Stuck Garage Doors
- Thread starter boomer1025
- Start date
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I know there will be some negative reactions to this but I did find an easy solution to the problem.
The situation in my case is caused by drippage from the car and truck collecting at the door seal lip, which tends to form a dam. I can sometimes have 1/4" of water pooled up there. When it freezes, it sticks to the seal and I've had the seals rip off a few times (I have a 3 door garage).
I always had put the seal on so that the lip is outward (looks nice and architecturally correct). I'm sure a building inspector would give me a permission slip to live there after seeing my beautiful installs.
However, with the seal lip outward (presumably to keep water from coming IN), it tends to trap water trying to go OUT.
So, when I put the seals on BACKWARDS, the water still gets trapped, but not under the door. No more door frozen to the door sill. Now, the seal lip is inside. From outside, you can see the cushion part of the seal. No complaints from the war department yet...
The situation in my case is caused by drippage from the car and truck collecting at the door seal lip, which tends to form a dam. I can sometimes have 1/4" of water pooled up there. When it freezes, it sticks to the seal and I've had the seals rip off a few times (I have a 3 door garage).
I always had put the seal on so that the lip is outward (looks nice and architecturally correct). I'm sure a building inspector would give me a permission slip to live there after seeing my beautiful installs.
However, with the seal lip outward (presumably to keep water from coming IN), it tends to trap water trying to go OUT.
So, when I put the seals on BACKWARDS, the water still gets trapped, but not under the door. No more door frozen to the door sill. Now, the seal lip is inside. From outside, you can see the cushion part of the seal. No complaints from the war department yet...
GPintheMitten
Elite Member
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I have a guaranteed solution. Leave the door open. 
gonegreen
Bronze Member
I have a guaranteed solution. Leave the door open.
Now that presents a whole new set of problems!
gonegreen
Bronze Member
Thanks for the idea - I'll give it a try!
OP
boomer1025
Platinum Member
Ok I've tried the sand & RV Antifreeze. It seams to work to keep things from freezing. Put down some sand then take a spray bottle with RV antifreeze and spray/soak the sand and spray the bottom seal on the door. Just give the sand a spray every now and then.
Pilot
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My brother's garage burned when heat tape was used in some planters stored in the garage in the winter. Overheated the boxes (probably had a lot of organic matter in the soil mix). I would be careful with the heat tape since the seal on the bottom of the door is rubber, which burns well.
My first thought would be to spray the concrete and door seal with Pam or other non-stick product. The Meguires, sounds good too.
My first thought would be to spray the concrete and door seal with Pam or other non-stick product. The Meguires, sounds good too.
sailfast
Silver Member
Glue the heat tape to the concrete. run it on a timer for 15 minutes in the morning.
JDgreen227
Super Member
As I suggested in my post #2 here, use the adjustment controls for the opener so the door closes until it leaves a gap just 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the concrete. I have 3 different openers and they all permit that.
gonegreen
Bronze Member
Which would be perfectly fine if you didn't live where the wind constantly blows snow across an open field and under the garage door
.