Picture this: It’s a chilly winter morning and you’re heading to work.
You get in the car, set your travel mug of coffee in the cupholder, and buckle up. You’re about to start the car so you press the garage door opener remote.
But, nothing happens. The door doesn’t budge. You think, is my garage door frozen shut? What should I do?
The good news is, there are a few ways to thaw a frozen garage door. Read on to learn how to do it and what tools you need. And, don’t forget to tell your boss you’ll be late for work.
There are many possible reasons why a garage door won’t open. So, you’ll want to rule them out before you assume it’s frozen shut.
Check the door opener control panel (usually on your garage wall, near the door into the house) and make sure the lock control isn’t activated. This can get switched on accidentally and keep the door from opening.
Make sure no components are broken in the garage door system. The springs and tracks might not work like they would in warmer weather. This is because cold temperatures make the metal contract.
If the door is indeed frozen shut, don’t continue to try and open it. This could burn out the motor which means you’d have to replace or repair the opener .
Here are three ways to thaw a frozen garage door.
The quickest solution is to pour warm or boiling water along the bottom edge of the garage door. This is the best option if you’re in a hurry.
Make sure you open the door soon after you pour the water. If you don’t do this quickly, the water might freeze and you’ll end up with even more ice.
Once the door is open, use a dry mop or a towel to wipe up the water. This will keep the door from freezing shut again.
You can also use the ice scraper from your car to chip away at the ice. Be careful not to damage the rubber seal at the bottom of the door. You might need to go outside and use the scraper on the other side of the garage door.
A heat gun is a handheld tool that produces hot air. This is a safe way to melt the ice, but it might take awhile. If you don’t have one of these tools, a hair dryer could also work.
If none of the above methods work, you still have a few options.
Hiring a trained technician is always a good idea when there’s something wrong with your garage door. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that it’ll be fixed correctly.
While this option requires a lot of physical strength, you can attempt to manually open your garage door . But, this isn’t a safe choice if you’re alone.
While a garage door frozen shut can be frustrating, there are a few ways to prevent it from happening in the future.
Make sure the place where the garage door meets the floor is free from water and snow. You can use a mop or a shovel to keep this area clear. Also, make sure to open the door at least once a day because it will prevent ice from freezing too firmly.
Keep your garage door in working order by getting it serviced by a technician. If you need your garage door repaired or replaced, contact us today for high-quality service.
At G Brothers Garage Doors, we blend family values with unmatched expertise. Since 2014, we’ve proudly served the Denver Metro area with top-notch garage door solutions for both residential and commercial needs. As a family-owned business, we believe in treating every customer like a member of our family. Experience the dedication and care that sets us apart—where quality, service, and community come together seamlessly.