The weather plays a crucial role in the performance and longevity of your garage doors. From extreme temperatures to storms, blizzards and everything in between, various weather conditions can affect different components of a garage door system. Understanding these impacts is essential for homeowners looking to maintain their garage doors effectively and ensure they function optimally year-round. Here’s how the weather affects your garage door and what you can do about it.
Temperature fluctuations
One of the most significant impacts of weather on garage doors is temperature fluctuation. Garage doors are exposed to both indoor and outdoor temperatures, which can vary greatly throughout the day and across seasons. These fluctuations cause materials like metal, wood, and plastics to expand and contract. For example, during hot weather, metal components can expand, potentially causing issues with the door’s movement along its tracks. Conversely, in cold weather, these materials contract, which may lead to stiffness or resistance when opening or closing the door.
Moisture and humidity
Moisture and humidity levels also play a critical role in garage door maintenance. Excessive moisture can lead to rust and corrosion on metal components such as springs, hinges, and tracks. Wooden garage doors are particularly susceptible to moisture absorption, which can cause swelling, warping, and even rotting over time. Moreover, high humidity levels can affect the smooth operation of the door, as damp conditions may cause parts to stick or become sluggish in movement.
Impact of wind
Strong winds can exert significant pressure on garage doors, especially if they are not securely fastened or if weather seals are damaged. This pressure can lead to structural stress on the door panels and tracks, potentially causing misalignment or even damage to the door’s integrity. Ensuring that garage doors are properly reinforced and that weather stripping is intact can help mitigate the effects of wind and maintain the door’s stability.
Effects of precipitation
Rain, snow, and hail can all impact garage doors differently. Rainwater can seep into cracks and gaps in the door, potentially causing damage to internal components over time. Snow accumulation on or around the door can add weight and strain to the opening mechanism, especially if the door is not properly insulated or maintained. Additionally, freezing temperatures can cause water to expand and contract, leading to stress on the door’s materials and mechanisms.
Garage door maintenance tips
Given the varied impacts of weather on garage doors, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure their longevity and proper function. Here are some key maintenance considerations:
Inspect and lubricate moving parts
Inspecting and lubricating the moving parts of your garage door is a critical aspect of its maintenance routine. Over time, components such as rollers, tracks, springs, and hinges can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, which can hinder their smooth operation. Regular inspection allows you to identify any signs of wear, corrosion, or misalignment early on. Lubricating these parts with a suitable lubricant reduces friction and wear, ensuring that the door opens and closes smoothly. This not only extends the lifespan of the garage door but also enhances its overall performance and reliability, providing peace of mind that your garage door will operate efficiently when you need it most.
Check weather stripping
Checking the weatherstripping on your garage door is crucial for maintaining insulation and protecting your garage from weather elements. Weatherstripping serves as a barrier against drafts, moisture, and debris that can enter the garage and affect its interior environment. Over time, weather stripping can wear out or become damaged, leading to gaps and compromising the seal around the door.
Regular inspection allows you to identify any worn-out sections or gaps that need to be addressed promptly. Replacing damaged weather stripping ensures that your garage remains energy-efficient by preventing heat loss in winter and keeping cool air inside during summer. This simple maintenance task not only helps to preserve the condition of your garage but also contributes to the overall comfort and efficiency of your home.
Monitor and adjust springs
Monitoring and adjusting the springs of your garage door is essential for ensuring safe and effective operation. Springs are critical components that bear the weight of the garage door, assisting in its smooth opening and closing. Over time, springs can experience wear and tear, affecting their tension and performance. Regular monitoring allows you to detect any signs of spring fatigue, such as sagging or uneven movement of the door. Adjusting the springs ensures that they are properly tensioned to support the weight of the door without excessive strain. This not only prolongs the lifespan of the springs but also prevents potential issues such as door imbalance or failure to open and close properly. However, adjusting garage door springs can be dangerous due to the high tension involved, so it’s recommended to consult a professional technician for this task to ensure safety and proper adjustment. Regular maintenance of springs helps to maintain the overall functionality and safety of your garage door system, providing reliable performance for years to come.
Keep the garage door clean
Regular cleaning helps to remove dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris that can accumulate on the surface of the garage door over time. These contaminants not only detract from the appearance of your home but can also affect the operation and longevity of the garage door mechanisms. Use a mild detergent and water solution to gently wash the exterior of the door, focusing on areas prone to buildup such as around hinges, handles, and weather seals. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. For wooden garage doors, periodic polishing or sealing can help protect the wood from moisture and UV damage. By maintaining a clean garage door, you not only enhance its curb appeal but also contribute to its smooth operation and prolong its lifespan, ensuring it continues to function effectively and look its best for years to come.
Garex, your garage door specialist
Weather conditions significantly impact the functionality and lifespan of garage doors. By understanding these effects and implementing proactive maintenance measures, homeowners can ensure that their garage doors operate smoothly and efficiently throughout the year.
Whether it’s addressing temperature fluctuations, managing moisture levels, protecting against wind forces, or preparing for precipitation, proactive maintenance is key to preserving the integrity of garage doors and enhancing their longevity.
If you are planning to install a new garage door or you want to customize and maintain your old one, do not hesitate to call a Garex specialist to assist you. Our garage doors are manufactured here, in Canada, and designed to offer the best energy efficiency on the market.
Request an online quote here.
