A broken garage door usually comes with a few warning signs: jerky movements, loud noises, etc. If you’re paying attention, you can usually stop the situation before a problem arises. A frozen garage door, however, can come without warning at the worst possible time.

“How does this even happen?” you say to yourself.

Most likely, moisture got under your garage door’s seal and froze, gluing your garage door to the ground. And now, you’re stuck either in or out of your garage. Don’t worry, there’s hope.

But it’s going to take a little work.

What to Do When Your Garage Door is Frozen Shut

Let’s start with what you shouldn’t do. If your garage door doesn’t upon on the first button press, don’t keep pressing it hoping it will break free. This could damage your motor, which is already under a lot of stress during the winter time. Don’t kick the bottom of the door either. This could dent the door and/or damage the weather stripping.

Instead, first try pulling the manual release cord on your garage door, and see if you can open it manually. Don’t pull too hard or you could hurt yourself and damage the weather stripping in the process. If it doesn’t move, try clearing away the ice around the bottom of the door.

Once again, don’t damage the weather stripping. Salt and ice-melt can help, if you have some on hand. A hairdryer works too, though it can take a while. If it’s not too cold outside, you can try a bucket of hot water as well.

Just make sure to move quickly so that it doesn’t refreeze.

Preventing Your Door from Freezing Shut

A frozen garage door is a situation best avoided. There are a few things you can do to help keep your garage door from freezing shut:

  • Open and close it at least once a day
  • Ensure weather stripping is intact
  • Keep snow and ice cleared from under door
  • Keep your garage heated
  • Use silicone spray on your garage door’s tracks, rollers, hinges, and base
  • Keep your garage door inspected

Most garage door problems can be avoided altogether with proper inspection. Have a professional take a look to make sure everything is in working order. If something needs to be fixed and replaced, it’s best to get it done before winter.

For all your garage door needs in Ohio, you can trust in Springfield Overhead Doors. Contact us today!