Doors that are frozen shut are a more common problem than you might think. Even a tiny piece of ice can prevent your door from opening if it’s lodged between the hinges. Unfortunately, a frozen door could have serious implications for your home, far beyond being a minor inconvenience.
The residential roofing and door contractors at Universal Roofing & Exteriors elaborate further below.
How to Get Rid of Ice Build-Up
As temperatures dip below freezing, ice might start to form on and around your front door, causing the following problems:
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Ice forming along the edges – Remove larger chunks of ice using a sharp tool while taking care not to damage the frame. Thaw the remaining ice using a blow dryer, and then use a towel to wipe the moisture away.
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Key doesn’t fit into the lock – Moisture can also make its way to the door lock and prevent you from opening it. You can use hot water to thaw the ice. To prevent water from entering the locks and jamming it again, you can install silicone around the edge of the lock.
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The door won’t close, but there’s no ice around the door – This is a common problem for older doors and indicates that water might have infiltrated your door through gaps and cracks. You can use a dryer to thaw the ice within the door frame, but you’ll need to replace your door soon. Otherwise, water might make its way to the other parts of your home.
How to Keep Ice From Coming Back
Check your roof and the rest of your exterior for signs of damage. For example, clogged gutters can lead to moisture problems in many parts of your home, including your entry doors. For the right solution to every exterior problem, hire a qualified contractor.
Looking for contractors in your area? Universal Roofing & Exteriors, a HAAG-certified residential roof inspector, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including roof repair services. To get a free estimate, call us at (317) 257-0779 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Carmel and Zionsville, IN, and the surrounding communities.
