As Winter Storm Fern approaches the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex this Saturday, January 24, 2026, North Texans are bracing for a dramatic “weather whiplash.” Temperatures that started in the 50s are expected to plummet, with Saturday night lows reaching a bone-chilling 10 to 14 degrees. For cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, and Irving, this isn’t just a threat to your pipes, it’s a major hazard for your garage door. If you are in Forney, Rockwall, Heath, Sunnyvale, Parker or Rowlett, know that Flash Garage Door Service is close and can be there in a FLASH!
When the mercury hits 10 degrees, the metal components of your garage door system, including the springs, tracks, and hinges, physically contract. This tension makes parts more brittle and puts immense strain on your opener. At Flash Garage Door, we want to ensure you aren’t stuck out in the cold or inside your garage. Here is how to protect your home.
Preventative Maintenance Before the Freeze
The best way to handle a 10-degree night is to prepare while it’s still above freezing.
- Lubrication is Key: Use a silicone-based lubricant on all moving metal parts (springs, rollers, and hinges).
Avoid WD-40, as it can degrease and gunk up in extreme cold. Lubrication reduces friction, helping the motor work less during the freeze. - Check the Sensors: Cold air and moisture can cause condensation or “fogging” on the photo-eye sensors. Wipe the lenses with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent the door from reversing unexpectedly.
- Clear the Threshold: Sweep away any water, slush, or debris from the bottom of the door. If water pools and freezes at the base, your door will be literally glued to the concrete.
What to Do if Your Garage Door is Frozen and Stuck.
How to Open Your Garage Door if the Power Goes Out?
If you wake up Saturday morning and your door won’t budge, do not continue to hold the button on your opener. This can burn out the motor or strip the gears. If the power is out, the opener won’t work anyways, right? Use these steps in case of expected power outages too.
- Pull the Red Emergency Release: Disengage the opener by pulling the red cord. Try to lift the door manually. If it still won’t move, the bottom seal is likely frozen to the ground.
- Break the Ice Seal: Use a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting along the bottom rubber seal. You can also gently use a plastic ice scraper to chip away ice but be careful not to tear the weather stripping.
- Melt and Dry: If you use warm water to melt the ice, dry the area immediately with a towel. Otherwise, that water will refreeze within minutes in 10-degree weather, making the problem worse.
Don’t let the arctic blast leave you stranded. If your springs snap or your motor fails during the storm, Flash Garage Door is here to help.
Please let us know if you would like to schedule a winter safety inspection for your DFW home? Call us at (972) 299-0540 or schedule a Winter Tune-up online.