The cold chill of winter has not yet hit the St. Louis region, but homeowners need to be prepared for how the falling mercury will impact their garage doors. No one wants to be stuck in their car only to realize that the overhead door to the garage is frozen to the ground.
Winterizing a garage door ensures it does not freeze solid in winter. Here’s what homeowners need to do to prepare their garage doors for the winter chill and big freeze.
How to Winterize a Garage Door
Winterizing a garage door should be left to the pros (like CGX); this process is not a simple DIY project for the majority of homeowners. Winterizing the garage door requires checking the weatherstripping and components for any cracks and extreme wear.
Garage doors are massive and heavy. For this reason, professionals should be trusted to manage the inspection of door components and replace any worn, cracked, or broken weatherstripping.
Winterizing the garage door helps keep heat in the garage, too. Weatherstripping insulates around the garage door, protecting it from accruing moisture (that can freeze into ice) and sealing up any leaks.
How to Protect a Garage Door in Winter
Weatherstripping insulates the door, but our team understands that homeowners have a larger concern when temperatures drop: a frozen door! How do homeowners protect their garage door from freezing?
What Can I Put at the Bottom of My Garage Door to Keep It From Freezing?
Garage doors typically freeze at the base against the ground. Water collects beneath the door, freezing it shut when the temperature drops. There are a few simple DIY tricks to prevent a garage door from freezing against the ground.
Sprinkle Ice Melt
Ice melt dissolves the ice. Sprinkle the crystals beneath the door before the thermostat dips below freezing. If the weather forecast calls for snow or ice, apply a layer of salt or ice melt beneath the door. Do NOT use salt, as it will cause rust at the bottom of the garage door.
Use a Heater
Small garage heaters can ensure that the internal temperature of the garage remains above freezing, mitigating the issue of ice. However, homeowners should not use a portable heater unattended, as these small heaters can be a fire risk.
Keep the Driveway Clear
Be proactive against freezing doors. Shovel snow away from the door and add ice melt or sprinkle salt. Never let snow or ice pile up against the garage door.
How to Oil a Garage Door
A silicone lubricant helps protect a garage door from freezing, and this lubricant improves the door’s mobility. Be sure to wipe down the tracks and hinges before you spray them. Then apply a light layer of lubricant to these areas.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door That’s Stuck
If the garage door is partially lifted but won’t budge beyond a certain height, never try to manage a DIY lubrication of the system. The issue could be more complex and lead to safety concerns. Instead, call CGX to schedule an appointment for maintenance.
Garage Door Sensor Not Working in Cold Weather
Homeowners may notice another problematic issue with their garage door during winter. It’s common for garage door sensors to glitch during freezing weather. Unfortunately, moisture can collect within the sensor and freeze.
However, there could be other reasons why the door fails to open or close. Before assuming the sensors are affected by the cold, homeowners should test their remote. If the remote is working, check the sensors for moisture. Wipe them off and try the door again.
If the issue still persists, try unplugging the door opener. This allows the system to recalibrate. If all these steps fail to remediate the issue, it’s time to call the professionals!
Winter Garage Door FAQs:
Can extreme cold affect a garage door?
Yes, freezing temperatures can lead to the door freezing to the ground if snow or ice accumulates beneath the door. Use ice melt or salt before a snowstorm or to keep ice from forming when extreme cold temperatures are forecast. Sensors and other parts of the system also may glitch.
How do you keep a garage door from sticking during winter?
Apply a silicon-based lubricant to the tracks and hinges. However, if the door fails to open and remains stuck, schedule a maintenance appointment with CGX to assess the issue.
How do you unfreeze a stuck garage door?
Ice melt should be applied to the ground beneath the door during extreme cold temperatures. In addition, garage heaters also can prevent ice from forming.
How come my garage door sensors don’t like to work in winter?
Sensors often accumulate moisture. Wipe off the sensors or unplug the garage door opener to reset your system.
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