How to Open a Frozen Garage Door | Midland Garage Doors
During the cold winter months, it’s not uncommon for garage doors to freeze shut, especially in the UK where temperatures frequently drop below freezing. A frozen garage door can potentially cause damage if not handled correctly. At Midland Garage Doors, we understand the importance of keeping your garage door in good working condition, even in extreme weather. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, safe steps to open a frozen garage door and offer tips to prevent it from freezing in the future.
Common Winter Garage Door Problems
Throughout the winter months, cold weather can take a toll on your garage door. Metal components contract, making the motor work harder, and ice can build up at the base of the door, freezing it shut. Batteries may also drain more quickly, and the overall system becomes sluggish, just like many other things in freezing temperatures.
Important Note!
If your garage door is frozen and doesn’t open the first time you press the button, STOP! Continuing to press the button could damage both the door and the motor. Instead, follow these steps to safely troubleshoot and open your frozen garage door.
Steps to Open a Frozen Garage Door
1. Check the Door’s Locks
Before assuming your door is frozen, ensure that it hasn’t been accidentally locked.
2. Inspect the Garage Door System
Inspect your entire garage door system for any obvious signs of damage, broken components, or obstructions. This could be the cause of your door not functioning properly, rather than the cold.
3. Use the Manual Release
Disconnect the door from the motor by pulling the manual release cord. Once this is done, try to open the door manually to loosen any frozen sections or weather seals that might be stuck.
4. Check for Ice Build-Up
Check underneath the garage door for any ice build-up. If the door is stuck due to ice, carefully proceed with one of the following methods:
- Use a Hairdryer:
One of the safest ways to free a frozen garage door is by using a hairdryer on its lowest heat setting. Hold it near the base of the door and gently heat the area to melt the ice. - Chipping the Ice (with Caution):
You can chip away at the ice, but be careful not to damage the rubber seal at the bottom of the door. Using a plastic scraper is a safer option than metal tools. - Boiling Water Method:
Pouring boiling water over the ice can help, but you will need a second person to help you lift the door before the water cools and refreezes. - Salt Water or Rock Salt:
If the temperature is above 10°C, you can use salt water or rock salt to melt the ice. Just be mindful that salt can corrode the bottom seal if not cleaned off thoroughly. - Space Heater:
You can use a space heater to warm the garage and melt the ice. However, this can take a long time as the heat will need to work its way through the door.
If none of these methods work and your door is still frozen shut, contact Midland Garage Doors for assistance. We’re happy to help you safely unfreeze and repair your garage door.
Preventing Your Garage Door from Freezing
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding frozen garage doors. Follow these tips to help prevent your garage door from becoming frozen shut during the winter:
- Keep the Area Clear:
Always keep the area in front of your garage door clear of ice and snow. Ice build-up at the base can cause the door to stick. - Apply Silicone Spray:
Use a silicone spray on the rubber bottom seal to prevent it from sticking to the ice or snow. - Manually Operate the Door During Cold Weather:
Even if you don’t need to use your garage, open and close the door a few times during cold days to prevent it from freezing shut. - Lubricate the System Regularly:
Ensure that your garage door is properly lubricated throughout the year. This will help keep the door operating smoothly even in freezing temperatures. - Add a Threshold:
If your garage tends to collect water near the front, consider adding a threshold. These raised barriers can prevent water from seeping under the door and freezing, causing the door to stick.
Contact Us for Support and Maintenance
Want to avoid frozen garage doors this winter? We offer maintenance services to ensure your door is prepared for any weather conditions. Contact Midland Garage Doors today for more information on preventative care and our range of high-quality, insulated garage doors.
