Your garage door is one of the most used and exposed parts of your home, constantly subjected to the elements. Whether it’s extreme heat, cold, humidity, or storms, different weather conditions can take a toll on your garage door’s functionality and longevity. Understanding these effects and taking proactive measures can help prevent costly garage door repair and ensure your garage door stays in optimal condition year-round. At Ascension Garage Door Service, we provide expert solutions to keep your garage door working smoothly, no matter the weather.
How Different Weather Conditions Impact Your Garage Door
1. Extreme Cold and Freezing Temperatures
Winter weather can cause several issues for your garage door. Freezing temperatures can lead to metal contraction, affecting the movement of springs, tracks, and other components. Ice and snow can also cause the door to stick or freeze shut, preventing smooth operation.
How to Prevent Cold Weather Damage:
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a high-quality silicone-based lubricant to prevent metal components from stiffening due to the cold.
- Check Weatherstripping: Ensure your garage door’s weatherstripping is intact to prevent drafts and ice buildup.
- Keep Tracks and Rollers Clear: Remove any ice or snow around the door to prevent it from sticking.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Contact a professional garage door company like Ascension Garage Door Service to ensure your door is winter-ready.
2. High Heat and Sun Exposure
Intense summer heat can also cause issues, particularly for garage doors made of metal or wood. Direct sunlight can cause expansion in materials, potentially leading to misalignment. Heat can also affect garage door sensors, making them malfunction.
How to Prevent Heat-Related Issues:
- Insulate Your Garage Door: An insulated door can help regulate temperatures and prevent warping.
- Protect Sensors: Ensure sensors are shaded or positioned properly to prevent sunlight interference.
- Check for Warping: If you have a wooden garage door, seal it properly to prevent heat-related expansion and cracking.
3. Heavy Rain and Flooding
Excess moisture from heavy rain and flooding can lead to water damage, mold growth, and rust formation on metal components. Wooden garage doors are especially vulnerable to warping and rotting due to excessive moisture exposure.
How to Protect Your Garage Door from Rain Damage:
- Inspect the Seals: Ensure the bottom seal is intact to prevent water from seeping into your garage.
- Apply a Protective Coating: Metal doors should be treated with anti-rust coatings, and wooden doors should be sealed properly.
- Improve Drainage Around Your Garage: Make sure water drains away from your garage instead of pooling around it.
4. Wind and Storm Damage
Strong winds and storms can put your garage door at risk of dents, misalignment, or even complete detachment if it’s not secured properly. Flying debris can also cause damage to panels, windows, and hardware.
How to Prepare for Storms:
- Reinforce Your Garage Door: If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or strong storms, consider installing a wind-rated garage door.
- Secure Loose Items Around Your Property: Prevent damage by ensuring objects that could become airborne during a storm are properly stored.
- Inspect Your Door After a Storm: Look for dents, misalignment, or broken components and seek garage door repair immediately if needed.
5. Humidity and Condensation
Excessive humidity can lead to rust on metal parts, swelling in wooden doors, and electronic failures in automated systems. Over time, high moisture levels can also lead to mold and mildew growth inside your garage.
How to Control Humidity:
- Ventilate Your Garage: Install vents or use a dehumidifier to regulate moisture levels.
- Use Rust-Resistant Materials: If you live in a humid climate, choose garage doors made from aluminum or vinyl, which are more resistant to moisture damage.
- Regularly Wipe Down Metal Parts: Keep metal components dry to prevent rust buildup.
General Maintenance Tips for Year-Round Protection
To ensure your garage door remains in peak condition regardless of the weather, follow these maintenance practices:
1. Perform Routine Inspections
Regularly inspect your garage door for signs of wear and tear, including rust, cracks, or misalignment. If you notice any issues, schedule a professional garage door repair service promptly.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Apply a high-quality lubricant to the springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks every few months to prevent stiffness and ensure smooth operation.
3. Keep the Tracks Clean
Debris, dust, and dirt can accumulate in the tracks over time, affecting your garage door’s movement. Regularly clean the tracks with a dry cloth or mild cleaner.
4. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature
Modern garage doors are equipped with auto-reverse safety mechanisms to prevent injuries. Test the feature by placing an object in the door’s path—if it doesn’t reverse, contact a garage door company for immediate repairs.
5. Replace Old Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping helps seal your garage door and keep out the elements. If it’s cracked or damaged, replace it promptly to improve insulation and weather resistance.
When to Call a Professional Garage Door Service
While some maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, certain garage door issues require professional expertise. Call Ascension Garage Door Service if you experience:
- A garage door that won’t open or close properly.
- Loud noises or unusual vibrations during operation.
- Broken springs, cables, or tracks.
- Water leakage or excessive humidity in your garage.
- A garage door that appears misaligned or damaged after extreme weather.
Conclusion
Weather can have a significant impact on the functionality and lifespan of your garage door. By understanding how different weather conditions affect your door and taking preventive measures, you can avoid unexpected repairs and ensure smooth operation year-round. For expert maintenance, garage door repair, and installation, trust Ascension Garage Door Service—your reliable garage door company dedicated to keeping your home safe and secure. Contact us today for professional service and expert advice!