Why gates are particularly vulnerable in winter

In winter, several stresses act simultaneously: frost causes metal parts to become brittle, Ice blocks movement, and moisture promotes corrosion. Particularly affected are:

• Sectional garage doors : sensitive to springs, rollers and floor seals.
• Swing gates: Hinges, bearings and drives are sensitive to frost and moisture.
• Sliding gates : long tracks freeze over, ice blocks rails and rollers.
• Industrial doors: High usage frequency makes weak points particularly critical in winter – DGUV inspections mandatory.

Problem 1: Frozen floor seals

Ground seals are the first point of contact with winter: snow and meltwater collect and freeze.

• Sectional doors (private): Gap seals freeze, door is difficult to open.
• Sliding gates (industrial): Ice formation in floor rails blocks the movement.

Solution: Regularly keep the seals clear, retrofitting modern seals, de-icing spray for quick relief.

Problem 2: Stiff casters & hinges

Cold causes lubricants to become viscous and moisture to penetrate bearings.

• Sectional doors: Rollers begin to squeak or block.
• Swing gates: Hinges and bearings freeze or warp due to frost.
• Sliding gates: Long rails freeze, rollers do not run smoothly.

Solution: Clean and lubricate rollers and hinges before the start of winter. If defective, replace with original parts.

Problem 3: Wire ropes under load

Wire ropes are subject to heavy wear and tear – particularly at risk from moisture and road salt.

• Sectional doors: Cables corrode, fray, and in the worst case, break.
• Industrial doors: Longer & stronger cables – higher risk of corrosion.

Solution: Check regularly, replace damaged ropes immediately, and in industrial applications, also use slack rope switches .

Problem 4: Spring breakage in sectional doors

Only sectional doors have torsion or tension springs – and this is precisely where many defects occur in winter.

Cause: Cold increases material fatigue, the springs break after thousands of cycles.

Solution: Check springs regularly and have them replaced immediately by a specialist at the first sign of damage.

Problem 5: Electronics & drive problems

Electronics and drives suffer twice in winter: moisture and cold cause malfunctions.

• Private: Garage door openers react with a delay, handheld transmitters lose range.
• Swing gates: Spindle or hydraulic drives freeze or run with difficulty.
• Industrial sliding gates: Control systems absorb moisture due to frost damage, and fuses blow.

Solution: Preventive maintenance, insulate control cabinets, and use smart home modules with diagnostic functions for private gates.

Problem 6: Emergency release is stuck

The emergency release is rarely used—often for the first time in winter. Ice or lack of maintenance can cause it to jam.

• Private: External emergency release on garages frozen.
• Industry: Mechanical unlocking on sliding or swing gates is difficult to operate.

Solution: Check and lubricate before the onset of winter, upgrade if necessary.

Checklist: Getting gates ready for winter

• Check and clean seals.
• Lubricate rollers and hinges.
• Check wire ropes, remove rust.
• Check the spring system on sectional doors.
• Test drives, keep electronics dry.
• Check that the emergency release is working.

Practical examples from the Rhine-Main area

Mainz: Frozen garage sectional door with defective floor seal – we replaced the seal, and the door has been running smoothly ever since.
Wiesbaden: Swing gate drive blocked by frost – ready for use again after lubrication and readjustment.
Frankfurt: An industrial sliding gate in a logistics hall was blocked due to a frozen rail – our team freed and serviced the gate the same day.

FAQ – frequently asked questions

How do I prevent floor seals from icing up?

Regularly remove snow and ice and maintain seals with silicone spray.

Do I have to check springs myself?

Visual inspection only – replacement only by specialist companies.

What do I do if the drive fails in winter?

First use the emergency release, then contact a specialist company.

Conclusion – safe through the winter with preparation & service

Winter problems with doors are normal – but avoidable. Sectional doors, swing gates, and sliding gates require different attention. With maintenance, suitable spare parts and the service of Schweighöfer Tortechnik, you are on the safe side in the Rhine-Main area.