How to Troubleshoot and Fix Frequent Issues Caused by Cold Weather
As winter approaches in Fort Collins, the plummeting temperatures can wreak havoc on your garage door’s functionality. At Jim Beam’s Garage Doors, we’re all too familiar with the challenges the cold season brings. Here are some common garage door problems you might encounter during winter, along with tips on how to troubleshoot and fix them. You might also read our article, How Does Cold Weather Impact My Garage Door?
Thickened Grease
In colder temperatures, the grease used for lubrication can thicken and harden, causing the door to move sluggishly or even get stuck. To fix this, clean off the old grease from the tracks, rollers, and hinges with a solvent and apply a silicone-based lubricant designed for low temperatures.
If you have doubts about your garage doors operation, safety, insulation or security, consider giving Jim Beam’s Garage Doors a call. Our professional and expert team can make recommendations to help your garage work and look its best all winter long!
Contracting Metal
Metal contracts in cold weather, which can lead to misalignment of the garage door tracks. This misalignment can make the door difficult to open and close. Inspect the tracks for bends or gaps and use a plumb line to check alignment. If adjustments are needed, it might be best to call a professional from Jim Beam’s Garage Doors for precise realignment. You should also read our article, Colorado Seasons and What It Means For Your Garage Door.
Broken Springs
Garage door springs are particularly susceptible to breaking in cold weather due to the increased tension from the cold. If your door isn’t opening properly or you hear a loud bang, it could be a broken spring. Spring repair is dangerous and should always be performed by professionals like our team at Jim Beam’s Garage Doors. Consider reaching out to Jim Beams for fast and professional spring repair service!
Weather Stripping Sticks to the Ground
The rubber seal at the bottom of your door can freeze to the ground during a winter storm. Trying to open the door with the seal frozen to the ground can tear the weather stripping. To prevent this, keep the area under the door clean and dry. If the stripping is damaged, replace it to maintain insulation and protection.
Sensitivity Needs Adjustment
The sensitivity of the garage door opener might need adjustment due to the colder temperatures affecting how the door moves. Consult your owner’s manual on how to adjust the sensitivity settings or call us for a quick adjustment service. Consider reading our article, Why Does My Garage Door Opener Not Work All The Time?
Remote Control Malfunctions
Cold weather can affect the batteries in your remote control or the signal transmission. Replace the batteries and check the antenna on the opener to ensure it’s not obstructed.
Professional Help When Needed
While some issues can be fixed with DIY solutions, others require professional attention. If you’re experiencing persistent problems, or if the issue involves critical components like springs or cables, it’s time to call Jim Beam’s Garage Doors. Our team is trained to handle the complexities of garage door repair safely and efficiently, ensuring your door operates smoothly throughout the winter.
If you don’t know already, Jim Beam’s Garage Doors is one of the top-rated garage door installers and repairers in the Northern Colorado area. With 150+ reviews on Google and a 5-star rating and top-rated status on HomeAdvisor, you can trust Jim Beam’s to do the job right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The issue may be due to thickened grease. Clean off the old grease from the tracks, rollers, and hinges with a solvent, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant suitable for low temperatures.
Inspect the tracks for bends or gaps and check alignment with a plumb line. For adjustments or realignment, consider calling a professional from Jim Beam’s Garage Doors for precise service.
Garage door spring repair is dangerous and should be performed by professionals. If you hear a loud bang or the door isn’t opening correctly, contact Jim Beam’s Garage Doors for professional spring repair service.
Keep the area under the door clean and dry to prevent the rubber seal from freezing to the ground. If the weather stripping is damaged, replace it to ensure continued insulation and protection.
The sensitivity of the garage door opener may need adjustment due to colder temperatures affecting the door’s movement. Refer to your owner’s manual on adjusting sensitivity settings, or contact a professional for assistance.
Cold weather can impact the batteries in your remote control or affect signal transmission. Try replacing the batteries and ensure the antenna on the opener is not obstructed.
Before and throughout the winter season, regularly apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts after cleaning off any old grease to ensure smooth operation.
While contracting metal can misalign tracks, making the door difficult to operate, this issue can often be corrected with professional realignment and does not necessarily result in permanent damage.
If the weather stripping remains intact and undamaged, replacement may not be necessary. However, frequent sticking can cause wear and tear, so monitoring its condition and replacing when needed is advisable.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating moving parts, checking and adjusting sensitivity settings, replacing weather stripping as needed, and professional inspections, can help maintain your garage door’s functionality during winter.
