How To Open A Frozen Garage Door

Have a frozen garage door?  It happens.  When a cold snap dips the temperature below freezing, rain and wind can be the worst enemy of your garage door.  If water gathers under the rubber seal on the bottom of the garage door and freezes, the door could stick, preventing you from opening the door.  since the inside of your garage, even if it’s not insulated, is usually warmer then the outside, you probably will not have too much ice to get rid of from under you door.

Here are some helpful DIY tips to get that garage door unstuck.

-Pull the emergency release cord so you can manually open your door–the red plastic handle which hangs in the center of the door assembly near the door.  Trying to open the frozen door with the garage door opener can burn out the motor or strip the motor’s gears.

-Pull up on the garage door to see if you can break the frozen seal.  If not, go outside and, using an ice scraper, try to scrape the ice from between the bottom of the door and concrete.  This may easily break up the ice, freeing your door from the ice.

-If your door is still frozen, grab a heat gun (if you have access to one) and aim it at the bottom of the garage door, moving along the entire edge.  It may take a little to slowly heat the bottom of the door and melt the ice but it will met it safely without damaging the door.

However, if you are in a hurry, you can always pour hot water along the edge of the garage door.  This works quickly to unfreeze the door.  Also, if it is safe to do so and you will be home, leave your garage door open a little so that the sun melts the ice.

If you rather not mess with a frozen garage door—call us!  We will be happy to help!  We have reasonable service rates!  Or if you are in the market for new garage doors—we give FREE estimates!