Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Toledo, Ohio gets calls in the winter about doors not opening. Has this ever happened to you? It’s cold outside and all you can think about getting inside your warm, comfortable house. You start up your driveway and push the remote opener button. Nothing happens. Now, not only can you not hurry up and get in, but you have a repair to worry about.
One possible issue that can cause this terrible situation is that your garage door could be frozen shut. This can cause quite an inconvenience, particularly during very cold times when getting inside quickly is a priority. Try these tips to prevent poor operation of your overhead door.
Check All Weather Stripping
To help keep your door from freezing shut, be sure to keep your weather stripping in good shape. A bad seal can allow snow, ice, water, and other moisture to build up around your door. This can result in a frozen door that won’t open.
You should periodically check all the weather stripping around your overhead door. You’ll be looking for a good waterproofing seal. Take a damp cloth and wipe off any dirt and grime build up on the stripping. This will allow you to really see the condition of the stripping.
If you find cracking, warping, or dry rot, replace the weather stripping. To maintain a good seal, replace all the stripping at once. This may be a job for a professional technician. Call us today to set up an appointment for a consultation.
Clean the Tracks
While inspecting your door, go ahead and check your tracks as well. Take a close look along the length of your garage door tracks. Pay attention to both sides of each track, the inside edge where the wheel makes contact as well as the outer edge.
Look for any debris that may have built up. You may find leaves, pine needles, excessive amounts of dust, or other obstructions. If so, wipe out the track with a dry washcloth and clear out the blockages.
You’ll also need to look for any excessive grease build up. Certain types of lubrication can combine with dirt, dust, or other debris and create pockets of build up. This will most likely be a black blob or blobs along the inside of the track. Wipe these out with a dry cloth as well. Be sure to get not just the blobs but any black grease. The black color results from dirt build up and can cause the door to stick as well.
Apply Lubrication Where Needed
After you’ve check the weather stripping and clear out any obstructions from the tracks, it’s time to lubricate. Be sure to avoid heavy axle grease, preferring regular machine oil instead. Heavier grease can lead to the kind of build up we just cleared out. Apply lubrication to any moving parts. Make sure to apply to the moving part, as well as any stationary parts that make contact with the moving parts.
After you’ve completed the lubrication process, make sure to wipe down surfaces to remove any excess oil. Excess oil can lead to more build up on your garage door. Lubricating your door should be a regular maintenance habit throughout the year.
If you’ve tried all this DIY solutions and are still having difficulty with your overhead door not opening, call Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Toledo, Ohio. We have trained operators who will take your call and help you find the solution to your needs. Our professional technicians can be on site quickly to take care of your needs.
