Frozen garage door fixes: How to stop doors from sticking in cold

Winter in Ontario can be beautiful, but it also brings a new set of challenges for homeowners, especially when sub-zero mornings turn garage doors into frozen obstacles. For residents in Brampton, Toronto, Mississauga, and beyond, discovering your garage door is stuck just as you’re heading to work or preparing for holiday gatherings can quickly turn a peaceful morning into a stressful scramble. East Pro Service Solutions Inc has local expertise in garage door service and repair, and we’re here to share proactive steps and expert tips to keep your garage doors moving smoothly all winter.

Why Do Garage Doors Freeze in Ontario’s Winters?

One of the top People Also Ask (PAA) questions we receive is: “Why does my garage door get stuck in cold weather?” The answer is simple—Ontario’s unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles cause moisture to settle at the bottom of garage doors. When temperatures drop overnight, this moisture solidifies, acting like glue between the door and driveway. Add in ice-laden tracks, stiffened moving parts, and brittle weatherstripping, and it’s easy to see why garage doors often misbehave during a cold snap.

Common Causes of Frozen or Sticking Garage Doors

Understanding the specific causes helps you address the right solution. Frozen garage doors are often the result of:

• Water or slush pooling at the base of the door and freezing overnight.
• Damaged or worn weather seals allowing more moisture in.
• Lack of lubrication in metal tracks, hinges, and rollers causing them to contract and stick.
• Accumulation of snow, ice, or rock salt along door tracks.
• Faulty garage door openers struggling in lower temperatures.

Quick Fixes for a Stuck Garage Door

If your garage door is stubbornly stuck this December, don't panic. Here are immediate, safe fixes to try before calling the pros:

• Gently chip away any visible ice around the door base using a plastic scraper. Avoid prying or using sharp tools that can damage the door or weatherstripping.
• Pour lukewarm (not boiling) water along the bottom edge to loosen ice, then quickly wipe the area dry to prevent refreezing.
• Try disengaging the automatic opener and manually lift the door. If it won’t budge, don’t force it.
• Apply a recommended garage door spray lubricant to moving parts if rollers or tracks seem stuck—never use heavy oils or grease in cold weather.

Proactive Tips to Prevent Garage Door Freezing

Prevention is key to smooth mornings during Ontario’s winter. Follow these steps regularly for the best results:

Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping

Check for worn, brittle, or cracked weather seals at the door’s base and sides. East Pro Service Solutions Inc recommends installing durable, winter-rated weatherstripping to keep out moisture, slush, and wind.

Keep the Area Clear

Shovel snow and remove ice from just outside and along the garage door threshold as soon as possible after storms. This reduces water buildup and subsequent freezing.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Use a silicone-based lubricant on hinges, rollers, and tracks every few months. Avoid petroleum-based products, which can harden and attract debris.

Check Garage Door Opener Performance

Older openers may struggle as temperatures drop. If you notice slow operation or unusual noises, arrange for a professional tune-up from a trusted Ontario garage door specialist.

Best Practices for Winter-Ready Garage Doors

• Schedule a professional inspection before peak winter hits to catch worn-out components or minor alignment issues early.
• Use garage mats or floor-liners to divert water away from the door’s base.
• Close the garage door fully after use to minimize the indoors-outdoors temperature difference and limit condensation.

Local Support for Reliable Garage Door Service

Ontario winter storms don’t wait for convenient times, and neither do garage door emergencies. That’s why East Pro Service Solutions Inc offers prompt garage door repair services for residents across Brampton, Etobicoke, Scarborough, and the GTA. We install, maintain, and repair doors from top brands like LiftMaster, Genie, and Chamberlain with a focus on safety and quality—so your home stays accessible and secure year-round.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down

Frozen garage doors can be a hassle, but with a few preventative measures and a trusted local partner, you can avoid the most common cold-weather headaches. Whether it’s replacing old weatherstripping, lubricating moving parts, or getting ahead with seasonal maintenance, East Pro Service Solutions Inc is your go-to provider for garage door service in Ontario. Need help with a stuck door right now? Contact us for expert, same-day service! Visit our website or call to schedule a winter garage door check so you can enjoy a stress-free, accessible home this holiday season.