Neighborhood Garage Door Services of Minneapolis, MN takes pride in helping our customers all year round and providing around the clock service.
However, we know that there are additional needs when it comes to the extremely cold Minnesota winters. We’ve had homeowners need help with slowly opening garage doors and with some that were even frozen shut.
If the weather is bitter cold and you think your overhead door is frozen shut, then you may need to call a professional technician to assist you. However, we want to help educate you on how to handle this job “in house” yourself.
When sub-zero temperatures come and are followed by ice and snow, then you’ll notice your garage door moves a bit slower. The parts are cold, sluggish and the intricate components of your door have to work harder to get the door in motion. Also, you may end up with a door that just won’t open.
Try these tips to open your door when frozen shut.
Try the Button Once
If your garage door does not open when you push the button, then stop and wait. If you keep trying to push the button repeatedly, then you could possibly cause damage to the motor. Your problem will only become larger at that point.
Double Check the Lock
Be sure to check and see if the door is actually locked or not. This may seem silly but it could actually prove to be an easy fix. Watch out for the telltale signs of potential damage and broken parts that are making the door difficult to open.
Emergency Release Cord
Pull the emergency or manual release cord. This will disconnect your garage door and enable you to pull it open manually with your hand. The goal is to free up parts that may be frozen.
Last Resort but Quite Effective
If you are still not able to open your garage door, then check for ice and snow build up near the floor and entrance of your door. This will take some time, but a blow dryer will help you to unstick your door. Move the dryer’s heat around and don’t stay still in one place too long.
Additional Tips to Consider
Neighborhood Garage Door of Minneapolis, MN is always able to come and help you. We are skilled in repairs, installs and getting doors unfrozen. Before you call, here are just a few more tips to try.
- Boil water and throw it on top of the ice and snow, then open the door quickly before it freezes again
- Use a sharp object and chip away at the ice.
- Try to use a space heater to melt the ice.
- Call us if additional help is needed and we will be at your service.
Tips to Prevent a Frozen Shut Door
Our company wants to help you protect your door from the elements. In order to prevent your door from freezing in the first place, consider and implement the following ideas.
- Keep ice and snow away from the front of your garage. Be sure to shovel and sweep that area so that you are less likely to have the door freeze shut.
- Add silicone spray to the rubber seal at the base of the door. This application will help prevent the door from sticking to the ice. If you don’t have silicone, a good home remedy to consider is cooking spray or vegetable oil.
- Try and keep your garage door properly lubricated. When cold weather hits, you’ll be more prepared and your door more protected.
- You can sprinkle a thin layer of kitty litter along the ground where the door closes so that it will not freeze totally shut.
Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Minneapolis, MN is here to assist you 24/7. Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions regarding your garage door. We care about our customer’s needs, educate them with tips and hope to be their one call if they ever have a need.
