It is common for garage doors to act up when the temperature drops. From slow-moving parts to closing difficulties, your garage door can act a little wonky when it gets chilly outside. If your garage door won’t close when it is cold, you should troubleshoot the issue and make sure that everything is running correctly before winter really kicks into full gear. Here are a few helpful tips on how to do just that.
Check Sensors and Alignment
Your garage door sensors should always be checked first when something goes wrong. The sensors detect movement, so if they are blocked or misaligned, your door may not open or close properly. Make sure that all of the sensors are facing each other and check for any obstructions that could be preventing them from doing their job correctly.
Lubricate Moving Parts
If your garage door won’t close in cold weather, you may need to lubricate the moving parts of the system. This will ensure that nothing gets stuck due to frozen temperatures and that there is enough lubrication for smooth operation in colder months. Start by lubricating rollers, tracks, hinges, and springs with a silicone-based spray or white lithium grease (depending on what type of material they are made out of). Generally speaking, you should oil these components twice a year—in spring and fall—for optimal performance throughout all seasons.
Look at Your Motor and Opener
The motor and opener are important components that if malfunctioning can cause your entire system to fail. To check them out, disconnect power from your opener before testing it manually by disengaging the carriage bolt located on top of it (this will prevent electric shock). If your opener moves freely by hand but not via remote control or wall switch, then you know it needs a replacement motor assembly or other repairs. You can also check for worn gears in the interior part of the opener as well as rust buildup on chains/belts which can cause jams over time if left unchecked.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting a garage door that won’t close in cold weather doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming if you use the right steps. Always start by checking sensors and alignment first; then move onto lubricating its moving parts; lastly inspect its motor and opener for any signs of wear or malfunctioning. With regular maintenance such as oiling twice a year (in spring/fall) along with periodic checks of its components, you can ensure smooth operation throughout all seasons. Now get out there and keep those garage doors running like clockwork.
If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can always contact an experienced garage door spring repair Chesapeake contractor.
Genevie Keaney is an experienced fashion blogger. She has been blogging for nearly 10 years, and her blog posts are often featured in major publications. Her blog posts cover everything from the latest trends to tips on how to wear certain pieces of clothing. Theresa’s favorite style icons include Audrey Hepburn and Michelle Obama, who she cites as having great style.
