We at Mehr’s Garage Doors in St. George know how annoying it is when your garage door won’t open on a cold winter morning. Garage doors can develop issues that prevent them from working correctly as the temperatures drop. This article will discuss the most common reasons your garage door might not open in cold weather and offer valuable tips for keeping your door working correctly all year.
Metal Components in Your Garage Door System Shrink When the Temperature Drops. After this tightening, your door might not be able to balance as well, making it harder to open or close. Tracks, springs, and cables are most likely to have this problem.
The grease and oil that keep the door moving quickly in cold garage door temperatures can thicken or even freeze. In its normal state, your door would glide, but now it won’t move. We recommend using lubricants designed for cold weather to keep things moving smoothly all year.
Although St. George may receive little snow, moisture can still be problematic. When water gets into cracks, crevices, and freezes, it can cause big problems. Ice forming around rollers, tracks, or between door panels can “glue” your door shut.
We’ve seen how cold weather can affect different parts of your garage door system. If we understand these benefits, we can give better service to our St. George customers.
Subfreezing temperatures can make springs and cables more brittle. This greater rigidity can lead to more difficult door action or, in severe cases, even breakage. For homes that experience significant temperature changes, we often recommend upgrading to cold-resistant springs.
When metal gets cold, it shrinks, which can cause rollers to get stuck in the tracks and stop or move in jerky ways. If ice forms in the tracks, this problem can get worse. Regular cleaning and greasing are crucial for these components to operate smoothly in the winter.
In cold weather, your opener’s motor and gears may struggle. When lubricants thicken, the system has to work harder. This additional stress can lead to accelerated wear or failure. We recommend using cold weather-rated lubricants to keep your opener operating efficiently.
It’s not just mechanical things that get damaged by cold weather. When the temperatures drop, the electrical components of your garage door system may also fail.
In cold weather, backup batteries and remote systems frequently struggle. Reducing battery life and power output slows down the chemical processes that make electricity. We recommend always having extra batteries on hand and keeping your remotes in the door.
Cold or wet weather can damage the safety devices at the bottom of your garage door, resulting in inaccurate readings that prevent the door from closing. Routine cleaning and proper positioning can prevent most cold weather sensor issues.
Sudden temperature changes can cause wetness inside your opener, which could short out the circuit boards. Also, wires can break and become brittle. If you live in a humid area, we recommend checking these components often and considering getting a dehumidifier for your garage.
The best way to avoid problems with garage door cold weather is to prevent it from happening in the first place. We recommend the following upkeep tips to our St. George customers:
All moving parts, such as hinges, rollers, and springs, should be oiled with a silicone-based product. WD-40 can attract dirt and grime, so don’t use it.
Check the weather stripping around your garage door for cracks or holes. We recommend lubricating it at least twice a year. Proper sealing and reducing the risk of freezing components keep out cold air and moisture. You should also insulate your garage door to better control the temperature and save money on energy costs.
Before the cold weather comes, have a professional look at your home. We can identify possible issues before they become big problems. During routine tune-ups, all components are properly adjusted and working at their best, reducing the risk of cold weather breakdowns.
First, use the emergency release line to separate the garage door from the opener. Then, try to open the door by hand. If it moves quickly, a problem with the opener will likely be the cause. If it’s still hard to move, there could be technical issues with the door.
Carefully examine the tracks, rollers, and other moving parts for any signs of ice building or other obstacles. Check for crooked or bent tracks or components. Sometimes, removing the ice or realigning the rollers can fix a problem.
If you can open and close the door without the opener, check the force settings on the opener. In cold weather, you need more force to open the door. For instructions on adjusting these levels, refer to your owner’s manual. Be careful not to set them too high, though, as this could be dangerous.
Even though we tell our customers to take care of their garage doors themselves, there are times when they need professional help. When you should call us:
If you hear strange noises, see damage to the springs or cables, or notice that the door is very off-balance, call a professional. These issues can be dangerous to handle without the right skills and tools.
If you have a problem with the opener’s motor, circuit board, or wires, it’s best to get professional assistance. Electrical issues can be tricky and dangerous if not treated properly.
The garage door is heavy and under a lot of stress. You should always call us for clarification on a repair or change. Our skills and tools allow us to make fixes safely and effectively, ensuring that your garage door works reliably in any weather.
At Mehr’s Garage Doors, we believe in providing our St. George customers with long-term solutions. Even though regular repair is crucial, there are long-term improvements that can significantly enhance your garage door’s performance in cold weather:
We frequently recommend replacing standard parts with options that are resistant to cold. In cold weather, high-quality steel springs made to handle harsh temperatures can maintain their stiffness better.
Cotton rollers are more reliable than metal ones in cold temperatures. These changes might be more expensive up front, but they can save you money and trouble in the long run by reducing cold-weather breakdowns.
If you want to improve the insulation in your garage, it can make a huge difference in how well your door works during cold weather. We recommend starting with the door. An insulated garage door will help keep the temperature in your garage more stable.
Insulating the walls and roof of your garage can also help keep the temperature stable, reducing the stress on the door’s components. Remember to put weather stripping around the door frame to prevent cold air entry.
If you’re having chronic cold weather issues, it might be time to consider a complete upgrade. These days, garage door systems are made to withstand bad weather. Built-in shielding, thermal breaks, and lubricants that can handle low temperatures can make a big difference. For steady performance all year, Mehr’s Garage Doors can help you choose a system that works well in St. George’s weather.
Our goal at Mehr’s Garage Doors is to ensure that your garage door works well all year long, no matter the weather. You can avoid most winter garage door issues by being aware of how cold weather affects your door, performing regular upkeep, and considering long-term upgrades. Remember that we’re always here to help you with your St. George home’s garage door needs with professional service and tips.
Metal components can shrink, lubricants can thicken, and moisture can freeze in cold temperatures, all of which can slow down the movement of your door.
We recommend that you grease your garage door at least twice a year and one more time before winter for the best performance in cold weather.
Yes, but be careful as you go. For instructions, refer to your owner’s guidebook, and avoid using too much force because it could be dangerous.
If you hear strange noises, see apparent damage to springs or cables, have an electrical problem, or are unsure of any repair or adjustment, please call us.
If you frequently experience cold weather issues, upgrading to a modern, weather-resistant system can offer long-term dependability and save money on fixes and energy costs.
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