Winter is a time for magic, with snowflakes all around and a cozy fire for rest and relaxation. But don’t forget about one important part of your home: the garage door. As temperatures drop and ice begins to form, your garage can face challenges that might not be immediately obvious.
You could be dealing with a garage door that won’t open or ice buildups between panels. However, there’s a solution for it all. Let’s check why you need winter garage door maintenance.
Impact on Garage Door Openers
As the name suggests, your garage door opens with an opener. However, winter can put it to the test. Cold temperatures can affect its performance and cause sluggish operation or even complete failure.
Lubricants used in garage mechanisms may thicken when exposed to freezing conditions. This makes it harder for your opener to function smoothly. If you notice unusual sounds or delayed responses, it might be time to check it out.
Additionally, electrical components can be sensitive to temperature changes. Batteries in remote controls and keypads may drain faster when faced with extremely cold temperatures. All this can affect your opener.
Frozen Ground
Winter brings a unique challenge when it comes to the ground beneath your garage. As temperatures drop, the soil can freeze solid. This affects how your garage door operates.
When you try to open or close the door, frozen ground may hinder its movement. You might notice unusual resistance or even difficulty in lifting it at all. This situation can lead to unnecessary strain on your garage door opener and other components. If you don’t solve it in time, this could result in costly repairs down the line.
You can try pouring a bit of hot water on the ground, just enough to melt the ice. However, be cautious. You don’t want to make a muddy puddle.
Ice Between Garage Door Panels
Another issue that comes with winter is ice between garage door panels. When temperatures drop, moisture can seep between and freeze. The result? A stuck door that refuses to move. And if you try to force it open, it could lead to damage or misalignment.
Moreover, this buildup can also affect insulation. An icy gap compromises your garage’s temperature control, which can potentially raise heating costs in adjacent areas. It significantly reduces the energy efficiency of your insulation.
To prevent ice from forming, keep an eye on weather conditions. Regularly check the garage door seals around your panels as well. And if you find yourself dealing with frozen panels, try using a hairdryer or heat gun cautiously. Apply just enough heat to melt the ice without harming your door’s material.
Metal Contractions
Plummeting temperatures can lead to noticeable effects on your garage door’s metal components. As the temperature drops, metals contract. This natural occurrence can create gaps and misalignments in your garage door system.
When the metal contracts, you might notice increased friction during operation. A tight fit can make it difficult for the door to open or close smoothly. This struggle causes wear on the motor and may lead to premature failure.
This is why you need to keep an eye out for any signs of stiffness or unusual noises during colder months. Remember to lubricate hinges and tracks regularly, as it can help mitigate some of these contraction issues.
Impact on Keypad
Finally, another issue you may face with the winter approaching is your remote control not working. Cold weather often causes batteries to lose their charge faster than usual. This means you might struggle to access your garage when temperatures drop.
Moisture is another reason to worry about. Ice or snow can accumulate around the keypad, making it unresponsive. Additionally, the rubber seals that protect electronic components may become brittle and crack in extreme cold. This leaves your keypad vulnerable to moisture damage over time.
Schedule Your Winter Maintenance
You need to prepare your garage door for winter. This is essential to ensure its longevity and functionality. This is why you need to schedule a maintenance service, which can prevent many of the issues that arise during cold weather.
A professional technician can identify potential problems regardless of the type of garage doors. Experts will check the opener, lubricate moving parts, and adjust any misalignments caused by temperature fluctuations. Additionally, they will advise about cleaning as well. Removing debris from tracks and ensuring seals are intact helps keep cold air out while maintaining proper operation.
Book your free appointment today and let our garage door repair company do all the necessary checks. As they say, better safe than sorry, especially in the winter months.