Winter Challenges and Your Southern Garage Door

Avoiding WD-40 on Garage Door Parts:
Using WD-40 or similar general-purpose lubricants on your garage door components may seem convenient, but it’s not recommended. These lubricants can attract dust and debris over time, worsening the issue. Instead, opt for a high-quality, silicone-based lubricant designed explicitly for garage doors in cold weather. These specialized lubricants remain effective even in low temperatures, ensuring your garage door operates seamlessly.

Brittle Springs:
Cold weather can render garage door springs more brittle and prone to breakage. While southern winters are generally milder, monitoring your springs for signs of wear and tear is crucial. Unusual noises or irregular door operations can signal potential issues. When in doubt, have a professional inspect and replace the springs as needed.

Weather Stripping Maintenance:
The cold can impact the condition of the weather stripping along the sides and bottom of your garage door. Damaged weather stripping can allow cold air, pests, and debris to infiltrate your garage. Regularly check and replace weather stripping as necessary to maintain an effective seal, ensuring your garage remains comfortable.

Motor Performance and Its Causes:
Garage door opener motors can encounter challenges during cold weather, resulting in slower operation or reduced responsiveness. These issues are primarily caused by changes in lubrication and increased resistance. As temperatures drop, the lubricants on the garage door’s moving components can thicken, diminishing their effectiveness. This heightened viscosity creates greater resistance, requiring the motor to work harder to operate the door. Consequently, you may experience slower door movements or even motor stalling.

– To address these motor issues:
• Utilize specialized, low-temperature lubricants explicitly engineered for garage door systems. These lubricants remain effective in sub-zero conditions.
• Ensure your garage is adequately insulated to maintain a more stable internal temperature. 

Sensor Reliability and Condensation Concerns:
Cold weather can impact the reliability of garage door safety sensors, potentially compromising their performance due to condensation. Moisture within the sensors, which can freeze, may result in false readings or malfunctions.

– To bolster the reliability of your sensors during cold weather:
•Regularly inspect sensors for potential obstructions, promptly eliminating any ice or snow buildup.
• Verify that sensors remain correctly aligned, undertaking routine maintenance checks.

Ice Buildup Prevention:
Even without heavy snow, freezing rain and frost can result in ice buildup at the base of your garage door. This can hinder proper sealing, allowing cold air and moisture to enter. Regularly remove frost or ice from the surrounding area to prevent this issue.

Power Outages and Backup Plans:
Winter storms can lead to power outages, rendering electric garage door openers useless. Be prepared with a backup power source or familiarity with the manual release mechanism to avoid getting locked out or in.

At Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama™, we understand the unique challenges that winter weather can pose for your garage door. 

Contact us today for expert assistance and the highest quality garage door services. 256-772-3674