Garage Doors and Lake-Effect Snow
Grand Rapids averages about 75 inches of snow a year, much of it from sudden lake-effect bands off Lake Michigan. Snow and ice are the biggest reasons garage doors act up in winter.
Request a technicianClear the floor
Shovel or blow snow away from the door before closing it. Packed snow under the door stops it from sealing and can trigger the safety reverse.
Tracks
Keep the bottom of the tracks free of ice so rollers move freely.
Frozen seals
If the door freezes to the floor, don't force it with the opener. Gently free the seal and clear the slush.
Sensors
Snow and ice on the safety sensors can stop the door closing. Wipe them clean.
Opener force
Cold doors are stiffer. Don't crank up the force setting; it can hide problems.
Lubrication
A garage-door lubricant in fall keeps rollers and hinges moving in the cold.
Springs
Cold mornings are when springs break. Listen for a bang.
Power outages
A battery backup or knowing how to use the manual release helps during winter storms.
Next
See winter seals.
More garage door repair guides
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