When your garage door doesn’t close in cold weather, we at Mehr’s Garage Doors understand the frustration. This issue is more common than you might think in St. George, Utah, where winter can bring chills out of the blue.
In our more than 40 years of serving Southern Utah, we’ve seen it all, including garage door problems caused by the cold. In this piece, we’ll examine the common causes of these problems and advise you on keeping your garage door working well even when the weather gets cold.
Mehr’s Garage Doors has faced numerous cold weather issues over 40 years of serving St. George and Southern Utah. Most of the time, these things are to blame:
When it gets cold, the oil and grease in the moving parts of your garage door can thicken or freeze. This creates resistance, which makes it hard for your door to close smoothly. A door that worked fine in the summer often stops working correctly when it gets cold.
These safety devices keep your door from closing on things, but they can be affected by changes in temperature. Cold weather can make small changes to the structure of your garage, which can throw off the careful positioning of these sensors. As a result of the obstruction, your door might begin to close and then reverse.
In cold weather, your garage door system’s steel tracks, springs, and other metal components can get slightly smaller. Even though this contraction might not seem like much, it’s often enough to cause binding or misalignment, preventing your door from closing correctly. This issue can be incredibly challenging in St. George due to the city’s changing environment and temperatures.
Knowing these common reasons is the first thing you can do to fix your garage door problems in cold weather. No matter how low the temperature drops, Mehr’s Garage Doors is always ready to help you diagnose and resolve these issues, ensuring your garage remains safe and functional.
At Mehr’s Garage Doors, we recommend taking the following steps to diagnose and possibly resolve cold weather issues:
First, look at the sensors on your garage door. In cold weather, these tiny components, typically found near the bottom of your garage door ice tracks, are more likely to become misplaced or dirty. Wipe the lenses clean with a dry, soft cloth.
After that, check to see if the sensors are lined up correctly; most types have lights that turn on when they are. If cleaning and realigning don’t work, the cold may have damaged the sensors’ internal components, necessitating professional attention.
Lubricants can thicken or freeze in cold weather, causing the moving parts of your door to rub against one another more. We recommend using a lubricant made specifically for garage doors in cold weather or silicone-based.
Put it on the springs, rollers, and joints. Be careful not to grease too much, as this can make problems worse by attracting dirt. Remember that oil on the track can cause the rollers to slip.
If the garage door is set correctly, it should stay in place when you lift it halfway by hand. Disconnect the opener (generally by pulling the red emergency release handle) and lift the door halfway by hand to check the balance. If the springs don’t stay in place, they may need to be adjusted. But adjusting springs can be dangerous, so it’s best to let professionals like Mehr’s Garage Doors do it.
You can fix a minor cold weather issue with your garage door by following these steps. You should always call in the experts if problems arise. We at Mehr’s Garage Doors are here to help you keep your garage door in good shape all year, no matter what the weather is like in St. George throws at us.
For the safe and dependable working of your garage door opener, we know how important it is to adjust the force settings correctly. We’ll review when you need to adjust, how to do it right, and the most important safety factors to remember.
The amount of force the garage door opener uses to lift and lower the door can be adjusted using force adjustment settings found on most garage door openers. You’ll typically see different adjustments for the up force and downforce, which generally are dials or knobs on the opener unit itself.
The up-force setting controls the amount of force used to lift the door. The down-force setting controls the motor’s pushback as the door falls. If these settings are not changed correctly, your door may stop or reverse before it reaches the fully open or closed position, or it may slam down too hard.
After adjusting the force settings, it is crucial to test the safety reversing features thoroughly. Attempt to close the door by placing a 2×4 board flat on the ground in its path. If the force is set correctly, the door should reverse when it hits the board.
If the door hits an obstruction while opening, you should also test to see if it can reverse. If it doesn’t reverse after hitting an obstruction, there may be a problem with the safety sensors or internal components that needs professional repair.
Always make changes in small amounts when changing the garage door’s force settings. When you use too much force, the opener door and motor parts are under unnecessary stress, leading to early wear and possible safety risks.
If your garage door force needs to be adjusted repeatedly, there may be a balance, springs, or rollers issue. In these cases, it’s best to have these components repaired by a professional to resolve the problem and guarantee safe, dependable performance.
Our expert techs at Mehr’s Garage Doors are always ready to assist you with garage door safety issues, such as adjustments and force tests. Feel free to contact us for professional assistance if you need clarification on making these adjustments yourself.
Fixing your garage door when it isn’t working correctly in cold weather can be tempting. Knowing your boundaries and when it’s time to call in a professional is essential. Some problems have easy solutions that homeowners can handle.
Cleaning and realigning the safety sensors, using low-temperature lubricants to grease moving parts, and checking the door balance are easy fixes that homeowners can try. If these steps don’t fix the issue or you’re unsure of what to do next, it’s best to contact a professional garage door expert.
