. Formation Of Ice Between The Panels Of The Garage Door
Some garage door models have several panels, allowing moisture to seep in between and solidify due to the cold. As a result, the door is likely to lock up, and you’ll have a hard time opening it.
An ideal solution for this issue is to utilize any heat source to allow the ice to melt. Remember that extreme heat sources can damage the metal components, especially if they warm up rapidly. Consider using a gentle source of heat such as a hairdryer. It’d be best to wipe as much moisture as possible after warming up the affected parts of the garage door to prevent them from solidifying again.
5. Damage To The Remote Sensor
When the temperature drops during the winter, it’s possible for the remote sensor to crack. Although it’s a rare occurrence, it’d be best to call a garage door repair professional to determine the root cause for the malfunctioning sensor and either fix or replace it with a new one. Before calling in a professional, make sure to inspect for dead batteries or if something is obstructing the sensor on the motor.
Final Thoughts
The winter can bring about problems with your garage door at some point, so seasonal garage door maintenance is crucial. If you encounter any of these common garage door issues, these measures will serve as your guide in dealing with them effectively while keeping your door in good working order. Remember, though, that if an issue is beyond your skill level, consider calling a garage door repair professional to tackle the job.
