As cold weather settles in, Canadians are quick to bundle up indoors. Nothing is worse than having to do extensive home repairs out in the cold, but without preventative maintenance and care for your garage door, this might very well be the case. The winter months often take a toll on exterior surfaces and mechanisms, so it is no wonder that this is a popular time for the moving parts of your garage to break down. In some cases, there are steps that you can take to revive a struggling system.
Some of the most common issues plaguing garage doors during winter include:
When Your Door is Frozen: In a cold, wet environment it is common for ice to form along the sides and bottom of your garage doors. In some cases, ice and snow can block sensors, preventing doors from opening or closing. Using a crow bar or metal shovel to break up ice formations can lead to unexpected damage to finishes and sealing. Hair dryers or heat guns can be used to melt away built up ice while avoiding damage.
When Your Door Doesn’t Move: An immovable door can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when you are in a rush. There are plenty of reasons that a garage door might become immobile, some of which are simple fixes while others are more complicated. The simple solutions are: that the batteries in your garage door opener have died, or there is no power going to your door because of a blown fuse. In a worst case scenario, this can be the sign of a much more serious issues.
Semi-Opening/Closing: One of the most common garage door problems is that a door opens half way before closing again. This often occurs when sensors are blocked or damaged. At this time of year, it is possible that ice has broken off of door sides and fallen in front of sensors. It is also possible that the eye of your sensor is dirty and needs to be wiped off with a cloth and warm water.
Grinding/Squeaking/Rattling Noises: Any time your door begins to make an abnormal noise, it is time to call a professional to assess your garage door. The longer that these issues are left, the worst they will become. In some cases, noises might be a simple question of contracting metal, the need for lubrication, broken springs or an issue with garage door tracks.
Many property owners avoid winter garage door repair because it is inconvenient and assumed to be expensive. By offering a cost-competitive solution, along with excellent results and customer service, Knock Knock Door Repair technicians are able to help keep your door running smoothly, no matter the time of year.
