If you have noticed that your garage door is not opening or closing properly during cold months, you are not alone. This issue affects many homeowners during the cold season. Several things could be causing this problem. Fortunately, most of these problems are simple and can are fixable.
Here are possible reasons why your garage door won’t open and close properly in cold and potential fixes.
Metal contraction
If your garage door is metal, then one of the reasons why it does not open and closes properly is because of metal contraction. A garage door made of metal usually expands and contracts, depending on temperature. For instance, garage doors generally expand during the summer season when the climate is hot and contract during the winter season when the weather is cold. Both expansion and contraction could negatively impact garage door performance. Springs, rollers, and other crucial garage door components may seize or even break up when metal contracts due to cold weather.
The best solution to this problem is lubricating the springs, rollers, hinges, and other moving parts with a silicon-based lubricant to enhance the garage door’s smooth functioning. Metal contraction may also affect your garage door alignment, making it hard to open and close properly. Check the condition and position of the door opener. If they are out of alignment, call a garage door repair expert to fix it.
Issues with the safety sensors
If there is an issue with your door safety sensors, the opener will interpret it as an obstruction and refuse to close or open the door. The most common issue with garage door safety sensors during the cold season is condensation. If the sensors are clouded up, then condensation is the culprit. Fortunately, this problem is simple to fix. All you need to do is wipe off the sensor, and your garage door should operate as expected.
Hardened grease
Grease tends to harden during the winter season when the temperature is below the freezing point. Grease is a crucial lubricant, and if it hardens, your garage door will not open or close properly. Fixing the problem is simple. Use grease solvent and silicone-based lubricant.
First, apply grease solvent to the hardened grease to soften it for easy removal. Once the hardened grease has softened, wipe it away, then apply a proper lubricant. The importance of using the right kind of lubricant is paramount. A wrong lubricant will result in grease build-up, which will eventually hamper your garage door’s smooth operation. Use silicone-based lubricants created specifically for garage doors.
Low battery
Cold temperatures drain the battery pretty fast. The battery could be low if your garage door has an issue with opening and closing. If you have exhausted all other options, try replacing the battery to see if the garage door will operate correctly.
Ice between the door panels
During the cold season, ice may find its way into a series of interconnected panels, making it difficult for the door to close or open. Inspect your garage door, especially along the panels, to see if there is a block of ice stuck in between the panels. If that is the case, apply heat to melt the ice.
Broken springs
Garage doors have a spring system that balances the weight of the door. These springs usually wear out with time and break, making it difficult for the garage door to open and close. In most cases, the spring system usually breaks during the cold season due to repeated contraction. Fixing a broken spring system is a complicated process requiring an experienced garage door repair expert only.
Worn out or misaligned rollers
Just like springs, rollers usually wear out with time, making it difficult for the garage door to open or close properly. In most cases, rollers generally wear out during the winter season due to extreme temperatures. Fixing a worn-out or misaligned roller is a complicated process that a qualified garage door repair expert should perform.
Inadequate weatherstripping
Rubber weatherstripping usually gets damaged with time. When this happens, it cracks and hardens, leaving the track exposed. As a result, moisture gets trapped on tracks and freezes during the cold season, making it hard for the door to open and close smoothly. Defrosting the ice with a heater or replacing damaged weatherstripping will fix this issue.
If your garage door is not opening or closing correctly, don’t panic because the problem can usually be fixed by making a few simple adjustments. However, if you lack the necessary skills and resources needed to fix the problem independently, it is better to call an experienced technician to resolve the issue for you.