In this article, you’ll learn what cold weather can do to your garage door, how to prevent problems, and how American Door Works can help protect you, your home, and your family.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Garage Doors?
Metal contracts in freezing temperatures, and moving parts like rollers, hinges, and tracks can stiffen, making it harder to open and close your garage door in cold weather. The weather stripping and seals that normally keep your garage warm can become brittle and let cold air in.
Lubricants in rollers, tracks, and hinges also thicken when temperatures drop, which increases friction. Springs and automatic openers have to work harder to lift and lower the door in these conditions. Over time, that extra effort can wear down components faster and shorten the life of your garage door system.
What Common Garage Door Problems Happen in Winter?
A garage door in cold weather can have several issues. Ice or condensation can cause the door panels to stick or freeze in place. Stiff parts and thick lubricant can make your door slow, loud, or uneven. The cold puts extra stress on springs and cables, raising the risk of breakage. These factors strain your automatic opener, which can cause it to fail unexpectedly.
Additionally, ineffective weatherstripping increases the risk of moisture intrusion, which can lead to mold if not addressed promptly. Even the door’s paint or finish isn’t immune. Frost and ice can chip, scratch, or crack the surface over time.
How Can You Prevent Winter Garage Door Issues?
Preventing problems with your residential garage door in cold weather is much easier than fixing them after they happen. Here is a maintenance checklist to help prepare for the harsh winter months:
- Regularly lubricate rollers, hinges, and tracks with a cold-weather–friendly lubricant.
- Check and replace weatherstripping before the temperature reaches freezing.
- Properly maintain the opener and springs to ensure your door can handle the winter strain.
- Avoid slamming or forcing the door in freezing conditions.
- Consider insulated garage doors for better performance and temperature control.
When to Call a Professional and Protect Your Garage Door
If your garage door in cold weather won’t open or close properly, if springs or cables are worn, or if it keeps freezing or sticking, it’s time to call in an expert. American Door Works provides the guidance and solutions you need to keep your door operating smoothly all winter.
From high-quality doors built for cold climates to expert maintenance and repairs, we’ll help you avoid frustrating, costly problems. If you’re considering a new door this winter, check out our Garage Door Buyer’s Guide to explore options that perform well in freezing temperatures.
Don’t wait for a cold-weather emergency. Contact us at American Door Works today to enjoy peace of mind all season long.