5 Common Winter Garage Door Problems & How To Fix Them

Why is my garage door not working in the winter?

As the days start to get shorter, darker and colder, it is fair to say that winter is well on its way. That being said, as much as some people love the winter time, it can bring its share of problems, especially when it comes to things that are exposed to the cold nights and winter elements whether that be sleet, frost or even snow.

A garage is a great space to store items and park your car into during the winter months saving you time and effort having to scrape off the morning frost from your windshield before work. That being said if you are fortunate enough to own a garage, there is one part that is going to be exposed to the winter elements no matter what; that is the garage door!

Due to its direct exposure to the harsh winter weather, it is not a surprise that the cold weather can greatly affect your garage door. So much so that most garage door problems occur during this time of the year due to the fact that the cold weather has such an effect that any dormant issues during the summer which your garage door was dealing with, now become a larger problem. 

As the leading garage door provider in South Wales, here at Access Garage Doors, we are proud to stock a huge selection of up & over, side-hinged, sectional doors, roller shutter doors or electric garage doors. Although our garage doors are high quality, stylish and long-lasting, sometimes after many decades garage doors can start to fall victim to the elements especially when it starts to get colder.

Throughout this article, we will explore five of the most common problems that your garage can suffer from during the winter period and how to fix them. 

Five common garage door problems seen during the winter season

Due to the cold weather, problems are more likely to arise with your garage door due to its direct exposure to the cold elements. With the average lifespan of a garage door being around 15 – 30 years, it is fair to say that if your garage door is of this age, it could be potentially open to issues especially when targeted by frost and snow during the winter months.

We recommend that you stay vigilant and keep an eye out for these five common garage door problems seen during the winter period:

1. Frozen Door
2. Damaged Door Springs
3. Contracted or Warped Metal 
4. Worn Weather Stripping
5. Hardened Grease

1. Frozen Door

If the weather drops below freezing you may notice that your garage door actually gets frozen to the ground or to the side of your property when you attempt to open it in the morning rush to get to work and grab your car. This can be a nightmare for anyone however is a common occurrence that happens when it does get cold enough. This occurs when water and moisture are caught at the bottom of your garage door leading to it freezing when temperatures drop quickly, usually overnight in the UK. 

Luckily this issue is fairly simple to resolve requiring you to first inspect your garage door to identify where abouts the door is frozen. If you can see ice at the bottom of your garage door securing it to the ground then the garage door is frozen! To fix this simply wait till the ice melts and the garage door can open or use a heat source such as a hairdryer and carefully attempt to melt the ice avoiding the metal parts to ensure you do not damage your garage door.

If you get stuck, please get in contact with a local garage door repair specialist to help advise you on the best action to take. If you live in South Wales get in contact with a member of the team on 029 2061 4858 today.

2. Damaged Door Springs

The door springs of your garage door can get damaged due to general wear and tear however due to the added tension in the winter months due to the drop in temperature, these springs get added tension to them. Thai cold air can cause the springs to become more brittle than usual and will eventually break especially when called into action quickly such as in the morning rush to work after a cold winter night.

If you notice that your garage door springs have broken or are damaged, please do not attempt to repair them. Not only is this a health and safety concern but can also lead to you causing major damage to the garage door which will result in more costly repairs. We recommend getting in touch with a local garage repair expert if you notice that your garage door springs are damaged. 

3. Contracted or Warped Metal 

Another common problem that can occur to your garage door during the winter months is that the metal panels and metal mechanisms can become contracted or warped. As you learned in basic physics class in school, metal materials when exposed to cold temperatures will contract. This means when the outside temperature drops, all the metal parts in your garage door can warp and tighten. This will result in the door becoming stiffer than usual to open and not pulling open with ease as you may recall in the summer months. That is why you may notice it seems to become more of a struggle to open your garage door in the winter months.

To fix this issue ensure that you lubricate the rollers, springs, hinges and other metal mechanisms of the door. This will ensure that the cold weather does not affect them as much and you will be able to open your door as you would be able to in the summer even after a sharp, cold spell. If you notice that these issues persist after lubricating these parts, we recommend getting in touch with a local garage repair expert.

4. Worn Weather Stripping

Worn weather stripping is another frequent issue that occurs during the winter months when it comes to garage doors. While damaged weather stripping won’t directly interfere with the garage door’s opening mechanism, it remains a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. The weatherstripping enveloping your garage door’s perimeter serves a pivotal purpose in insulating against cold drafts into your garage. However, freezing weather can deteriorate this vital seal, eventually leading to external temperatures and water infiltrating into your garage.

To amend this issue you will need to replace the old weather stripping with some new stripping. If you are unsure how to do this, get in contact with a garage repair expert. 

5. Hardened Grease

Another common winter-related problem affecting garage doors is the hardening of grease within the mechanisms. During colder months, the lubricants and greases applied to various parts of the door tend to stiffen or solidify due to low temperatures. This solidification hampers the smooth movement of components such as rollers, hinges, and tracks, leading to increased friction and difficulty in operation. As the lubricants harden, they lose their ability to facilitate seamless movement, causing the garage door to operate less efficiently than in warmer conditions. This stiffening of grease can significantly impede the door’s smooth opening and closing, resulting in jerky movements or even complete jamming.

To resolve this issue, it’s essential to use appropriate lubricants specifically designed for colder temperatures. Applying these lubricants to the affected components helps prevent the grease from hardening, ensuring continued smooth operation of the garage door throughout the winter months. However, if the problem persists or the door experiences continued difficulty in movement despite lubrication, seeking professional assistance from a garage door expert is recommended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the winter season poses specific challenges for garage doors and ensuring you are being aware of these common problems is key to ensuring smooth operation during these colder months. 

Identifying issues such as frozen doors, damaged springs, warped metal, worn weather stripping, and hardened grease early on is crucial. These problems, although frustrating, can be managed effectively through regular maintenance and prompt attention. 

By staying proactive and addressing these concerns promptly, you can avoid potential inconveniences and costly repairs down the line. Taking proactive steps and keeping an eye out for these issues ensures that your garage door remains reliable and functional throughout the winter season, providing peace of mind amidst freezing temperatures.

If you notice any of the five common problems or find your g\rage door isn’t working as it should be we recommend speaking to a garage door specialist like us at Access Garage Doors, who will be keen to help you improve your home’s security and improve the exterior’s appearance. Call us on 029 2061 4858 and get your garage repaired today.