It may not officially be winter until December 21, but winter weather has already arrived in the Pacific Northwest. With weeks of frosty temperatures, relentless rain, and even snowstorms, the region has settled into its characteristic winter weather— and there’s plenty more in the forecast. Freezing, wet weather can significantly impact the performance and longevity of your garage door, which is why now is a good time to contact Overhead Door Company of Portland to inspect your door and opener, repair any problems, and make sure your garage door is ready for the days ahead.
This time of year, there are some common issues our technicians are called in to address:
Freezing Components: Rainwater can seep in under your garage door and freeze. Once frozen, the weather stripping on the bottom of the door can stick to the ground, making it difficult to open. Damaged weather stripping can also reduce the door’s insulation ability. Moisture in the tracks or around the rollers can freeze, leading to less than smooth operation.
Metal Contraction or Rust: Your garage door has many metal parts, such as springs, hinges, and tracks. Cold temperatures can cause these parts to contract, increasing the stress on springs, misaligning the tracks, or simply leaving a slow and stiff door. Moisture can also lead to rust on metal components.
Warping or Swelling: Wooden garage doors are beautiful but can absorb moisture and swell or warp. The tracks and frame can become misaligned as they accommodate the less-than-perfect size and weight of the door, leading to problems with opening and closing.
Cracking Rubber: If your garage door has rubber seals and weather stripping, cold temperatures may freeze these components, causing them to harden or crack. The damage reduces the ability to seal out additional moisture and drafts, leading to further damage and a less insulated garage.
Thickening Lubricants: Your garage door runs at an optimal level, in part due to adequate lubrication across many parts. Cold weather can thicken lubricants, putting strain on the opener motor as it tries to move the door. Strain can reduce the motor’s efficiency and lifespan.
Sensor Malfunctions: Condensation and frost can block sensors, which will prevent the door from closing properly and impact its safety.
It’s impossible to avoid the winter weather, but garage door damage and repairs are not a foregone conclusion. With some preventive efforts, which we make simple to arrange through our Maintenance Program, your door will make it through winter unharmed.
Our team starts with an inspection. We’ll examine the bottom seal and perimeter weather stripping for cracks, gaps, and wear. We’ll also check the tracks for dents and the cables and springs for fraying, rust, or wear. We test the balance and alignment of your garage door along with the auto-reverse. And finally, we test your fobs and keypads since sometimes a problem with the garage door isn’t the door at all but the remote opener.
If we find damaged components, we’ll discuss options for repairs before we dive in to fix the problems. Sometimes, a simple repair works, and other times, we recommend replacement. If the entire garage door needs to be replaced, we suggest choosing an insulated door. Built for durability and excellent thermal efficiency, insulated garage doors may be the ultimate solution to combating winter weather woes.
Following our thorough inspection, we’ll “winterize” your garage door. This involves removing debris and moisture from the tracks and rollers and using a silicon-based lubricant on all moving parts to prevent freezing and rust. We also tighten hardware, which can become loose from the contraction of the metal caused by freezing temperatures.
To help keep your garage door free from winter damage, we suggest you remove snow and ice from around the door and sensors and prevent water from pooling near the door by maintaining proper drainage. We’re happy to fix your door but can’t show up with shovels after each snowfall!
Taking proactive steps can minimize the effects of cold, wet weather on your garage door and ensure it operates smoothly year-round. If you notice any unusual noises, misalignment, or signs of damage, contact the professionals at Overhead Door Company of Portland for repairs.
