Common Cold-Weather Garage Door Issues (and How to Stay Ahead of Them)

Winter in Colorado doesn’t just test your patience; it tests your garage door, too. When temperatures drop, metal contracts, ice builds up, and your door’s hardest-working parts have to work even harder. The good news? Most common cold-weather garage door issues are completely preventable with a little awareness and a few simple checks.

Here are the most common problems homeowners run into this time of year and what you can do to keep things running smoothly.

1. Frozen or Stuck Garage Door Bottom Seal

Snowmelt re-freezing overnight is one of the biggest winter culprits. When water freezes around the bottom seal, the door can stick to the ground or refuse to open entirely.

What you can do: Gently clear snow and slush from the base of the door before temperatures drop. Never force the door open, this can burn out the motor or damage panels.

2. Contracting Metal & Stiff Moving Parts

Cold temperatures cause metal components like tracks, rollers, and springs to contract. This can lead to grinding noises, sluggish movement, or even the door stopping mid-cycle.

What you can do: Schedule a seasonal tune-up so everything is lubricated, aligned, and ready for the colder months.

3. Sensor Issues from Snow & Dirt

Your safety sensors sit low to the ground, right where winter likes to cause trouble. Snow, salt, dirt, and even early-evening darkness can block or confuse them, causing the door to stop or reverse.

What you can do: Gently wipe the lenses clean and make sure nothing is blocking the sensor beam.

4. Weak or Failing Springs in the Cold

Springs do the heavy lifting every day, and cold weather increases the strain. If a spring is already worn down, winter is often when it finally snaps.

What you can do: Pay attention to loud pops or sudden changes in how the door moves. A failing spring is a safety hazard, don’t try to fix it yourself.

5. Thickening Grease & Slow Door Movement

Lubricants thicken when temperatures drop, which can make your garage door opener work much harder than usual. This leads to slow movement, extra noise, and unnecessary wear.

What you can do: Use a cold-weather-appropriate garage door lubricant and avoid household greases that stiffen in winter.

6. Dead Batteries & Power Issues

Cold weather drains batteries faster, especially in remotes and wireless keypads. Power outages are also more common this time of year.

What you can do: Keep fresh batteries on hand and test your manual release so you’re prepared for any winter surprises.

A Little Prevention Saves You From Common Cold-Weather Garage Door Issues

Most cold-weather garage door issues start small, then get bigger (and pricier) as the season goes on. A quick check now, or a professional tune-up, can keep your door safe, reliable, and quiet all winter long.

If you’re noticing slow movement, strange noises, or a door that just isn’t acting like it normally does, we’re here to help.

Need a winter tune-up or repair?

Schedule your appointment with Chris’ Garage Doors today.