As winter approaches, outside temperatures change drastically from daytime to nighttime. Here are a few problematic situations you could encounter that would make your garage door hard to use in the cold weather.
Situation #1: Frozen Door Threshold
If it rained in the evening, and the temperature dropped to below freezing overnight, do not immediately use your garage door opener. First check if the weather stripping, located a t the bottom of the door, is stuck in the ice. From the inside of your garage, carefully use a piece of wood and a hammer to gently knock on the bottom of the door. You will free your garage door from the ice, allowing you to use your door opener safely.
Situation #2: Low Battery in your Radio Transmitter
If your garage isn’t insulated, it’s possible for the inside to reach a high humidity level. If you leave your radio transmitter fastened to your vehicle’s sun visor, the humidity can create condensation on the battery’s contacts. It could also be a sign that you need to change the battery. Open the cover and use a dry cloth to wipe the battery’s contacts.
Situation #3: Condensation on your Infra‑red Security System
If your door opener is equipped with a photo‑electric sensor, it’s possible for condensation or frost to form and make your door opener inoperable. A quick wipe with a dry cloth across the two glass boxes, found on each side of your garage door, should solve the problem.
Better to Prevent than to React
Your garage door is the largest moveable part of your home. More and more people are using their garage doors are their main entrance. For your security, and that of your loved ones, it’s important for you to regularly check its condition.
Twice per year, before the arrival of winter and in early spring, deactivate your garage door opener by pulling on the security cord. Raise your garage door; is it heavy? If so, you have just discovered a serious issue. Contact a garage door specialist immediately to fix the problem.
You can also help maintain the proper function of your garage door by lubricating the important parts: the rollers and spring system. Use motor oil, such as 10W30. Apply a small amount on each metal part and wipe of any excess with a rag. Do not grease the rails. It’s important to remember one simple rule: the rollers must roll on the rails, never glide on them.
To help your door roll across the door sill’s weather stripping, apply a silicone‑based lubricant. You can also apply a small amount to the joints of your door.
These are simple guidelines that will simplify your life, and let you use your garage door when you need it the most.
To help you with all of your garage door needs, please contact us at 1-800-545-3667. Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We can also help you solve any of those pesky problems the cold weather may have caused for your garage door.
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