7 Garage Door Issues in Winter and How to Fix Them

Winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow, and ice, can put stress on your garage door system. Even garage doors that work perfectly throughout the year can develop problems once temperatures drop. Understanding how winter weather affects your garage door can help you spot issues early and seek repairs before bigger problems develop. Here are some of the most common garage door problems homeowners experience during winter and how they can be fixed.

1. My Garage Door Will Not Open

One of the most common winter issues is when a garage door will not open, either manually or using your opener. In many cases, the issue is caused by ice buildup near the bottom of the door. Moisture can collect under the weatherstripping and freeze overnight, causing the door to stick to the ground. Forcing the door open can damage the weather seal or strain the opener.

What to do:

Avoid pulling or prying the door open. Instead, you can melt the ice carefully using warm water or a heat source on a low setting. Once the ice is cleared, open the door slowly and check your weatherstripping for damage.

2. Thickened Garage Door Lubrication Issues

Cold temperatures can cause lubricants to thicken or harden, especially if the wrong type was used. When this happens, the door may move slowly or stop altogether.

What to do:

If your garage door feels stiff or jerky, old lubricant may need to be removed. A professional-grade door lubricant designed for cold temperatures should be applied to the tracks, rollers, and moving components.

3. Garage Door Misalignment Problems

Garage doors contain many metal components, and sudden temperature drops can cause those parts to contract. This may lead to alignment issues that prevent the door from opening or closing smoothly. Metal contraction can also affect the alignment of safety sensors, causing the door to reverse and refuse to close.

What to do:

Allow the garage to warm up if possible and avoid forcing the door. You may be able to use a space heater to speed up the process. For safety sensors, a simple realignment once the garage warms up will usually fix the issue.

4. Garage Door Safety Sensor Malfunctions

Temperature changes in the winter can cause condensation to form on safety sensors, which can interrupt the infrared beams. This makes the system think there is something blocking the door, which can lead to a door that will not continue closing.

What to do:

Gently wipe sensors with a dry cloth to remove condensation. If the problem persists, a professional can inspect the placement and alignment, along with any other possible causes.

5. There Is Water Leaking Under My Garage Door

Snow and ice melting can lead to water pooling near the garage entrance. Over time, this moisture can seep under the door, leading to damp concrete, mildew growth, and freezing issues that can cause the door to get stuck.

What to do:

Worn or damaged weatherstripping should be replaced to improve sealing. Proper drainage and gutter systems can also help keep melting snow away from the garage door. If your weatherstripping has noticeable damage, it is best to contact a professional garage door service to repair it.

6. Broken Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs can be affected by winter weather, with cold temperatures making the metal more brittle. This increases the risk of a spring breaking during winter. A broken spring makes it very difficult or impossible to open the garage door.

What to do:

Garage door springs are under high tension and should never be replaced without professional training and tools. If you have a broken spring, discontinue door operation until a professional can perform repairs.

7. My Garage Door Opens or Closes Slowly in the Winter

Even when each part is working as intended, cold weather can slow the movement of your garage door. Motors and moving parts tend to operate at a lower speed in colder temperatures.

What to do:

Routine maintenance throughout the year, especially before winter, can help reduce the strain on your opener and improve performance during colder weather.

Are You Having Issues With Your Garage Door in Lake or Porter County, Indiana?

Winter weather can cause a wide range of garage door issues. Bringing awareness to common concerns can help you intervene sooner and may prevent more costly damage. Homeowners and businesses throughout Highland, St. John, Hammond, & Munster, IN benefit from professional inspection, maintenance, and repair for their garage doors in the winter. Crawford Door Sales is here to help when you experience problems with your garage door during the winter and year-round. Contact us today to schedule service and keep your garage door operating safely this season.