Here are some common garage door issues in cold weather: Shrinking metal: Particles move slower and take up less space when chilled. Garage door maintenance is not on most people's regular to do list. Automatic garage doors are a welcome convenience in winter, but sometimes the cold weather has an effect on them and they wonât open. ... My 2004 craftsman garage door opener gets stuck on the down movement around the bend. When this happens, your door might not be able to open and close. Garage door springs are essential to your doorâs operation, and they last for a limited number of cycles. If you get in a bind this winter or anytime, give us a call at Safe Way 24/7. If a spring breaks, contact a professional to replace it for you. The Path is Blocked. But it can also damage your garage door, which can create an added danger for you. Hereâs what causes it and what to do. Don't use WD-40 because it doesn't stay on the tracks -- I've tried it. Because of the stress cold weather places on your doorâs metal parts, this commonly happens during the winter. It could also be dangerous if it slides too quickly and freely over the greased area. You could use a heavier lubricant like axle grease (I have and it helps some), but when it gets cold out like it is right now in the Midwest it doesn't help. Give all rollers, hinges, roller tracks, hinges, and latches a good squirt with a penetrating solvent like WD-40 or a citrus-based solvent. A garage door sticking in the cold weather isnât normal, and itâs a problem that needs to be looked at. (801) 316-3285 Book Now Winter can wreak havoc on your garage and belongings so preparing your garage for the cold winter weather is a must for every homeowner in cold climates. In some cases, garage doors may stick in cold weather, meaning the opener may not be able to open the door at all. This happens during extreme cold weather only. You could have movement to the jamb or framing caused by the cold weather. Your garage door opener may struggle to open the door in cold weather, which could lead to breakage or higher energy costs. Here are a few common garage door issues homeowners encounter in cold weather, along with the steps to safely resolve the issue and protect your garage door. This may be one of the most obvious issues but also one of the easiest fixes. Springs can snap, and the metal track can warp. Itâs better to be proactive when it comes to garage door sticking. Check Your Garage Door Opener If your garage door is not working properly and you have an automatic garage door opener , disconnect the opener and try to open the door manually. If not replaced soon enough, they wear out and break. Pieces of hardware like springs and screws will shrink. 3 Effects of Cold Weather on Garage Door Openers. Stop Garage Door Sticking Once and For All. 4 Reasons Garage Doors Wonât Open in Cold Weather. It's well known by now how cold weather can affect pipes in your home. My garage door opener has the same problem. As a result, the cold causes metal to contract. But there are a few simple things you should do every year or so to keep the door rolling along trouble-free. ... particularly since you say it seems to bind at the bend. This happens during extreme cold weather only. You can, however, use it on areas other than the track, such as to the gasket, to keep the garage door from freezing up in extremely cold weather. Works well in warm weather.