Winter can be a tricky time around the house. The bitter chill, the snow storms, and the shoveling are enough to want to stay inside. However, while most of these weather-related issues can be easily solved, there’s a few issues with winter and your garage door that require a little more know-how. At Precision Garage Door of Delaware, we’re here to help homeowners in Delaware and North Maryland by listing off the top winter garage door problems and solutions that they may face this winter!

Damage to the Remote Sensor

While the cold is expected during the winter, on occasion, it will be especially cold; this is due to a polar vortex which can bring temperatures down to the low teens, or even single-digits. When this happens, it can have a variety of effects on your garage door remote sensor. Most notably, it can cause the sensor to crack, which leaves it ineffective at opening your garage door. To have it fixed, you’ll want to consult garage door professionals, or simply replace the sensor.

The Garage Door Locks Up from Ice

If your garage door has multiple panels, it’s common for moisture to find its way in between the panels. During winter, this moisture can freeze and cause your door to lock up and have trouble opening. The solution, however, is pretty simple. All you’ll have to do is use a heat source to melt the ice in your panels that’s locking your door up. Space heaters and blow dryers are recommended for this task because anything that emits extreme heat can cause damage to the metal parts.

The Cold Effect of Metal Parts

Metal can be very temperamental when it comes to extreme heat and cold. However, in the winter, if the weather is frigid enough, it can cause metal components of your garage door to contract and possibly break. This can cause significant problems with your garage door’s function, especially if the cold causes items like springs, screws, or even rails to break.

These components will need to be replaced, but if it’s a spring or rail that has been damaged, you may want to consult a garage door professional to handle the task. You can also get ahead of the problem and apply high-quality lubricant or oil to the metal parts included with your garage door to reduce the effects of the cold.

Dealing with Damaged Weather Stripping

The weather stripping on the bottom of your garage door often makes contact with frozen surfaces. When the stripping gets cold enough, it can actually crack the rubber, which can greatly affect the integrity of the stripping. When this happens, it can decrease the warmth of your garage, and in turn: lead to high heating costs.

If the stripping is cracked, you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible. However, you can take preventative measures to reduce the risk. Simply keep a brush near your garage door entrance and brush any falling snow away from your door.

Consult Garage Door Professionals

If winter has caused any form of damage to your garage door, and the fix isn’t that simple, you can always contact us at Precision Garage Door of Delaware. We offer free estimates to help you get a sense of the level of service your garage door needs so you can plan ahead! We’d be happy to help you winterize your garage door, or provide the necessary repairs caused by the winter weather.

At Precision Garage Door of Delaware, we’re here to help homeowners in Delaware and North Maryland with their garage door needs. Contact us for a free estimate on service or installation today!