Our garage doors work hard year-round, but summer presents unique challenges. Extreme heat, UV rays, and humidity can affect your garage door's performance and appearance. However, with some care and attention, you can ensure your garage door remains in top-notch condition throughout the sunny season.
Let’s walk you through the steps to protect your garage door during summer to avoid needing a West Palm Beach door repair.
The Impact of Summer on Garage Doors
Before getting tips on how to keep your garage door in tip-top shape during the summer, let's dig deeper into the effects that hot temperatures, sunrays, and humidity have on doors.
Extreme Heat and its Effects
Most materials, including metal and composite materials used in garage doors, expand when exposed to higher temperatures. This happens because the particles within the material gain energy and move more vigorously. This natural but harmful process, known as thermal expansion, can affect the door's alignment, leading to operational issues like difficulty opening and closing.
High temperatures can also put more stress on your garage door opener. The motor may have to work harder to lift the expanded door, which could result in premature wear and tear.
Finally, the heat can cause the paint and finish on your garage door to deteriorate faster, giving it a faded, weathered appearance.
Harmful UV Rays
UV rays are notorious for causing paint and finish to fade and lose their vibrant colors. This problem can make your garage door look worn and aged.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can also weaken certain garage door materials. It may lead to cracks and a reduction in structural integrity. If your garage door has windows, UV rays can damage the seals and the interior of the windows, making them less effective over time.
The Impact of Humidity
High humidity levels during summer can produce rust and corrosion, particularly on metal components such as springs, tracks, and hinges. This issue not only affects the appearance of your garage door but can also impair functionality.
Some garage door materials, like wood, absorb moisture in humid conditions, causing them to swell, warp, and become misaligned.
Tips to Maintain Your Garage Door During the Hot Season
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Begin by cleaning the door surface. Use a mild detergent, a soft brush or cloth, and water to remove dirt, debris, and any cobwebs that may have accumulated on your garage door. After cleaning, rinse the door thoroughly with water and let it dry.
While cleaning, take the opportunity to inspect your garage door for visible damage. Look for dents, cracks, or any loose hardware. Identifying and dealing with these issues early on can prevent them from worsening.
Another critical aspect of maintenance is testing the balance of your garage door. Disconnect the door opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it remains in place when released, the balance is good. However, if the door starts to fall or rise, it may need to be balanced by a professional to ensure smooth operation.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Smooth operation is key to a well-functioning garage door. Start by lubricating the hinges and rollers of your garage door. Applying a garage door-specific lubricant to these components reduces friction, minimizes wear and tear, and enhances operation.
However, please exercise caution and don't over-lubricate. Excess grease can attract dust and debris and lead to more significant issues. Therefore, apply lubricant sparingly and wipe away any excess.
Checking and Adjusting Springs and Tension
Garage door springs balance the door's weight, and safety should be a priority when dealing with these components. Leave this task to professionals, as springs are under high tension and can be dangerous without the necessary expertise.
Perform a visual inspection of the springs. Look for signs of wear, rust, or damage. If you notice any of these issues, call a qualified technician to assess and address the problem.
Inspecting and Sealing Gaps and Cracks
Begin by inspecting the garage door's perimeter for gaps and cracks that may have developed over time. These openings allow hot air, pests, and dust to infiltrate your garage.
Use weatherstripping or sealant designed for garage doors to seal any gaps you find. When properly applied, they will keep pests out and help regulate the temperature inside your garage, making it more comfortable throughout the summer.
Installing Insulation
Insulation offers numerous benefits, such as maintaining a more stable temperature in your garage. This perk can help reduce the impact of extreme heat during the summer, making your garage a more pleasant space year-round.
Protecting Against UV Damage
Preserving your garage door's appearance and structural integrity involves protecting it from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Consider using UV-resistant paint or coatings on your garage door to shield it from the sun's intense rays. UV-resistant products are designed to minimize fading and damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
To maintain UV protection, periodically inspect your garage door's finish. If you notice any signs of wear or fading, consider repainting or reapplying UV-resistant coatings as needed.
When to Contact Professionals
When summer wins the battle, and your garage door needs repairs, you have no choice but to contact experts. Here's how to spot when your door needs professional maintenance:
- Strange Noises: If your garage door makes unusual grinding or squeaking noises, it could indicate problems with the opener or springs.
- Difficulty Operating: If the door becomes difficult to open or close, it might be out of balance or have worn-out components.
- Visible Damage: Cracks, dents, or visible damage to the door panels require immediate attention.
- Unstable Movement: A garage door that jerks or moves unevenly poses safety risks and should be checked by a professional.
- Lack of Response: You could be experiencing electrical or control issues if your garage door opener doesn't respond to remote or wall switch commands.
Contact Florida Garage Door Company for Top West Palm Beach Door Repair
For expert garage west palm beach door installation, repairs, and maintenance, contact Florida Garage Door Company. Our experienced technicians are here to keep your garage door in top shape, providing peace of mind all year round. Call us today!
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