As the temperature begins to drop in the fall, your garage door may start to show signs of strain. Colder weather can have a surprising impact on the performance of your garage door, from slower operation to outright malfunctions. To help you avoid inconvenient breakdowns, here’s a look at how falling temperatures affect your garage door and what you can do to keep it running smoothly throughout the season.
1. Metal Contracts in Cold Weather
When temperatures drop, metal parts in your garage door system—like springs, tracks, and cables—tend to contract. This natural process can lead to a range of issues, from stiff movements to more serious problems if parts are already worn out.
What to Watch Out For:
- Stiff Movement: If you notice that your garage door is opening or closing more slowly than usual, it could be due to contracted metal parts. This extra resistance can put strain on your garage door opener.
- Spring Breakage: Cold weather can put extra stress on the springs that help lift your garage door. If your springs are already worn, the contraction caused by the cold can lead to sudden breakage, leaving your door inoperable.
How to Prevent It:
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks, rollers, and springs to keep everything moving smoothly. Avoid using grease, as it can harden in cold temperatures.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: Having your garage door inspected in the fall can help identify worn or damaged parts before they fail in the colder months.
2. Garage Door Opener Struggles
In colder weather, garage door openers can experience added strain. The contraction of metal parts, combined with the viscosity of thicker lubricants, can make it harder for the opener to lift and lower the door smoothly. If your opener is already aging or under strain, cold temperatures can worsen its performance.
What to Watch Out For:
- Slow Opening or Closing: If your garage door opener is struggling to lift the door, or if it hesitates or jerks when closing, it could be a sign that the opener is being strained by colder weather.
- Increased Noise: A garage door opener that makes loud grinding or squeaking noises could be signaling that it’s struggling with the extra effort of moving the door in cold weather.
How to Prevent It:
- Inspect and Lubricate the Opener’s Chain or Belt: Lubricating the chain or belt of your garage door opener can help reduce friction and make it easier for the opener to lift the door.
- Check the Opener’s Settings: Some garage door openers allow you to adjust the force settings. In colder months, you may need to increase the force slightly to help the door move smoothly.
3. Weatherstripping Becomes Brittle
The weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door is essential for keeping out drafts, moisture, and debris. However, cold temperatures can cause weatherstripping to become brittle and crack, reducing its effectiveness.
What to Watch Out For:
- Cracks or Gaps: Inspect the weatherstripping around your garage door. If you notice any cracks, gaps, or signs of wear, it’s time to replace it.
- Drafts and Moisture: If you feel drafts or notice water seeping into your garage, the weatherstripping may no longer be providing an adequate seal.
How to Prevent It:
- Replace Worn Weatherstripping: Replacing damaged weatherstripping is a simple DIY project that can help prevent cold air and moisture from entering your garage, protecting both your door and your belongings.
- Opt for Heavy-Duty Weatherstripping: When replacing old weatherstripping, choose a high-quality, heavy-duty option designed to withstand cold temperatures.
4. Frozen Garage Doors
When temperatures drop below freezing, your garage door can freeze shut—especially if there’s snow or ice buildup around the door. This can be frustrating if you need to get in or out of the garage, and trying to force the door open can cause damage to the door or opener.
What to Watch Out For:
- Ice Around the Bottom Seal: Snow or water that collects around the bottom of the garage door can freeze, creating a seal of ice that prevents the door from opening.
- Door Stuck to the Ground: If your garage door feels like it’s stuck when you try to open it, avoid forcing it. The ice may be preventing it from moving.
How to Prevent It:
- Keep the Area Clear of Snow and Ice: Shovel snow away from the bottom of the door, and clear any ice buildup before trying to open the door. Applying a small amount of de-icer around the base of the door can help prevent freezing.
- Insulate the Garage: By insulating your garage or upgrading to an insulated door, you can help maintain a more stable temperature inside, reducing the likelihood of the door freezing shut.
5. Sensor Malfunctions
Garage door sensors are essential for safe operation, but they can malfunction during the colder months if they’re blocked by frost or debris. Dirty or misaligned sensors can prevent your garage door from closing properly, leaving your home vulnerable to security issues.
What to Watch Out For:
- Garage Door Reverses: If your garage door starts to close but then immediately reverses, it’s likely an issue with the sensors.
- Obstruction Warnings: Some automatic garage doors will signal an obstruction even if nothing is in the door’s path, indicating the sensors may be dirty or misaligned.
How to Prevent It:
- Keep Sensors Clean and Clear: Regularly wipe down the sensors with a soft cloth to remove any dirt, frost, or debris that may be blocking the beam.
- Check Alignment: Ensure the sensors are properly aligned. Even a slight misalignment can cause the door to malfunction. If needed, adjust the sensors carefully, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion: Prepare Your Garage Door for Fall and Winter
Falling temperatures can bring several challenges for your garage door, from stiffened parts to frozen seals. By staying proactive and performing regular maintenance, you can prevent these cold-weather issues and keep your garage door running smoothly all season long.
Need help winterizing your garage door? Precision Garage Door Service is here to ensure your door is ready for the colder months ahead. Contact us today to schedule a fall inspection and maintenance service!