Chicago Winters Are Tough on Garage Doors

When the polar vortex hits Chicago, your garage door becomes one of the most vulnerable parts of your home. With temperatures regularly dropping below zero and wind chills making it feel even colder, understanding how cold weather affects your garage door is essential for every Chicagoland homeowner.

How Freezing Temperatures Impact Your Garage Door

Metal Contraction

All metal components in your garage door system contract in cold weather. This includes springs, cables, tracks, and hinges. This contraction can cause:

•Increased tension on springs

•Cables becoming brittle

•Tracks misaligning slightly

•Hinges becoming stiff

Lubricant Issues

Standard lubricants thicken or freeze in extreme cold, causing:

•Sluggish door operation

•Strain on the opener motor

•Squeaking and grinding noises

•Potential system damage

Common Winter Garage Door Problems in Chicago

1. Frozen Door to Floor

After snow and ice, water can seep under your door and freeze overnight, literally gluing your door to the ground. Never force it open - you could damage panels or the opener.

2. Broken Springs

Cold weather is the #1 cause of garage door spring failures. The metal becomes more brittle and prone to snapping. We see a 300% increase in spring repair calls during January and February.

3. Weather Seal Damage

Rubber seals along the bottom and sides become stiff and crack in freezing temperatures, allowing cold air and snow to enter your garage.

4. Opener Struggles

Garage door openers work harder in cold weather due to increased friction and resistance. This can lead to premature motor failure.

Winter Protection Tips for Chicago Homeowners

Before Winter Hits:

•Apply cold-weather lubricant to all moving parts

•Inspect weather stripping and replace if cracked

•Check spring tension and cable condition

•Test the auto-reverse safety feature

During Cold Snaps:

•Clear snow and ice from the bottom of the door

•Keep the garage above 35°F if possible

•Never use hot water to melt ice on the door

•Run the door once daily to prevent freezing

When to Call a Professional

If your garage door:

•Makes grinding or popping sounds

•Moves unevenly or jerks

•Has visible gaps in the weather seal

•Struggles to open in cold weather

Call Power Garage Doors immediately. We offer same-day emergency service throughout Chicagoland, even during the coldest days of winter.

Stay Safe This Winter

A broken garage door in a Chicago winter is more than an inconvenience - it's a safety issue. Keep your home protected and your family safe with proper garage door maintenance.

How Chicago's Brutal Cold Affects Your Garage Door: Winter Protection Tips