February is one of the most common months for emergency garage door calls. Garage door emergencies in Las Vegas are driven less by snow—and more by sharp overnight temperature drops, dry desert air, and year-round usage. Metal contracts, lubricants thicken, and components already weakened by months of use finally fail. Certain neighborhoods experience these issues more frequently due to home age, elevation, and garage exposure.
For homeowners, that often means one thing: the garage door won’t open, won’t close, or is unsafe to use—and it usually happens at the worst possible moment.
The Most Common Emergency Garage Door Failures in February
1. Broken Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are under extreme tension year-round, but cold temperatures make steel more brittle. In February, weakened springs are far more likely to snap.
Emergency signs:
- Loud bang from the garage
- Door won’t open or only lifts a few inches
- Opener strains or stops completely
THIS IS NEVER A DIY REPAIR
2. Door Stuck Halfway Open or Closed
Temperature changes can throw off door balance, cause rollers to bind, or trigger opener safety shutoffs.
Why it’s urgent:
- Open doors invite theft and weather damage
- Closed doors can trap vehicles inside
- Off-balance doors can fall unexpectedly
This is one of the highest-conversion emergency calls because it immediately disrupts daily routines.
3. Snapped Cables or Loose Hardware
Cables work alongside springs to lift the door evenly. When one cable frays or snaps—often after winter wear—the door can jam or tilt dangerously.
Red flags:
- Crooked or uneven door
- Grinding or scraping sounds
- Visible slack in cables
Using a garage door with snapped cables or loose hardware can cause track damage or panel failure, escalating repair costs.
4. Garage Door Off Track
Cold weather can stiffen rollers and tracks. Combined with worn hardware, the door can jump its track—especially when opening under strain.
This is a true emergency because:
- The door can collapse
- Panels can bend or crack
- Continued use risks serious injury
5. Garage Door Opener Failures in Cold Weather
In February, opener issues spike due to:
- Thickened grease
- Contracted electrical components
- Sensors knocked out of alignment by vibration
Common complaints:
- Door reverses for no reason
- Opener hums but doesn’t lift
- Remote works intermittently
Many “dead opener” calls turn out to be safety shutdowns caused by mechanical issues, not the motor itself.
Take Action Now Before It Breaks
Why Emergency Repairs Cost More (and How to Avoid Them)
Emergency garage door repairs often involve:
- After-hours service
- Additional component damage
- Safety risks requiring immediate stabilization
A simple late-winter tune-up often prevents:
- Spring failure
- Cable snapping
- Track misalignment
- Opener burnout
Call right away if:
- The door won’t open or close
- You hear a loud bang or grinding noise
- The door is crooked, hanging, or off track
- The opener struggles or shuts down repeatedly
- You suspect a broken spring or cable
