Garage Door Repair in Kansas City During Winter Months
Common Winter Garage Door Problems
Kansas City winters can take a real toll on your garage door. Here are the most common issues we see during the cold months — and what you can do about them.
Contracted or Warped Metal
The colder it gets, the more likely your door’s metal parts will tighten up. Screws, springs, and other metal components contract in freezing temperatures, and a sudden freeze can warp your tracks and cause problems with door travel. Garage door repair in Kansas City during winter often starts here.
Lubrication Issues
The increased friction caused by contracting metal can be alleviated through the use of silicone spray or white lithium grease. Lubricate the hinges, rollers (unless they are nylon), springs, and bearing plates. Never grease the track — it can become sticky, making it harder for the rollers to move and forcing the opener to work harder. Also note that too much lubricant in freezing temperatures can have the opposite effect, causing components to stick to the frozen grease.
Door Frozen to the Ground
Winter can force water from melting snow under your garage door’s bottom seal. If temperatures drop enough, it can freeze solid — making it impossible to open the door. If your opener strains but the door doesn’t move, check whether the seal is frozen to the ground. A heat gun or hair dryer along the bottom seal is a simple solution — much cheaper than repairing a door damaged by ice.
Frozen Seals and Weatherstripping
One of the most common problems during winter is the freezing of garage door seals and weatherstripping. These components keep your garage insulated and protected from the elements. If they become damaged or freeze shut, it can lead to energy loss and water leakage. Regular inspection and lubrication can prevent this issue.
Spring and Opener Strain
Cold weather puts extra strain on garage door springs. The harder it is to open the door, the more stress on already-cold metal springs. When a spring breaks it requires immediate repair — never operate a garage door with a broken spring unless it is an emergency. Opener batteries can also lose power more quickly in the cold, so test and replace them regularly.
Keeping Your Door Running This Winter
Maintaining the functionality of your garage door during the cold winter months in Kansas City is important. Ensure springs, cables, and tracks are in good condition before winter arrives. If you need garage door spring replacement or any Kansas City garage door repair, give Arrowhead Door a call today.
Arrowhead Door Co.
15503 East 43rd Terrace South
Independence, MO 64055
(816) 373-8228
