Winter weather in Calgary, Okotoks, and Airdrie can be beautiful, but it can also bring some serious challenges, especially for homeowners. Among the many issues that come with colder temperatures, garage door problems are some of the most common and frustrating. Your garage door is one of the largest moving parts in your home, and when winter weather sets in, it can struggle to function properly. Here at Garage Door Repairman, we understand the unique challenges that winter can pose for garage doors. Let’s look at seven common garage door issues you may encounter during the cold season and how to address them.
1. Frozen Garage Door
A frozen garage door is a frequent issue in winter. When temperatures drop below freezing, water and ice can accumulate around the edges of your garage door, effectively sealing it shut. This problem can be especially frustrating when you need to leave for work or an appointment.
Solution:
Avoid forcing the door open, as this can damage the door’s components. Instead, try to carefully break up the ice with a flat scraper or de-icer spray. A common household remedy is to pour warm (not boiling) water along the bottom edge of the door to melt the ice. If you find your door continually freezes, consider installing weather stripping and ensuring the bottom seal is in good condition to keep out moisture.
2. Worn-Out Weather Stripping
Weather stripping around your garage door helps keep out drafts and moisture. However, it’s vulnerable to wear and tear over time, especially with exposure to cold temperatures, ice, and snow. Damaged weather stripping can lead to drafts and leaks, causing the inside of your garage to be cold and increasing the chance of a frozen door.
Solution:
Inspect the weather stripping along the bottom of your garage door regularly. If it appears cracked, brittle, or damaged, it’s time to replace it. Quality weather stripping is crucial for keeping cold air and moisture out. For assistance with replacing weather stripping, Garage Door Repairman offers professional services to ensure a proper fit.
3. Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener
Cold temperatures can negatively affect your garage door opener. Batteries in remote controls tend to drain faster in the cold, and older units can struggle to operate in lower temperatures. Additionally, the lubricants in the opener’s components can thicken in cold weather, which may cause sluggish or inconsistent performance.
Solution:
If your garage door opener isn’t responding, try replacing the batteries in your remote control first. If that doesn’t work, check the manual for guidance on adjusting the opener’s sensitivity settings. Regular maintenance, such as using a winter-grade lubricant on moving parts, can also help. If your opener is still malfunctioning, contact us for professional garage door opener repair or replacement services.
4. Misaligned or Warped Tracks
Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, and during the winter, the extreme cold can lead to the metal tracks on your garage door shifting or warping. Misaligned or warped tracks can prevent your door from moving smoothly, leading to jerky or incomplete operation.
Solution:
If you notice your garage door sticking or stopping midway, inspect the tracks for visible signs of bending or misalignment. You may be able to adjust minor issues with a level and wrench. However, attempting to fix significant warping on your own can be dangerous. It’s best to reach out to Garage Door Repairman for expert track repair services, especially if the damage is severe.
5. Broken Springs
Your garage door’s springs are under constant tension, which allows the door to open and close smoothly. However, the cold winter weather can make these springs brittle and more likely to snap. Broken springs are not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous, as they prevent the garage door from lifting properly.
Solution:
If you suspect a broken spring, avoid using the garage door and contact a professional immediately. Attempting to repair or replace garage door springs yourself can be hazardous due to the high tension they’re under. Garage Door Repairman provides emergency spring repair and replacement services in Calgary, Okotoks, and Airdrie, ensuring a safe and reliable solution.
6. Rusty Components
In winter, the combination of moisture from snow and salt used to melt ice on driveways can cause rust to develop on your garage door’s metal components. Rust can affect the door’s rollers, springs, and hinges, leading to noisy and inefficient operation.
Solution:
Regularly inspect your garage door’s moving parts for signs of rust. If you spot any, clean the affected area with a wire brush and apply a protective coat of lubricant to help prevent future rusting. For extensive rusting, or if you’re uncomfortable handling this yourself, contact our team to schedule a maintenance appointment.
7. Slow or Unresponsive Garage Door
In colder temperatures, garage doors may become slow to respond or even unresponsive. This issue can stem from several factors, including thickened lubricant, worn-out parts, or issues with the motor.
Solution:
First, inspect the garage door tracks and rollers to see if they need lubrication. Use a winter-grade lubricant that won’t thicken in low temperatures. If the issue persists, there may be a deeper mechanical problem. Garage Door Repairman offers comprehensive diagnostics and repairs for garage doors in Calgary, Okotoks, and Airdrie.
Winter Garage Door Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance can help you avoid many of these common winter issues with your garage door. Here are a few tips to keep your garage door operating smoothly throughout the winter:
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a winter-grade lubricant on the door’s rollers, springs, and tracks to prevent sluggish movement.
- Inspect Weather Stripping: Ensure your weather stripping is in good condition to keep out moisture and cold air.
- Check for Obstructions: Clear away any snow or ice buildup around the door’s base to prevent freezing.
- Test Door Balance: A well-balanced door is easier for the opener to lift, reducing strain on the motor.
Regular maintenance by professionals like Garage Door Repairman can go a long way toward ensuring a reliable garage door throughout the colder months.
Why Choose Garage Door Repairman?
At Garage Door Repairman, we specialize in addressing common winter-related issues with garage doors. Serving Calgary, Okotoks, and Airdrie, we’re familiar with the unique challenges that winter weather brings to garage door functionality. Whether you need emergency repair or preventative maintenance, our team is here to help.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our contact page or check out our location-specific pages for Calgary, Okotoks, and Airdrie.
FAQ
1. Why does my garage door freeze shut in the winter?
Cold weather can cause ice buildup around the bottom of the garage door, effectively sealing it shut. Applying warm water or using a de-icer spray can help release it.
2. How often should I replace my garage door’s weather stripping?
It’s advisable to inspect your weather stripping annually and replace it if you notice cracks, brittleness, or drafts. Replacing it helps prevent cold air and moisture from entering.
3. Can I use regular lubricant on my garage door in winter?
Using a winter-grade lubricant is recommended, as regular lubricants can thicken in cold temperatures, leading to sluggish operation.
4. What should I do if my garage door springs break in winter?
Contact a professional immediately. Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to replace without proper training.
5. How can I prevent rust on my garage door’s metal parts?
Regularly cleaning the metal components and applying a protective coat of lubricant can help prevent rust, especially in winter when moisture and salt are common.
For any garage door concerns this winter, feel free to reach out to Garage Door Repairman for expert assistance!