Winter in Calgary brings harsh temperatures, snow, and ice, which can affect everything from our homes to our vehicles—and, notably, our garage doors. Garage doors are essential for safeguarding your home, vehicle, and belongings from the elements, and when they malfunction, it can be a significant inconvenience. Understanding the common garage door issues that arise in winter and how to address them can make a big difference in preventing potential problems.
At My Garage Door Services, we specialize in garage door repair and maintenance, especially during challenging seasons like winter. In this post, we’ll walk you through the common issues faced by Calgary homeowners with their garage doors in winter and how you can prevent or fix them.
1. Frozen Garage Door
How It Happens
Freezing temperatures can cause moisture to accumulate on your garage door, which then freezes, effectively sealing the door shut. When the door is frozen, it may resist opening or even sustain damage if you try to force it.
How to Resolve It
If your garage door has frozen shut, avoid applying too much force, as this can damage the door or the opener mechanism. Instead, use a hairdryer or a space heater to gently melt the ice around the base of the door. Applying a de-icing product can also help.
For ongoing prevention, consider installing weatherstripping at the base of the door, which can reduce the amount of water and ice that accumulates. Regular maintenance can also help, and My Garage Door Services offers tailored solutions to help prevent freezing issues from becoming a recurring problem. Visit our garage door repair page to learn more about our winterization services.
2. Broken Springs
Why It Happens
Garage door springs bear a significant amount of tension, and in freezing temperatures, metal components can become brittle and break more easily. The torsion or extension springs, which support the heavy lifting of the garage door, may snap under the strain of extreme cold.
How to Address It
If you notice that your garage door isn’t opening smoothly or if you hear a loud noise when attempting to open it, broken springs may be the culprit. It’s essential to avoid using the garage door if you suspect broken springs, as forcing it can lead to further damage.
Repairing or replacing garage door springs is a job best left to professionals due to the potential danger involved in handling high-tension components. Contact My Garage Door Services to book an appointment. Our technicians have the expertise to safely and efficiently replace broken springs, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly through the winter season.
3. Misaligned Tracks
How Cold Affects Tracks
When temperatures drop, metal can expand and contract, potentially leading to misalignment in the tracks that guide the garage door’s movement. Additionally, snow and ice buildup near the tracks can cause them to warp or shift, which impacts the door’s functionality.
How to Fix It
If your garage door seems to be struggling on one side or is moving unevenly, misaligned tracks might be the issue. Inspect the tracks for any visible gaps or areas that seem out of line. Minor adjustments can sometimes be made with a wrench to tighten or realign the brackets.
However, for extensive misalignment, it’s wise to rely on professionals. My Garage Door Services offers comprehensive track inspection and alignment services to help your garage door function reliably throughout the winter. You can book an appointment with us for a full track inspection and alignment.
4. Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener
The Winter Impact on Openers
Cold weather can affect the electronics and motor in your garage door opener. In some cases, the cold can cause wiring issues or interfere with the sensor mechanisms, making it difficult or impossible to operate your door remotely.
Troubleshooting and Fixes
Check to see if your opener’s sensors are clear of any ice or frost, as these can interfere with their operation. Additionally, consider placing insulation around the motor housing to keep the components warmer. For more severe issues, such as wiring malfunctions, reach out to My Garage Door Services for an inspection.
Our team can troubleshoot issues with your garage door opener and recommend repairs or upgrades that ensure reliable performance throughout the winter. If you need a quick fix, you can also try disconnecting the opener and opening the door manually to avoid straining the mechanism.
5. Damaged Weatherstripping
What Goes Wrong
Weatherstripping is a vital component for keeping out drafts, snow, and ice. However, cold temperatures and exposure to moisture can cause the weatherstripping to crack, warp, or peel away from the garage door. When this happens, the door becomes vulnerable to ice buildup, increased cold air infiltration, and water seepage.
How to Address It
Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door. If it’s worn or damaged, replacing it is usually a straightforward fix that can improve the door’s insulation and performance. Using weatherstripping rated for extreme temperatures can help.
At My Garage Door Services, we offer weatherstripping replacement and repair to keep your garage insulated and prevent future problems related to cold weather.
6. Lubrication Issues
The Winter Problem
Metal parts, such as hinges, springs, and rollers, require lubrication to function smoothly. However, in cold temperatures, standard lubricants can thicken or even freeze, leading to increased friction and wear on these parts. This can cause squeaking sounds, jerky movements, or, in severe cases, a complete halt in the door’s motion.
Winter-Specific Lubrication Tips
Use a silicone-based lubricant, which is less likely to thicken in cold weather compared to petroleum-based options. Applying lubrication to all moving parts at the start of winter can help maintain smooth operation.
If you’re unsure which lubricant to use or how to apply it correctly, let My Garage Door Services take care of it for you. Our technicians are experienced in winter maintenance and can apply the appropriate lubricant to keep your garage door operating smoothly all season.
7. Sensor Issues
Cold Weather Sensor Problems
Modern garage doors rely on sensors to prevent accidents and ensure safety. Cold temperatures, however, can cause condensation or frost to form on the sensors, potentially disrupting their function. Misaligned sensors or dirt and debris accumulation can also interfere with the system, causing your garage door to refuse to close properly.
Troubleshooting Sensor Problems
If your garage door isn’t closing, check the sensor lenses for any frost or dirt and gently clean them with a soft cloth. Ensure that both sensors are properly aligned—usually, a light on each sensor will indicate when they’re aligned.
When these steps don’t resolve the issue, professional assistance may be required. Our technicians at My Garage Door Services can recalibrate or replace malfunctioning sensors, restoring your door’s functionality and safety features.
8. Shrinking Metal Components
How Winter Temperatures Affect Metal
When exposed to extreme cold, metal contracts. This contraction can lead to minor gaps, loosened bolts, or even bending in certain parts, especially if they’ve been previously stressed or damaged.
Addressing Metal Contraction
Regular inspections can help you spot any loosening bolts or other signs of wear. Tightening bolts and reinforcing stressed areas before winter hits can prevent these issues from worsening. My Garage Door Services offers a comprehensive inspection service, focusing on identifying and addressing potential problems early on. Our team can tighten and adjust components to accommodate winter contraction, ensuring your garage door stays in optimal condition.
Conclusion
Winter is a challenging season for garage doors, but with a proactive approach and a reliable repair service, you can avoid most issues before they turn into costly problems. Simple maintenance steps, like lubricating metal components, inspecting weatherstripping, and keeping tracks and sensors clear, can make a big difference.
If you’re experiencing any of these common winter-related garage door problems, My Garage Door Services is here to help. With our expert technicians, advanced tools, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re dedicated to keeping your garage door functioning seamlessly all winter long. For more information, visit our website, or schedule a service through our convenient online booking system. We look forward to helping you keep your garage door in peak condition through Calgary’s coldest months.