Your garage door is one of the most important entryways to your home. It serves as a primary access point for home occupants and helps keep vehicles and other belongings secure. However, as outdoor temperatures soar, your garage door can become susceptible to damage from extreme heat and humidity. The best way to prevent serious damage is to practice proactive maintenance to help keep your door operating smoothly year-round.
1. Clean the Rollers and Tracks
Over time, garage door rollers and tracks naturally accumulate dirt, debris, and even small objects from regular use throughout the year. If left unchecked, this buildup can harden into a layer of grime that interferes with the smooth operation of your garage door. In hot climates, this grime can dry out the tracks, causing friction and even damage to the rollers.
In addition to grime, foreign objects like twigs, leaves, or small rocks can become lodged in the tracks, blocking the movement of rollers entirely. This hinders the door’s operation and accelerates wear on the rollers, potentially leading to costly repairs. It’s essential to clean the tracks and rollers thoroughly before summer heat sets in to avoid these issues.
Start by removing any loose debris with a vacuum or a dry cloth. Then, use a stiff brush and a mild detergent mixed with warm water to scrub away stubborn dirt and grime. Be sure to dry the tracks completely. After cleaning, consider applying a lubricant to keep the rollers moving smoothly through hot and humid weather.
2. Lubricate Springs and Hinges
Many moving parts of a garage door are made of metal, and higher temperatures can cause metal materials to expand. This expansion can increase friction and wear, resulting in sluggish door movements or even damaged components. Experts recommend using fresh lubricant on metal parts like hinges and torsion springs, especially during the hotter months. Lubricating torsion springs helps prevent rust from the humidity, and options like silicone-based or lithium-based lubricants are ideal for high-temperature conditions.
3. Inspect the Weatherstripping Around Your Garage Door
Weatherstripping helps block dust, debris, and pests from entering your garage. In hot, humid environments, weatherstripping can dry out, crack, or warp. Regular use and extreme temperature changes can accelerate wear, and damaged weatherstripping can let warm air into your garage, increasing the temperature inside and potentially raising your home’s cooling costs.
If you notice cracks, tears, or gaps, replacing the weatherstripping is crucial to maintaining your garage’s insulation. Measure the length of the bottom of your garage door to determine how much replacement material you’ll need, and ensure a snug fit to keep out hot air and pests.
4. Check the Garage Door Cables
Garage door cables are essential for safely operating your garage door. Over time, cables can become frayed or brittle, especially under high heat. If you notice fraying or broken strands, contact a professional right away. Replacing cables yourself can be dangerous, as they are under a lot of tension and pressure.
5. Tighten Loose Hardware
High temperatures and frequent garage door use can loosen bolts, screws, and other hardware over time. Regular tightening can help prevent misalignment and keep the door operating smoothly. Make it a habit to check all nuts, bolts, brackets, and fasteners before the hottest months to ensure everything is secure.
6. Replace the Springs if Necessary
In high-heat environments, garage door springs can expand and contract more frequently, leading to excessive wear and tear. If your springs seem unusually stiff or struggle to open and close the door smoothly, reach out to a professional for replacement before they cause further issues.
7. Check for Warping or Damage to Door Panels
Garage doors made of wood or composite materials are especially vulnerable to warping or cracking in extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to the sun or humidity can damage the structure of the door, affecting both its appearance and function. If you notice warping, it’s a good idea to have a contractor assess whether repairs or replacement are necessary.
8. Evaluate the Garage Door Opener, Remote, or Keypad
Heat can also affect your garage door opener and remote. In higher temperatures, batteries tend to discharge more rapidly, and the electronics in your opener could overheat, leading to malfunctions. Check the batteries in your remote and keypad before the summer hits and replace them as needed to ensure everything functions smoothly.
9. Maintain Safety Sensors
Safety sensors are designed to prevent your garage door from closing if something is in the way. Over time, dust, debris, or even insects can block the sensors, leading to potential malfunctions. In humid or dusty environments, these sensors may need extra attention. Take the time to clean them off regularly, especially during the summer months, to keep them working properly.
10. Test the Balance of the Garage Door
Garage doors are heavy, and maintaining proper balance is key to their function and safety. A door that is out of balance can wear out the motor and other components more quickly, leading to costly repairs. Balance testing should be left to professionals, who can disconnect the garage door opener and test whether the door stays in place when it’s manually moved halfway. Imbalanced doors are often harder to open and close and can pose safety risks.
Contact Us Today
At Door Works Garage Doors, we’ve proudly served the residents of Colleyville, TX, and the surrounding areas since 1991. We install and repair garage doors and offer annual maintenance. During maintenance, our professionals use a 26-point checklist to identify any issues with your garage door. This includes inspecting the door’s structural integrity, motor operation, and whether the safety sensors are aligned properly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
