So winter has arrived. That cold chill is in the air, and you wake up to a completely white scene outside. We’re talking snowdrifts, frost and ice forming around your windows.
We all know when it gets this cold, you want to stay indoors and warm as long as humanly possible. So you jump in your car, reverse out of the garage, but then… your door won’t close.
It’s frustrating, but not unheard of. The fact is, Alberta’s freezing temperatures can affect different components of your garage door, from mechanical parts and worn springs to trapped ice and weakened batteries. But rest assured, some of these issues have a simple fix, and when they don’t, Overhead Door Company is here to help.
So let’s take a look at some of the most common cold-weather issues your door might run into this winter and when it’s time to call in the professionals for a repair.
1. Frost and Condensation on Your Safety Sensors
Your door is built to withstand the elements, but when temperatures drop to Arctic levels, there’s only so much even the best door can do, especially when it comes to moisture, frost or condensation. Changes in temperature can cause moisture to collect or freeze on the safety sensors near the bottom of your garage door, interfering with their operation and preventing the door from closing properly.
So, what do you do? To keep moisture from interfering with your door, gently wipe the sensor lenses with a soft, dry cloth, check for obstructions and make sure they’re properly aligned.
2. What Happens When Your Garage Door Freezes to the Ground?
This is, unfortunately, a particularly relevant issue for Alberta homeowners. We’ve all experienced the temperature swings that can happen throughout a winter day. The morning starts with Arctic levels of cold, and by afternoon, the sun has melted some of that thick frost away. But as the sun sets, the melting snow begins to freeze again… and the cycle continues.
That melting snow can refreeze around the bottom weather seal of your door, potentially causing the door to stick to the ground when you try to open it.
So, what do you do? Carefully clear the ice from around the seal without forcing the door or repeatedly operating the opener. To help prevent freezing, keep the threshold where your garage door meets the driveway clear of snow and moisture whenever possible.
3. How Cold Weather Affects Garage Door Lubrication
If you’re an avid maintenance person, then you’ve likely kept your door and its moving parts lubricated to ensure smooth operation throughout the year, and that’s great! However, some lubricants can thicken in freezing temperatures, creating resistance and making the door harder to operate.
So, what can you do? When applying lubricant, choose a garage-door-specific product designed for cold temperatures and use it only on manufacturer-recommended components, rather than applying a general-purpose product everywhere.
4. Can Freezing Temperatures Affect Garage Door Parts?
Metal can contract in cold temperatures. To put that simply, when the weather drops below freezing, the metal components of your garage door, such as rollers, tracks and other hardware, can shrink slightly. While these changes are usually small, they can make existing wear or alignment issues more noticeable. When that happens, you might notice that your door isn’t running as smoothly as usual.
So, what should you do? Listen for unusual noises, watch for jerky movement, and visually inspect for obvious damage without attempting to adjust high-tension components. If you notice damaged or misaligned parts, call a professional to take a closer look, as some components can be dangerous to handle yourself.
5. Electrical and Mechanical Issues That Get Worse in Winter
Everyday wear and tear is inevitable when your garage door gets a lot of use, but you might start to notice problems more often during the colder months. When temperatures drop, existing mechanical issues can become more noticeable as the door encounters additional resistance. Cold temperatures can also reduce battery performance, potentially affecting your garage door remote or backup battery system.
Homeowner tip: Check the opener’s error indicators, replace your remote batteries if it’s not responding and ensure the door’s path is clear. Avoid repeatedly forcing a malfunctioning door.
6. When Should You Call a Garage Door Professional?
While some winter garage door problems have a simple fix, others are best left to the professionals. If you’ve checked your sensors, cleared away ice and inspected your door for obvious obstructions, but it’s still refusing to close or open, it might be time to call in some help.
Damaged springs, worn cables, unusual noises or a door that moves unevenly can all signal a more serious mechanical issue. These components can be dangerous to handle yourself, so it’s always best to have a trained technician take a closer look.
Keep Your Garage Door Moving All Winter Long
Alberta winters can be tough on just about everything, and your garage door is no exception. But with a little maintenance, some simple troubleshooting and a helping hand when you need it, you can keep your door operating smoothly, even when temperatures don’t feel so smooth.
If your garage door won’t close in cold weather, our team at Overhead Door Company is here to help. Contact us today to arrange a professional inspection or repair and get your door back on track.
