I recently insulated my garage door with a foam kit and I don't think it weighs much at all. I believe the culprit is the weatherstripping I added to the the frame. I think it is creating a vacuum that is hard for the opener to fix. If the door sits for a while, it struggles to start the opening process. Once it is moving it is fine, but there is an initial jolt that shakes the door and the worm drive track pretty good.
- Are my suspicions correct?
- Is the weather stripping too tight so the door needs backed away a bit on the track, or does the spring need wound a few turns?
Best Answer
If your weatherstripping was installed firmly to the door, the problem is probably simple static friction. In total, the seal creates a substantial drag on the door, which is enhanced by warm weather making the seal softer and stickier.
I'd try applying a drying, not-greasy lubricant to the weather stripping--silicone or Teflon. Alternatively, adjust the depth of the door rail brackets slightly to reduce the pressure of the door against the seal.