Steep drives, runoff and winter mornings
A driveway that slopes toward the garage sends rain straight at the bottom of the door. Water pools at the threshold, runs under a worn seal and sits against steel or wood. Over time this causes rust on the bottom panel and rot in old wood doors.
Winter adds its own trouble. Freezing nights can glue a rubber bottom seal to the slab, so the opener tears it when the door lifts. Ice on a steep driveway also raises the chance that a vehicle will slide into the door. Cold thickens old grease on rollers and hinges, and a stiff door puts more strain on springs and the opener than most owners realize.

