Winter in Delaware can be tough. Cold mornings. Freezing rain. Snow that turns into slush before you’ve even finished your coffee. While most homeowners focus on their furnace or plumbing this time of year, the garage door is often overlooked.
Until it stops working.
At Delaware Express Garage Door Service, we see it every winter across Wilmington, Newark, Middletown, New Castle, and the surrounding areas. Cold weather has a way of exposing small garage door issues and turning them into big problems fast.
Here are the top five winter garage door problems homeowners face and what you should watch for.
1. Broken or Snapped Garage Door Springs
This one tops the list every winter.
Garage door springs are under constant tension. When temperatures drop, metal contracts. That added stress makes already worn springs more likely to snap.
You might hear a loud bang from the garage. Or notice the door feels extremely heavy and will not open at all. Sometimes the opener tries but gives up halfway.
Keep in mind, garage door springs are not a DIY fix. They are dangerous when handled incorrectly. If a spring breaks, the safest move is to stop using the door and call a professional right away.
Winter weather does not wait. Neither should you.
2. Garage Door Opener Struggling in the Cold
Cold weather can be rough on garage door openers, especially older ones.
Lubricants can thicken. Motors have to work harder. Sensors may respond slower. Batteries in remotes drain faster than usual.
You may notice the door opening more slowly. Or stopping partway and reversing. Or not responding at all when you hit the button.
Frustrating.
A winter tune-up can often prevent these issues. Fresh lubrication, a quick inspection, and a battery check can make a big difference when temperatures drop in Wilmington and nearby communities.
3. Frozen or Stuck Garage Door
Delaware winters love to bring moisture. Rain during the day. Freezing temps at night. That combination can cause your garage door to freeze to the ground.
If you try to force it open, you risk damaging panels, cables, or the opener itself.
The door may feel glued to the floor. Because it kind of is.
If this happens, stop. Let the ice melt naturally or use safe heat methods like a hair dryer on the seal. Never yank the door open. That usually leads to a much more expensive repair.
4. Worn or Brittle Garage Door Seals
The bottom seal on your garage door does more than keep water out. It helps block cold air, pests, and debris.
In winter, rubber seals can dry out, crack, or become brittle. Once that happens, cold air rushes in. Snow and water follow. Your garage becomes an icebox.
You might notice higher energy bills. Drafts near the door. Or even water pooling inside the garage.
Replacing a worn seal is a simple fix that can improve comfort and protect your garage contents all winter long.
Small detail. Big impact.
5. Metal Parts Shrinking and Causing Noisy Operation
Ever notice your garage door getting louder in winter?
That is not your imagination.
Cold temperatures cause metal components like rollers, hinges, and tracks to contract. When parts tighten up and lubrication dries out, friction increases. The result is squeaking, grinding, or banging noises every time the door moves.
While noise might seem minor, it is often an early warning sign. Ignoring it can lead to bigger issues like misaligned tracks or worn rollers.
A seasonal maintenance visit can quiet things down and help your door operate smoothly even on the coldest mornings.
Why Winter Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Winter is not forgiving. Small garage door issues tend to get worse faster when cold weather is involved.
A door that struggles today could fail completely during the next cold snap. And nobody wants to be stuck with a car trapped inside or outside the garage when it is freezing.
Regular maintenance helps catch problems early. It also extends the life of your garage door system and improves safety for your family.
Peace of mind matters.
Call Delaware Express Garage Door Service Before Problems Get Worse
At Delaware Express Garage Door Service, we help homeowners across Wilmington, DE, and surrounding areas stay ahead of winter garage door problems. From broken springs to noisy doors and everything in between, our team knows what cold weather can do to garage door systems.
If your garage door is acting up, making strange noises, or just does not feel right, now is the time to take action.
Winter is already here. Your garage door, aka a large moving wall should be ready.
Give Delaware Express Garage Doors a call or schedule service online at https://degaragedoors.com/. We are here to keep your garage door running safely and smoothly all winter long.