Attempting complicated repairs without the correct information and tools can lead to additional damage or even injury. Garage door springs, cables, and openers are very tight, and they can be dangerous to work with. Call an expert if you suspect an issue with these components or if your door is severely damaged.
Professional repairs may seem more expensive initially, but they will save you money in the long run by preventing further damage and ensuring that your doors operate safely and effectively. Whether a straightforward change or a more involved repair, an experienced expert can quickly diagnose the issue and recommend the least expensive solution.
Investing in garage door components that can withstand cold weather can help you avoid problems and make your door last longer. When selecting these components, look for products that are specially made to withstand cold temperatures.
You need low-temperature lubricants in cold weather to keep your garage door moving smoothly. For protection against rust and rusting, these lubricants stay fluid at low temperatures. Be sure to apply grease to all moving parts, such as hinges, rollers, and springs.
Insulated doors and weather stripping offer additional protection against the cold. They keep your garage warmer, save you money on energy costs, and make your opener motor work less hard. Choose one with a high R-value to get the most energy savings out of an insulated door.
Weatherstripping fills the gaps around your garage door, keeping drafts out and heating in. Look for weatherstripping made of solid and bendable materials that won’t crack or lose shape in cold or hot weather.
The final option is to invest in a cold-rated opener. These openers are made to function consistently in temperatures below zero to protect the electrical components. They might also have force-changeable settings to account for the greater resistance of a cold garage door.
You can keep your garage door working smoothly all winter by selecting components resistant to cold weather and following a regular maintenance plan. Don’t hesitate to contact Mehr’s Garage Doors experts if you have any questions or need assistance selecting the correct goods for your home!
The effectiveness of your garage door during the winter can be significantly impacted by moisture. If not checked, ice and snow accumulation can cause significant damage and obstruct the door’s function.
It is essential to keep your door working correctly. Clear snow and ice from the door’s surface regularly, paying close attention to the bottom seal and the area where the door meets the ground. Use a snow brush or a plastic shovel to protect the door’s surface.
This is another essential part of winterizing your garage door. Moisture in the opener can lead to short circuits and damage to the computer board. Make sure that all of the electrical lines are safe and covered from water. Contact a repair professional if you notice any frayed wires or uncovered connections.
A dehumidifier can help reduce the impact of moisture on your garage door. Your garage floor should slope to keep water from the door and into a floor drain. Consider installing a dehumidifier to regulate moisture levels and avoid condensation on the door and opener components.
A broken garage door can be hazardous to people’s safety, especially in the winter when cold weather can make problems worse. Taking the proper safety measures is crucial when attempting to operate or repair a broken door.
Some doors may need to be opened by hand if they are stuck or won’t open. To begin, find the emergency release handle. This is usually a red rope that hangs from the opener cart. To physically lift the door, pull the handle to disconnect the opener. When you do this, be careful because the door might be heavy, and the springs might be very tight.
The number of springs and cables that could hurt you is minimal when working on a garage door. However, if you mishandle these components incorrectly, they could hurt you badly. Do not attempt to repair your cables or springs yourself if you suspect an issue with them. To safely handle these components, speak with a trained garage door expert with the necessary knowledge and tools.
Lastly, electricity safety in wet circumstances is paramount when dealing with a garage door that won’t work. Don’t attempt to operate the door if your opener or other electrical components are wet. After turning off the power to the opener, contact a professional for inspection and repairs. Trying to use electrical gadgets when they are wet can lead to shock or fire dangers.
You can protect yourself and your home during the winter months by understanding the impact of moisture on your garage door and taking the necessary safety measures. If you’re unsure how to handle a broken door, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Mehr’s Garage Doors for assistance.
Understanding when and how to adjust the force settings on your garage door opener is essential for keeping it safe and working correctly, especially during the colder months.
You can ensure that your garage door works smoothly and safely all winter by regularly testing the safety reversal system, making minor adjustments, and addressing any underlying issues immediately. If you need clarification on making these adjustments or have problems, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mehr’s Garage Doors experts for professional assistance and peace of mind.
It is suggested that you check and adjust the ice settings as necessary, usually at the start of each season or whenever you notice changes in your door’s performance. Small adjustments may be required in cold weather to account for greater resistance.
No, silicone-based lubricants are essential for low temperatures, especially garage doors. Regular lubricants can thicken and harden in cold weather, leading to more friction and pressure on the opener.
Ensure the bottom seal is in good shape, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to prevent ice from building up. This will keep your garage door from freezing to the ground. You can also place a carpet or a rubber mat under the door to make a buffer between it and the ground.
First, check that the safety sensors are clean and aligned and that the opener is getting power. If the problem still occurs, change the force settings or grease the moving parts. Contact a garage door expert for assistance if the issue doesn’t improve.
It is possible to replace the logic board, but most people recommend having a professional handle the job. The wrong placement could lead to more damage or safety risks. A professional can ensure that the new logic board works with your type of opener and is fitted correctly.
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