5 Common Winter Garage Door Problems & Solutions

As the old song says, winter brings joy to the world with snowflakes and festive lights. But as enchanting as this season may be, it can also bring unique challenges for homeowners, especially when it comes to garage doors.

Various issues can arise as temperatures drop that prevent your garage from functioning smoothly. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of 5 common garage door problems along with practical solutions you can tackle without breaking a sweat (or losing feeling in your fingers). Let’s see what you can do for your garage and when you need help from garage door experts.

Garage Door Won’t Open

When winter rolls in, one of the most common issues is a garage door that refuses to open. And the culprit? Cold weather. Here’s how to troubleshoot the issue and how to fix a garage door.

a serene, snow-covered rural scene with a barn as the central focus. The barn has a weathered gray exterior with red doors, standing out against the white blanket of snow. In the background, leafless trees form a natural border under an overcast sky, creating a calm and tranquil winter atmosphere

First, check your remote control batteries. It’s an easy fix that people often forget when annoyed. If they’re fine, check the power source to ensure everything is connected and functioning properly.

Next, look for ice buildup around the garage door tracks or seals. Even a small amount of frozen water can create significant barriers. A gentle thaw with warm water might resolve this. Just make sure to avoid hot water, as it could damage other components.

Additionally, ensure that nothing is blocking the sensors at the bottom of your door. Sometimes, leaves or debris can interfere with their operation, even during winter months.

Damaged Garage Door Springs

Another thing you might want to check in the winter is garage door springs. When they become damaged, they can cause significant issues. A broken spring may prevent them from opening or closing entirely.

Signs of wear include loud noises during movement and a door that appears uneven when closed. If you notice any of these symptoms, you have to act quickly. If you ignore the problem, it could lead to further damage or even personal injury.

a garage door torsion spring system mounted above the garage door. The setup includes two torsion springs, one of which appears broken in the middle, with a visible gap between the coils. The springs are attached to a steel shaft supported by brackets. The system is mounted on a wooden support beam, and the surrounding wall is painted beige. This type of mechanism is commonly used in residential garage doors to counterbalance the door's weight, making it easier to open and close

However, you should know that replacing garage door springs is not a DIY task for most homeowners due to the tension involved. Hiring a professional garage door technician ensures safety and proper installation.

Metal Contraction

As temperatures drop, metal components in your door can contract. This natural reaction might lead to unexpected issues with its functionality.

When the metal contracts, it can cause misalignment. Tracks may bend, or wheels may struggle to move smoothly. A slight shift can significantly affect how well your door operates.

If you notice unusual noises while opening or closing the door, this could be a sign of contraction-related problems. And that’s why lubrication is especially important during winter months. It helps reduce friction and ensures everything runs more efficiently.

Hardened Grease

Another frequent problem in winter months is the grease in your garage moving parts. Cold temperatures cause the lubricant to harden, leading to resistance and sluggish operation. Additionally, hardened grease can create unnecessary strain on your garage system. Over time, this can lead to significant wear and tear on essential components like garage door rollers and tracks.

To remedy the situation, clean away any old grease with a cloth or a degreaser. You need to ensure that all surfaces are clean before applying the new lubricant. Choose a silicone-based lubricant or lithium grease designed for cold weather conditions. This will help maintain smooth operation even when temperatures plummet.

Condensation on Safety Sensors

During winter, condensation can form on your garage door safety sensors. This moisture can interfere with their ability to detect obstacles and prevent them from functioning correctly. When this happens, you might notice that the door won’t close or opens erratically.

a garage door safety sensor mounted at the bottom of a vertical track near the ground. The sensor is encased in a black housing, secured with a bracket to a white support beam. A green light is visible on the sensor, indicating that it is operational and aligned correctly with its counterpart. A coiled wire connects the sensor to the garage door system. The setup appears to be part of an automatic garage door mechanism, designed to detect obstructions in the door's path and prevent accidents or damage by stopping the door's movement when triggered

To resolve this issue, inspect the sensors for any signs of moisture buildup. Use a soft cloth to wipe away excess water or ice. Additionally, consider adding a small heater near the sensors to keep them warm during extremely cold days.

As always, regular maintenance is key. By promptly addressing all issues, you’ll keep your garage door running smoothly all winter without unexpected surprises. To schedule your appointment for a garage door opener repair or any other issue, contact today or visit our website.