With winter arriving and the cold weather setting in, garage doors and roller shutters can become stuck or even break down due to freezing, ice, snow and cold temperatures leading to call outs and costly repairs.  Take a look at our simple steps below to help your customers ensure their doors function smoothly through the colder months. 

1. Clear Snow and Ice from Around the Door

One of the most common causes of a frozen garage door or shutter is ice and snow buildup around the bottom rubber seal. When snow accumulates, the bottom seal of your door can freeze to the ground, preventing it from opening properly. It’s essential to keep the area in front of your door clear of snow, ice, and debris. Remove snow and ice regularly. By doing this, you can prevent the bottom seal from sticking to the ice and ensure the door operates without any issue.

2. Apply Silicone Spray to the Bottom Seal

A simple and effective way to prevent your garage door from freezing is by applying a silicone spray to the bottom rubber seal. The silicone creates a thin layer of protection that helps the seal glide over ice and snow instead of sticking to it. A light spray once or twice a season can make a big difference in preventing the door from freezing to the ground during winter months.

3. Use Your Door Regularly

During prolonged periods of cold weather, it’s a good idea to open and close your garage door or shutter periodically, even if you’re not using it. Operating the door will keep the moving parts lubricated and prevent the seals from freezing in place. Ideally, use the motor to open and close the door, but if you don’t have power, manually operating it works as well. This will help keep all components active and prevent the door from freezing shut.

4. Regular Maintenance 

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your garage door in top shape year-round. Apply a garage door lubricant to the moving parts, such as the tracks, springs, and rollers. Keeping these parts lubricated reduces friction, ensuring your door works smoothly even when the temperature drops. A well-maintained garage door is less likely to freeze and will last longer.

5. Consider a Heater for Extreme Cold

If you live in an area that experiences extremely cold winters, you may want to consider using a fan heater or a portable space heater near your garage door. When the temperature drops below freezing, using a low-heat setting in the immediate area of the door can help prevent ice from forming around the bottom seal. Be sure to use these devices on low heat and never leave them unattended.

7. Monitor Weather Conditions

Lastly, keep an eye on weather forecasts. When heavy snow or freezing rain is predicted, take steps in advance to clear the driveway and keep the door’s bottom seal protected. If temperatures plummet overnight, the risk of freezing increases, so be proactive about checking and maintaining your door before it becomes an issue.

Final Thoughts

By guiding your customers to follow these simple tips, you can help prevent your garage doors from freezing and ensure they continue to work properly throughout the winter. Remember to remind your customers to book regular maintenance appointments, keep the area clear of ice and snow, and use their door periodically helping to prevent frustrating and costly issues.