How Calgary’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles Damage Garage Doors

How Calgary’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles Damage Garage Doors

(And What You Can Do to Prevent It)

Calgary residents are no strangers to wild weather shifts — especially in the winter and spring. One day it’s -15°C, the next it’s above freezing. These freeze-thaw cycles might be normal in Southern Alberta, but they’re no friend to your garage door.

If you’ve ever wondered why your garage door sticks, groans, or starts acting up after temperature swings, you're not alone. Let’s break down how Calgary’s climate causes damage and what you can do to protect your investment.

Quick Tip: If your door is already showing signs of trouble, don’t wait — explore our Garage Door Repair in Calgary page for fast help.

What Is a Freeze-Thaw Cycle?

A freeze-thaw cycle happens when temperatures dip below freezing overnight and rise above freezing during the day. In Calgary, these cycles occur frequently from October through April.

Water seeps into small cracks and crevices in your garage door system. When it freezes, it expands. When it thaws, it contracts. Over time, this constant movement causes serious damage.

6 Ways Freeze-Thaw Cycles Damage Garage Doors

1. Warped Garage Door Panels

Moisture that sneaks into the door’s material (especially in wood or older steel doors) expands during freezing, causing warping, bending, or cracking.

Solution: Consider upgrading to insulated garage doors for better durability and resistance.

→ Learn more: Insulated Garage Doors in Calgary

2. Frozen Weather Stripping

Water trapped under weather stripping can freeze and bond your garage door to the ground, causing resistance when opening or tearing the seal completely.

Fix it: Replace worn weather seals early. Explore our Garage Door Maintenance options to prevent small issues from becoming big ones.

3. Damaged Springs and Cables

Metal contracts in cold temperatures, increasing tension on garage door springs and lift cables. Repeated stress weakens them, leading to breakage or snapping — often without warning.

→ Read more: Garage Door Spring Repair in Calgary

4. Opener Malfunctions

Garage door openers struggle in extreme temperatures. Grease thickens, sensors frost up, and motors strain, especially if the door track is iced or misaligned.

→ Troubleshooting tip: If your garage door opener hesitates, it may need lubrication or a tune-up. We offer Garage Door Opener Installation & Repair.

5. Cracked or Shifted Tracks

Temperature shifts can cause mounting brackets to loosen or shift slightly. Over time, this throws off alignment and puts stress on rollers and tracks.

You may notice shaking or jerky movement when opening the door — a clear sign it’s time to call in a pro.

6. Rust and Corrosion

Meltwater and road salt tracked into the garage promote rust buildup on hinges, tracks, and rollers — reducing the lifespan of critical components.

Preventative tip: Schedule seasonal tune-ups to remove buildup and protect key hardware.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Garage Door?

✅ Schedule regular seasonal maintenance — especially in fall and early spring
✅ Upgrade to an insulated garage door with moisture-resistant materials
✅ Lubricate moving parts with cold-weather-safe products
✅ Install a bottom seal protector to reduce freezing at the base
✅ Check and replace worn-out weather stripping every season

→ Learn more about our Garage Door Services

Don’t Wait for a Full Breakdown

In Calgary, freeze-thaw damage is more of a “when” than an “if.” If your garage door is making odd noises, struggling to open, or freezing shut — don’t ignore it.

We provide same-day garage door repairs, expert diagnostics, and long-term prevention strategies to protect your door all year round.

→ Book your Garage Door Repair in Calgary today.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Garage Door Year-Round

Calgary’s climate can be brutal on your garage — but it doesn’t have to cost you big. Stay proactive, schedule regular service, and when in doubt, trust a local garage door company that understands the unique challenges of Alberta’s freeze-thaw cycles.

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