2024-01-10 7 min read
As temperatures rise during the summer months, your garage door faces unique challenges that can affect its performance and longevity. Heat can cause materials to expand, lubricants to thin, and components to work harder. This guide will help you prepare your garage door for hot weather and keep it functioning optimally all summer long.
Understanding the impact of high temperatures is the first step in protecting your garage door:
Material Expansion: Metal components expand in heat, which can cause binding, sticking, or misalignment. This is particularly noticeable in metal doors and tracks.
Lubricant Breakdown: High temperatures can cause lubricants to thin and evaporate faster, leaving components dry and prone to friction.
Weatherstripping Deterioration: Rubber and vinyl weatherstripping can become brittle, crack, or warp in extreme heat, compromising the seal around your door.
Opener Strain: The motor in your garage door opener works harder in hot conditions, especially in an unventilated garage that can reach temperatures of 100°F or more.
Check all weatherstripping around your garage door, including the bottom seal and the seals around the door frame. Look for:
- Cracks or brittleness, Gaps when the door is closed, Flattened or compressed sections, Missing pieces
Replace any damaged weatherstripping before the hot weather arrives. Quality weatherstripping not only keeps heat out but also prevents pests, dust, and water from entering your garage.
Apply a high-quality, heat-resistant lubricant to all moving parts:
- Hinges and rollers, Springs (both torsion and extension) - Tracks (lightly) - Chain or belt, Pivot points on the opener arm
Choose a lubricant specifically designed for garage doors or use white lithium grease, which holds up better in heat than standard oils.
A properly balanced door puts less strain on the opener, which is crucial during hot weather when the motor is already working harder. To test balance:
1. Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle 2. Manually lift the door halfway 3. Let go.the door should stay in place 4. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment
Spring adjustment should only be performed by a professional due to the extreme tension involved.
Your garage door opener needs extra attention before summer:
- Clean any dust or debris from the motor housing, Check that vents are not blocked, Listen for unusual sounds during operation, Test the auto-reverse safety features, Consider adding a surge protector if you don't have one
Garages can become extremely hot, putting stress on your opener and stored items. Improve ventilation by:
- Installing a garage exhaust fan, Adding vents to the garage door or walls, Keeping the garage door cracked open during the coolest parts of the day, Using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture buildup
If your garage door faces south or west, it receives the most sun exposure:
- Consider a lighter-colored door that reflects heat, Add insulation to an uninsulated door, Install an awning or landscaping for shade, Use reflective window film on any garage door windows
Dust and debris accumulate faster in summer. Keep tracks clean and wipe down the door surface regularly. For metal doors, check for any rust spots and address them promptly with rust-resistant paint.
Pay attention to how your door operates during hot weather:
- Does it move slower than usual? - Are there new sounds? - Does it stop or reverse unexpectedly? - Is the opener running hot?
Any changes in performance should be investigated promptly before they become major problems.
A well-maintained garage door also protects what's inside:
- Keep heat-sensitive items away from the door, Store chemicals and paints in climate-controlled areas if possible, Consider a garage ceiling fan to improve air circulation, Use moisture-absorbing products to combat humidity
Contact a garage door professional if you notice:
- The door is significantly harder to open or close, Unusual sounds that don't improve with lubrication, Visible damage to springs, cables, or tracks, The opener overheating or shutting off, Significant gaps in weatherstripping that DIY replacement can't fix
Preparing your garage door for hot weather takes a little effort but prevents bigger problems down the road. Regular maintenance, proper lubrication, and attention to ventilation will keep your door operating smoothly all summer long. Remember, a well-maintained garage door also contributes to your home's energy efficiency by keeping cool air in and hot air out.
Need help preparing your garage door for summer? Contact Old Saybrook Garage Doors for a comprehensive maintenance check.