With the temperatures dropping outside, it’s only a matter of time before the snow and ice hits. If you’re a homeowner, you’ll want to watch out for ways the winter weather can affect your garage, and take the necessary actions to prevent damage and protect your garage as efficiently as possible. Adverse winter conditions can cause considerable damage to your garage door. Some of the most common problems homeowners encounter with their garage doors in the winter are:

• Broken springs
• Frozen doors
• Water damage
• Misaligned doors
• Cracked plastic or vinyl

Broken Springs

The cold air and ice can compromise the strength of metal springs during the winter. Broken springs are the most common issues homeowners face during the winter season. It’s recommended to inspect and test your springs before winter hits. You can test your garage springs yourself by lifting up on the garage door, then letting go – If your garage stays in place without any movement, the springs are in good shape. Installing a safety cable protects against broken springs and prevents accidents and damage.

Frozen Garage Doors

Water and snow can easily accumulate and freeze at the bottom of your garage door. Frozen doors are an annoyance, especially when you have somewhere to be. Don’t try to pull or push on your garage door, or you’ll risk damaging the hardware. If you find yourself with a frozen garage door, try to scrape the ice underneath, pour hot water, or use a small space heater to melt the ice. Avoid a frozen garage door by sweeping snow, ice, and water away from the base of your garage door.

Water Damage

Proper insulation and hardware is extremely important to prevent water damage in your garage during the winter. This common issue affects homeowners with wooden doors the most, as wood tends to swell in the winter. As moisture expands the wood, your doors will begin fitting tightly into the frame. Over time, this friction will cause damage to the hardware and potentially cause your door to get stuck.

Misaligned Doors

Door tracks can become bent or misaligned. Over time, wear and tear will cause your garage door track to bend and warp. You know you have a problem when the roller isn’t connected to the track anymore and the door is unable to open or close. To ensure garage door functionality year-round, it’s recommended to properly inspect your hardware and door tracking every three months.

Cracked Plastic or Vinyl

Garage doors built from plastic or vinyl can be compromised during the winter months. These materials have the tendency to crack when the temperature drops below zero. Depending on the size and frequency of the cracks, you might consider replacing your garage door with one that is suited for colder climates. Additionally, the rubber sealing that protects your garage from water, insects, and dirt can become brittle over time. Fortunately, weather-sealing a garage is a simple process that involves adding or replacing rubber stripping under, and around the sides of the garage door.

We’ve been serving the southern Wisconsin area for over 50 years and our technicians have many years of experience in their field. We will work hard to satisfy your door needs, be it a door repair or installation. If you’re in need of a new door/garage door or a repair, we’d love to hear from you! Before the snow arrives, consider calling a garage door specialist to ensure your garage is functioning efficiently. Give us a call at 262-783-4004 or send us a message.