When winter arrives in Colorado, many homeowners notice their garage door doesn’t open or close as smoothly as it used to. Frigid temperatures, ice buildup, and metal contraction can all interfere with your garage door’s performance. If you’ve ever had to fight with your garage door on a freezing morning, you’re not alone—these issues are common but preventable with proper garage door maintenance and timely repairs.

Common Reasons Garage Doors Struggle in Cold Weather

1. Lubricant Hardening
Standard lubricants tend to thicken or harden in cold temperatures, causing the rollers, hinges, and springs to move sluggishly. This added friction forces your garage door opener to work harder, which can lead to premature wear or even system failure.

How to fix it: Wipe away old grease and apply a silicone-based lubricant, which remains flexible in low temperatures. Avoid petroleum-based products that can attract dirt and stiffen in the cold.

2. Metal Contraction
Cold weather causes metal components—such as torsion springs, tracks, and cables—to contract. This makes the door tighter in its frame and harder to move. The added resistance can also throw off your door’s balance, causing jerky movement or incomplete closing.

Solution: Heat your garage slightly to minimize contraction and inspect the door for signs of tension imbalance. If you hear loud popping or snapping noises, contact a professional for garage door repair in Lakewood, CO before the issue worsens.

3. Frozen Weatherstripping or Tracks
When water or melted snow refreezes around the base of your garage door, the weatherstripping can stick to the ground or ice can build up inside the tracks. Forcing the door open under these conditions can damage the seal or bend the panels.

Solution: Keep the area clear of snow and ice, and regularly apply a non-stick spray or silicone lubricant to your door’s bottom seal to prevent freezing.

4. Sensor Malfunctions
Garage door sensors are vital for safety, but they’re also sensitive to dirt, moisture, and frost. Misaligned or fogged sensors can cause your door to stop mid-motion or reverse unexpectedly.

Solution: Clean both lenses with a soft cloth and make sure they’re properly aligned. If your overhead garage door still struggles to close, professional recalibration may be needed.

5. Aging Components and Worn Springs
Cold temperatures can expose existing weaknesses in your garage door system. Old torsion springs and brittle cables are more prone to snapping in freezing conditions, creating a potential safety hazard and leaving your door stuck in place.

Solution: Schedule an annual garage door maintenance inspection before winter to replace worn components and ensure your system operates safely and efficiently.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Winter

Keeping your garage door in top shape during the cold months doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few proactive steps homeowners can take:

• Lubricate moving parts every few months with silicone-based lubricant.
• Inspect weather seals for cracks or wear and replace them if air drafts are present.
• Test your door balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door manually halfway—if it falls, the springs may need adjustment.
• Keep sensors and tracks clean of debris and ice.
• Schedule professional service if you hear grinding, scraping, or loud banging noises.

A small investment in maintenance can save you from costly garage door repairs or replacements later.

Call Preferred Garage Doors for Expert Garage Door Repair and Maintenance

If your garage door struggles to open in cold weather, don’t wait until it stops working completely. The professionals at Preferred Garage Doors offer reliable garage door repair in Lakewood, CO and overhead garage door repair in Westminster, CO for residential and commercial properties. From winter maintenance to full system replacements, we ensure your door operates safely and smoothly all season long.

Contact Preferred Garage Doors today to schedule your winter maintenance or repair service!

Visit us online to learn more about our residential garage door services.

FAQs: Winter Garage Door Problems

Q – Why does my garage door move slower when it’s cold?

A – Cold temperatures cause lubricants to thicken and metal components to contract, creating more resistance for the opener.

Q – Can I use regular grease or WD-40 on my garage door?

A – No. These products can harden in the cold or attract dirt. Always use a silicone-based lubricant for optimal winter performance.

Q – How often should I service my garage door?

A – Professionals recommend scheduling garage door maintenance at least once a year—preferably before winter—to catch small issues early.

Q – What should I do if my garage door is frozen to the ground?

A – Avoid forcing it open. Instead, melt the ice gently with warm water or a space heater and dry the area thoroughly before operating the door.

Q – Is it worth upgrading my garage door for better winter performance?

A – Yes. Modern insulated and weather-sealed doors improve energy efficiency and protect your garage door system from temperature-related stress.

Q – How can I prevent future cold-weather problems?

A – Keep up with seasonal maintenance, replace worn parts promptly, and ensure your garage has proper insulation and ventilation to reduce extreme temperature swings.