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When people think of hassles during the winter, shoveling and salting sidewalks likely come to mind. However, there is one other risk you should be aware of: frozen garage doors. This happens when snow that accumulates around the door melts at the base during the daytime and then freezes between the ground and the rubber end of the door at night. If you find yourself faced with this dilemma, there are some steps you can take to open the door again.

Use Heat 

garage doorDepending on how cold it is that day, you may be able to pour hot water over the ice to melt it. Just make sure you quickly open the garage doors with a remote once the buildup has been cleared—if it's below freezing, the water can easily turn into ice again within minutes.

If you don’t want to be outside for that long, use a space heater from inside the garage. Pointing the heat source at the door will allow the snow to melt gradually, giving you more time to open the door before the water refreezes. This method will take a bit more time, but it’s safer and takes less energy to accomplish. 

Break the Ice

When all else fails, chip away at the ice. Start by clearing the snow away from the door. This will make it easier to see what you are doing. Then, carefully use an ice pick to break away at any buildup at the bottom of the door. Make sure you don’t rush through this process, as haphazard movements could damage the hardware. 

 

If you’re facing garage door troubles this winter, the professionals at Superior Overhead Door in Oxford, CT, are here to assist. They help residents in New Haven, Southbury, Fairfield, and the surrounding areas with emergency repairs seven days a week, and they'll even provide a free estimate for the work involved. Give them a call today at (203) 881-2207 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their repair services. 

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