Why Is My Garage Door So Slow in Cold Weather?

Is the door binding?

Pull the emergency release with the door closed and lift the door by hand. If it is stiff, noisy or uneven, the problem is in the door, not the opener: dry rollers, tight hinges or a worn spring.

Which lubricant should I use?

Use a garage-door spray or a light silicone or lithium lubricant on hinges, roller bearings and springs. Avoid heavy grease, which gets thicker in the cold. Wipe tracks clean rather than greasing them.

Can the opener settings cause it?

Yes. Openers have force and travel settings. If the force is set too low, the opener may stop or reverse when cold makes the door harder to move. Adjusting force to cover up a binding door is unsafe, though, so fix the door first.

What about the batteries?

Remote and keypad batteries lose power in the cold. If the door responds only when you are close, replace the batteries.

When should I get help?

If the door is still slow after lubricating, or if it is jerky, lopsided or loud, have it checked. See annual tune-up or opener repair.

Does an insulated door help?

An attached garage with an insulated door stays warmer than one with a single-layer door, so the door, opener and seals are less affected by the cold. It also helps with heating bills if there is a room above.

Could a spring be the real problem?

Yes. A spring that is losing tension makes the door heavier, and the opener has to make up the difference. On a cold morning that extra load can be enough to stop the door. If the door feels heavy when lifted by hand, have the springs checked before adjusting the opener.

More garage door guides

• Garage Door Frozen to the Floor? How to Free It Safely
• Torsion vs Extension Springs: Which Does My Door Have?
• Why Does My Garage Door Go Down and Then Back Up?
• Is an Insulated Garage Door Worth It in Central Indiana?
• How Can I Make My Garage Door More Secure?