Troubleshooting Frequent Winter Garage Door Problems

When the cold weather rolls around, as a homeowner, you likely have a whole list of things that need a little more of your attention, and the garage door is one that you should make sure you add to the list. Even though garage doors and openers are meant to withstand changes in temperature, cold and ice can mean big problems. Here are a few of the most common problems you could have with your garage door in the middle of winter and what you will need to know to get problems resolved as quickly as possible.

Problem: The garage door freezes shut, refusing to budge.

Cause and Solution: This is perhaps the most common winter weather issue that you can have with your garage door, but thankfully, it is an easy fix with a little time. Grab a bucket of warm water and head outside to pour the water at the base of the door where the rubber seal meets the ground. It is a good idea to have someone else try to push up the door as you pour if it is cold enough for the water to refreeze quickly. If this does not work, try using a space heater inside of the garage near the door to thaw out any ice that may be holding it closed.

Problem: The garage door refuses to close, but is not showing signs of damage.

Cause and Solution: In most cases, this is caused by problems with the sensors of the garage door opener and not the door itself. The sensors, which are situated on both sides of the door frame, are designed to prevent the door from closing if something is blocking the laser light from reaching the other side. If you have ice, condensation, or frost on the lens of the sensors, the opener will not kick in. Cleaning the sensors will do the trick temporarily, but you might consider moving the devices to keep them from becoming exposed to ice or moisture going forward.

Even though the winter weather can be a hassle when it comes to keeping a functional garage door, learning a few of the most common issues and their fixes can be a smart move as a homeowner. If you are having winter weather issues with your garage door that you cannot handle on your own, be sure to talk to a garage door repair professional for advice.

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Getting the Right Garage Door Guy

One of the many things that needed some attention when we moved into our first home recently was the garage door. Modern garage doors have engines, sensors, and can be a bit complicated to deal with on your own. In some situations, as was the case with ours, you may find yourself shopping for a new door for your garage. In other situations, you may simply need a qualified professional to come diagnose the problem and perform a repair or maintenance. Either way, this blog is here to help educate home owners on the basics of maintaining a garage door.