How to Avoid Emergency Garage Door Repair This Winter in Reno, Nevada

Winter in the High Desert is no joke. If you have lived in Reno, Nevada for any length of time, you know that when the temperature drops, it drops hard. From freezing overnight lows to sudden snowstorms coming off the Sierras, our local weather takes a toll on your home’s exterior. Unfortunately, the largest moving part of your home—your garage door—often takes the brunt of this abuse.

At Overhead Door Co of Sierra Nevada - Reno™, we have been serving this community since 1979. We have seen firsthand how a sudden cold snap can turn a functioning door into a crisis. The good news? Most winter disasters are preventable. In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to winterize your system and avoid the need for emergency garage door repair when you least expect it.

Why Reno Winters Are Tough on Garage Doors

The climate in Reno, Nevada presents a unique set of challenges for garage doors. Unlike milder climates, we deal with significant temperature fluctuations. Metal components contract as the mercury dips, and this shrinking and expanding can wreak havoc on springs, tracks, and openers.

When you ignore these seasonal changes, you increase the risk of needing emergency garage door repair. For example, a torsion spring that is near the end of its lifecycle is much more likely to snap on a freezing morning than on a mild afternoon. As the trusted experts at Overhead Door Co of Sierra Nevada - Reno™, we want to help you spot these risks before they leave your car trapped in the garage.

The Most Common Winter Garage Door Issues

To avoid a breakdown, you need to know what to look for. Here are the most frequent reasons homeowners in Reno, Nevada call us for help during the winter months:

  1. Frozen Grease and Lubrication

    In the heat of summer, standard grease works fine. But in a Reno, Nevada winter, that grease can thicken into a paste that acts more like glue. This forces your opener to work harder, often leading to stripped gears or a burned-out motor. If your door sounds sluggish, it’s a warning sign that emergency garage door repair might be in your future if you don't switch to a cold-weather silicone lubricant.

  2. Broken Springs

    Your garage door springs are under immense tension. Cold weather makes the metal brittle. If you hear a loud "bang" from your garage, that is likely a spring snapping. This is an immediate cause for emergency garage door repair, as you should never attempt to lift a door with a broken spring manually. The team at Overhead Door Co of Sierra Nevada - Reno™ specializes in safely replacing these high-tension components.

  3. Misaligned Sensors

    Snow shovels, snowblowers, and drifting snow can easily knock your safety sensors out of alignment. If your door starts to close and then immediately reverses, your sensors are likely the culprit. While this seems minor, a door that won't close during a storm compromises your home's security and thermal efficiency, often necessitating a call to Overhead Door Co of Sierra Nevada - Reno™ for a quick fix.

Step-by-Step Prevention Guide

You don’t have to wait for a breakdown. By taking proactive steps now, you can keep your system running smoothly throughout the winter in Reno, Nevada.

Check Your Weather Stripping

Go into your garage during the day and close the door. Do you see light coming through the bottom or sides? If light can get in, so can freezing air and moisture. Water freezing at the base of your door can weld it to the concrete, causing the opener to fail when you try to open it. Replacing worn weather stripping is a simple way to avoid emergency garage door repair caused by a frozen-shut door.

Lubricate All Moving Parts

As mentioned earlier, the wrong lubricant is a killer. We recommend using a high-quality silicone spray on your rollers, hinges, and springs. This prevents the "sticky" operation common in Reno, Nevada winters. If you are unsure which product to use, give Overhead Door Reno a call, and we can point you in the right direction or handle the maintenance for you.

Test Your Balance

Disconnect your opener (with the door closed) by pulling the red emergency release cord. Lift the door halfway up by hand. Does it stay in place? If it slams down or shoots up, your springs are unbalanced. Unbalanced doors put massive strain on your opener. Fixing this balance now is much cheaper than the emergency garage door repair bill for a replaced motor later.

The Importance of Insulation in Northern Nevada

In Reno, Nevada, an insulated garage door is not just a luxury; it’s a money saver. An uninsulated metal door acts as a giant heat exchanger, pulling warmth out of your home. Cold garages also impact the viscosity of the oil in your car and the battery life of your power tools.

At Overhead Door Reno, we offer a variety of Thermacore® insulated doors that act as a barrier against the cold. Upgrading to an insulated model reduces the thermal shock to your door’s internal components, further lowering the likelihood of needing emergency garage door repair.

Commercial Garage Door Winter Prep

It isn't just homeowners who struggle. Business owners in Reno, Nevada rely on functional loading docks and commercial entryways. A stuck door means downtime, and downtime means lost revenue.

Commercial doors in Reno, Nevada face heavier usage cycles than residential ones. We recommend that local businesses schedule a preventative maintenance check with Overhead Door Reno every fall. Catching a frayed cable or a worn roller now ensures your deliveries keep moving, preventing an inconvenient emergency garage door repair situation during business hours.

When to DIY and When to Call the Pros

We love a good DIY project, but some garage door tasks are simply too dangerous for the average homeowner.

Attempting to fix high-tension parts yourself can lead to severe injury. If you encounter these issues, professional emergency garage door repair is the only safe option.

Why Choose Overhead Door Reno?

We know you have choices in Reno, Nevada. However, Overhead Door Reno is the only authorized distributor of Overhead Door™ products in the region. We have the backing of a national brand that has been a leader in the industry for over 100 years, combined with the local care of a business that has served Northern Nevada since 1979.

We don't just fix doors; we provide peace of mind. Whether you are in Sparks, Carson City, or right here in the heart of Reno, Nevada, our technicians are ready to serve. We understand that when you need emergency garage door repair, you need it fast, and you need it done right the first time.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Storm

Don't let the first snowstorm of the year be the day you find out your garage door is broken. A little preparation goes a long way. By inspecting your system and partnering with Overhead Door Reno, you can ensure your home stays secure and warm.

If you suspect your door isn't ready for the cold, or if you are already experiencing issues, don't hesitate. Contact us today. We are proud to provide the most reliable emergency garage door repair services in Reno, Nevada. Let us help you keep your door moving, no matter what the weather brings.

Our Customers

What They Say About Us

“My husband and I can't say enough positive comments about Overhead Door Company of Sierra Nevada Reno. We made an appointment to have a garage door opener installed in our new home. They confirmed the appointment the day before and arrived on time as scheduled. (May sound like a big deal, but of the many service providers we've been working with on our new property, they are the only ones to do what they said they would do.) The installer was professional and courteous, and the installation was complete in less than an hour. They provided the remotes we requested, and the final cost was exactly what we were quoted - to the penny. Finally, the installer thanked us for our business! It is clear, customer services is very important to this business. If you are looking for help with a garage door - We give Overhead Door Company of Sierra Nevada Reno the highest recommendation possible.”
- Linette A.

“Fantastic Service! I was really happy with their speedy and reliable service. They worked around my schedule and came at a time that was convenient for me. I will definitely be using Overhead Door from now on!”
- Brett C.