2024-01-10 7 min read Sunapee Garage Doors Team
While New Hampshire winters get most of the attention when it comes to garage door care, the hot summer months bring their own unique challenges. High temperatures, humidity, and increased usage can all affect your garage door's performance and longevity.
This comprehensive guide will help you prepare your garage door for the warmer months, ensuring reliable operation and preventing costly repairs.
Understanding how hot weather impacts your garage door helps you take proactive measures:
Metal Expansion As temperatures rise, metal components like springs, tracks, and hardware expand. This can affect door alignment and operation. While modern garage doors are designed to handle temperature fluctuations, extreme heat can cause temporary issues that resolve as temperatures moderate.
Lubricant Degradation Heat accelerates the breakdown of lubricants on moving parts. Without proper lubrication, components wear faster and the door operates louder and less smoothly.
Weatherstripping Stress High temperatures can cause weatherstripping to become soft and less effective. In extreme cases, the material can warp or melt, compromising your garage's seal.
Electrical Component Sensitivity Garage door openers and safety sensors are sensitive to heat. Extreme temperatures can cause these components to malfunction temporarily or fail prematurely.
Follow this checklist to prepare your garage door for summer:
1. Lubricate Moving Parts Apply a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant to: - Rollers (unless they're sealed nylon) - Hinges, Springs (carefully, or hire a professional) - Tracks (sparingly) - Pivot points on the opener arm
Avoid petroleum-based products that can attract dust and debris.
2. Inspect and Clean Weatherstripping Check all weatherstripping for: - Cracks or brittleness, Gaps or poor contact, Signs of melting or warping, Dirt buildup that prevents proper sealing
Clean seals with mild soap and water, and replace any damaged sections.
3. Test Safety Features The summer months often see increased garage activity. Ensure safety systems work properly: - Test the auto-reverse by placing a 2x4 on the floor where the door closes, Check that photo-eye sensors are aligned and clean, Verify the emergency release cord functions properly
4. Check Door Balance Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.a job for professionals.
5. Inspect for Pest Entry Points Warm weather brings increased pest activity. Check for gaps where insects or rodents might enter and seal any openings.
Extended sun exposure can cause significant damage over time:
UV Protection for Wood Doors If you have a wooden garage door: - Apply UV-resistant sealant or paint, Consider adding a weather-resistant finish, Inspect for fading, cracking, or warping, Address any damage before it worsens
Metal Door Care For steel or aluminum doors: - Wash with mild soap to remove oxidation, Apply automotive wax for extra protection, Touch up any chips or scratches to prevent rust, Consider a reflective paint to reduce heat absorption
A hot garage can exceed 100°F on summer days. Consider: - Installing a ventilation fan, Adding insulation to reduce heat transfer, Using a reflective garage door blanket, Keeping the door cracked (if secure) during peak heat hours
Some summer maintenance tasks require professional attention: - Spring adjustment or replacement, Track realignment, Opener motor issues, Panel replacement or painting, Safety system repairs
At Sunapee Garage Doors, we offer comprehensive summer maintenance packages that cover all these concerns and more.
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your garage door performs reliably all summer long. By following these tips and scheduling regular maintenance, you'll avoid unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your door.
Need help getting your garage door summer-ready? Call Sunapee Garage Doors at (978) 961-5660 for a professional inspection!