During winter, most assume that their sturdy and reliable garage door and springs are invulnerable, but this isn’t always the case. Winter can be tough on your home in many ways, but one area that some homeowners overlook is their garage door.
Watch out for these potential issues that you might experience with your garage door springs due to the winter season.
How Cold Weather Affects Garage Door Springs
Cold weather can seriously affect your garage door springs. They’re constantly under tension, and that can cause significant fatigue. Cold temperatures can lead to the metal becoming more brittle, which makes the issue even worse.
Depending on how old the springs are, how low temperatures get, and the specific weight and impact that your garage door endures, you could find yourself dealing with a snapped spring. Not only does this mean you’ll need repairs, but it can also be dangerous if anyone is nearby when it snaps.
Steps You Can Take to Prevent Damage
What can you do to protect your garage door springs? One way to go is to keep your garage above freezing. Adding insulation, sealing gaps, and potentially installing a heater can all help promote warmer temperatures in your garage.
Keeping your garage door regularly maintained will also help you avoid problems by limiting stress on the springs. Properly lubricating the garage door can lessen stress on the springs and prevent sudden jolts that are more likely to lead to snapping.
What to Do if Your Garage Door Springs Are Damaged
If one of your garage door springs has broken or come unattached, what should you do? First, you should avoid trying to remove or replace the spring on your own. Garage door springs are under considerable tension and can be dangerous when handled incorrectly.
The best thing you can do is reach out to professionals for garage door repair. Don’t try forcing the door open or closed, as you may only do more damage. There’s also a risk of the door suddenly slamming closed if a spring breaks, so make sure not to stand in the way.
Taking Care of Your Garage Door This Winter
Springs and other hardware can succumb to damage over the course of the winter. However, you can count on the experienced team at Larry Myers Garage Doors to provide the quality repairs and replacement parts you need. We have proudly served Portland and Vancouver since 1973.
If you’re having any trouble with your garage door, reach out today for a fast response and friendly service.