Experiencing difficulties with your Lake Arlington Gates & Garage Doors closing when it’s cold can be frustrating, but it’s a common issue that can be caused by various factors related to temperature changes and mechanical components. Cold weather can impact the functionality of the door, including its sensors, springs, lubrication, and other mechanisms.

Let’s explore some of the potential reasons behind this problem in detail:

  1. Contracting Materials: Cold temperatures cause materials to contract. Metal components, such as the garage door tracks and springs, can contract in cold weather, affecting the door’s balance and movement. If the door is misaligned due to contraction, it might trigger the safety sensors or cause the door to bind and not close properly.
  2. Lubrication Issues: Cold temperatures can cause lubricants to become thicker and less effective. Insufficient lubrication in the tracks, rollers, and hinges can lead to friction and resistance, preventing the door from closing smoothly. Regularly applying a garage door lubricant designed for cold weather can help maintain smooth operation.
  3. Sensor Problems: Safety sensors are essential components of modern garage doors. They use infrared beams to detect obstacles in the door’s path and prevent accidents. Cold weather can affect the alignment and sensitivity of these sensors, causing them to misinterpret an obstruction and reverse the door’s motion. Ensure the sensors are clean, properly aligned, and not obstructed by ice or snow.
  4. Battery Issues: Cold temperatures can affect battery performance, causing them to drain faster or deliver less power. If your garage door opener uses batteries for its backup power source or remote controls, ensure the batteries are fresh and adequately charged.
  5. Spring Stiffness: Garage door springs, especially extension springs, can become stiffer in cold weather. This stiffness can affect the balance and smooth movement of the door, making it difficult to close. Additionally, extreme cold can weaken springs over time, leading to potential failure. If you suspect spring issues, consult a professional technician for inspection and potential replacement.
  6. Sealing and Insulation: Cold weather can exacerbate gaps and cracks in the garage door seals and insulation. If the door isn’t sealing properly due to cold-induced changes, it might not close fully. Address any gaps and consider adding weatherstripping to improve insulation and sealing.
  7. Electrical Concerns: Cold weather can impact electrical components, such as the garage door opener’s circuitry and wiring. If the opener’s electronics are affected by temperature, it could lead to operational issues, including difficulty closing the door. Inspect wiring for damage and ensure electrical connections are secure.
  8. Frozen Components: In extremely cold conditions, components like rollers, hinges, and tracks can freeze due to moisture. Ice accumulation can hinder the door’s movement, causing it to stick or jam when closing. Use a de-icing solution or gentle heat to melt any ice that may be causing obstructions.
  9. Motor Strain: Cold weather can make the garage door opener’s motor work harder, especially if the lubrication isn’t adequate. The added strain on the motor might prevent the door from closing. Ensure that the opener’s motor is properly lubricated and in good condition.
  10. Adjustment Settings: Some garage door openers have sensitivity adjustment settings that control how the door responds to obstacles. In cold weather, if these settings are too sensitive, they might cause the door to reverse even when there’s no obstruction. Refer to the opener’s manual to adjust these settings if necessary.
  11. Moisture and Rust: Cold and damp conditions can lead to moisture buildup and rust on various components, including the tracks, springs, and hinges. Rust can hinder smooth movement and cause the door to get stuck. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and applying rust-resistant coatings, can help prevent this issue.
  12. Inconsistent Power: Cold temperatures might affect the electrical supply to the garage door opener. Voltage fluctuations or power interruptions can disrupt the opener’s operation. Ensure a stable power supply to prevent this issue.

To address the problem of your garage door not closing in cold weather, consider performing the following steps:

  1. Regular Maintenance: Maintain your garage door regularly by cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting its components. This helps prevent issues related to temperature changes.
  2. Proper Lubrication: Use garage door lubricants suitable for cold weather to keep moving parts well-lubricated and reduce friction.
  3. Adjust Sensors: Check the alignment of the safety sensors and make sure they’re clean and unobstructed.
  4. Check Springs: Inspect the springs for signs of damage or stiffness. Consider replacing worn or damaged springs.
  5. Weatherstripping: Ensure that the weatherstripping around the door is intact and sealing properly.
  6. Clear Obstructions: Remove ice, snow, and debris from the tracks, rollers, and hinges to prevent obstructions.
  7. Professional Inspection: If the issue persists, consider consulting a professional garage door technician who can identify and resolve specific problems related to cold weather.

By addressing these potential causes and implementing appropriate solutions, you can improve the functionality and reliability of your Lake Arlington Gates & Garage Doors, even in cold weather conditions.

Lake Arlington Gates & Garage Doors

4101 W Green Oaks Blvd #305-318, Arlington, TX 76016, United States

1-817-993-6623