Cold weather in Tacoma can be hard on garage doors. Freezing temperatures, moisture, and daily use can put extra stress on the door and its moving parts. Many homeowners start looking for garage door companies in Tacoma when their system begins to act up, but knowing the warning signs early helps keep your home safe through the winter season.
Why Winter Conditions Create Safety Problems
Winter weather brings moisture, cold air, and ice. These elements can make small garage door problems much worse.
Cold Air Affects Springs and Metal Parts
Garage door springs and metal tracks can stiffen when temperatures drop. Springs weaken over time, and cold air speeds up that process. A weak spring makes the door feel much heavier and puts strain on the opener.
Frozen Moisture Can Block Moving Parts
Moisture that settles near the bottom of the door can freeze overnight. This can cause sticking, loud popping sounds, or the opener struggling to lift the door.
Sensors Can Stop Working
Cold weather can cause safety sensors to fog up or lose alignment. When sensors fail, the door may not close at all or might reverse unexpectedly.
Warning Signs Your Garage Door May Be Unsafe
If you notice any of the signs below, the door should be checked before winter weather gets worse.
Loud or New Noises
Squeaking, grinding, or clanking sounds usually mean a part is wearing out. Winter temperatures can make these noises louder and point to a bigger issue inside the opener, springs, or rollers.
Door Opens Crooked or Shakes
A garage door that shakes, leans to one side, or moves unevenly is unsafe. This often means a cable is fraying or a spring is damaged. When this happens, the door can drop suddenly or get stuck halfway.
Slow or Weak Opening
If the opener strains or slows down, the door could be too heavy for the motor. This often happens when parts are worn out. In winter, the problem gets worse as cold temperatures stiffen the system.
Door Gets Stuck to the Ground
Ice buildup along the bottom can cause the door’s seal to stick to the floor. Forcing the opener to lift a stuck door can bend panels, break springs, or burn out the motor.
Safety Sensors Do Not Respond
If the door closes even when something is in the way, the sensors may not be working. This creates a major safety risk during daily use, especially in winter when visibility can be low.
If you notice any of these issues, searching for garage door companies in Tacoma is a helpful first step so you can get a trained technician to inspect the system.
What Winter Does to Older Garage Doors
Older garage doors face more trouble during the cold months. Parts that are already worn can fail faster.
Older Springs Wear Down Faster
Springs face the most strain during winter. A worn spring can snap without warning. This can leave the door impossible to lift and unsafe to operate.
Tracks and Rollers Rust or Stick
Moisture from rain and ice can cause rust. Rust leads to friction, which makes the door move unevenly.
Weather Stripping Breaks Down
Old weather seals crack in cold air. When that happens, cold drafts enter the garage, and ice can form along the threshold. This increases the chances of the door freezing shut.
When to Call a Professional From Garage Door Companies in Tacoma
Some garage door issues require expert help because the system is heavy, complex, and unsafe to work on without the right tools. Calling trusted garage door companies in Tacoma ensures your door is inspected correctly and repaired with long-lasting results.
You should contact a professional if you notice:
- Loud grinding, squeaking, or popping noises
- A door that shakes, jerks, or moves unevenly
- Broken, stretched, or worn springs
- Frayed or loose cables
- An opener that strains, stalls, or stops responding
- A door that feels heavier than normal
- Bent or misaligned tracks
- Safety sensors that stop working or cause the door to reverse
A trained technician can evaluate the springs, cables, tracks, opener, and safety systems to make sure everything is working safely and efficiently.
Related Articles:
- Why Install a New Tacoma Garage Door Before Winter
- How Winter Cold Affects Your Garage Door in Tacoma
Keep Your Garage Safe Through Tacoma’s Winter
Winter weather can bring unexpected challenges. If your garage door feels strained or hard to operate, professional service can prevent accidents and reduce repair costs. Reliable garage door companies Tacoma can explain what is wrong, complete needed repairs, and make sure everything is safe for winter driving, freezing temperatures, and daily use.
If your garage door is sticking, making loud noises, or showing signs of wear this winter, help is close by. All Service Garage Doors serves the South Puget Sound region with honest guidance, safe work practices, and dependable customer care.
Our team offers free estimates, same-day service options, and full support for repairs, maintenance, and new garage door installations. Reach out today to work with one of the most trusted garage door companies in Tacoma, a team that puts safety first in every service.