What to Do If Your Garage Door is Frozen to the Ground

Winter brings its fair share of challenges, and one of the most frustrating ones is discovering that your garage door is frozen to the ground. While it might be tempting to yank it open, doing so could cause damage to your garage door or opener. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely and effectively deal with this icy issue and prevent it from happening again.

Step 1: Avoid Forcing the Door

Resist the urge to force your garage door open. Pulling it too hard could damage the door panels, weatherstripping, or even the opener mechanism. Instead, take a closer look to confirm that ice is the problem.

Step 2: Inspect the Door and Ice

Check along the bottom edge of your garage door to see if ice has formed between the door and the ground. Sometimes, melting snow or rain can seep under the door and refreeze, creating a strong seal of ice.

Step 3: Use Gentle Heat

• Hairdryer or Heat Gun: Use a hairdryer or heat gun on the lowest setting to melt the ice. Move the heat source continuously to avoid damaging the rubber seal at the bottom of the door.
• Warm Water: Pour warm (not boiling) water along the base of the door. This will help melt the ice quickly. Be sure to dry the area afterward to prevent refreezing.

Step 4: Chip Away the Ice

Once the ice starts to melt, use a plastic scraper or spatula to gently chip away any remaining ice. Avoid metal tools, as they can scratch or damage your door.

Step 5: Apply a De-Icer

If stubborn ice remains, spray a commercial de-icing solution or rubbing alcohol along the frozen area. These products can help break down the ice more effectively. Be cautious of de-icers that may contain chemicals harmful to concrete or landscaping.

Step 6: Test the Door

After clearing the ice, test the garage door by lifting it manually. If it still won’t budge, there may be other issues, such as frozen tracks or springs. In that case, it’s time to call a professional.

Preventing Your Garage Door From Freezing

To avoid dealing with a frozen garage door in the future, take these preventative measures:

• Replace Weatherstripping: Ensure the weatherstripping at the base of your door is in good condition to seal out water and cold air.
• Clear Water: After snow or rain, remove any standing water near the base of your garage door to prevent it from freezing overnight.
• Use a Silicone Lubricant: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the door tracks and weatherstripping to keep parts moving smoothly in cold weather.
• Elevate Your Door Slightly: If possible, leave your garage door raised an inch off the ground overnight during extreme cold to prevent it from freezing shut.

When to Call a Professional

If your garage door still won’t open or you suspect damage to the opener or door components, it’s best to contact a professional repair service. A trained technician can safely assess and fix the issue without risking further damage.

At On Track Garage Door, we understand how frustrating winter garage door problems can be. Our experienced team is here to help with repairs, maintenance, and preventative care to keep your garage door functioning smoothly all year long. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services!