As the summer sun starts beating down, you’re probably thinking of barbecues, pool parties, and enjoying the great outdoors. But the changing season also means it’s time to focus on an often overlooked task – your summer garage door maintenance Richmond TX. Like any other part of your home, your garage door needs some TLC, especially with the heat on its way. This article will guide you through the 21 best summer maintenance tips for your garage door to ensure its smooth operation and prolong its lifespan.
Understanding the Heat Effects on Garage Doors
Before we dive into the maintenance tips, it’s essential to understand the impact of summer heat on your garage doors, especially considering the potential for warping, misalignment, and increased wear and tear. Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can cause the door material to expand and contract, affecting the lubrication of the moving parts. Additionally, the warm season can invite pests into your garage, posing risks such as nibbling on the door’s wiring or building nests in inconvenient places that may necessitate garage door repair.
One critical step towards maintaining your garage door in summer is understanding the potential impact of heat. So, why does your garage door struggle in the summer?
- Metal Expansion: Most garage doors have metal parts. Heat can cause these parts to expand, leading to operational issues or even failure.
- Lubricant Deterioration: High temperatures can cause lubricants to thin out and lose their effectiveness, leading to increased friction and potential damage.
- Increased Power Usage: If your garage door is struggling due to heat, your garage door opener may use more power to operate, decreasing its lifespan.
Recognizing these factors is the first step in proactive summer garage door maintenance.
Understanding these potential issues helps you better tackle the summer-proofing of your garage door, ensuring it remains efficient and safe throughout the season.
The 21 Best Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Garage Door
So, what can you do to protect your garage door from summer’s wrath? Here are the top 21 summer maintenance tips for your garage door.
1. Check and Replace Weather Stripping
The summer heat can cause weather stripping around your garage door to crack and break. Regularly inspect the weather stripping and replace it as needed.
One of the most fundamental summer maintenance tips for your garage door revolves around weather stripping. This thin piece of material plays a vital role in maintaining your garage’s temperature and keeping out unwanted pests.
During the summer, the heat can cause your weather stripping to become brittle and crack, compromising effectiveness. It is crucial to regularly inspect the condition of the weather stripping to ensure it is doing its job efficiently.
To check the weather stripping:
- Open your garage door entirely.
- Examine the bottom of the door, where the weather stripping is located. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, tears, or areas where it might be coming loose.
- Check how well the stripping seals when the door is closed. There should be no gaps where light can pass through.
If you find that your weather stripping is damaged, it’s time to replace it. Here are the steps:
- Purchase a new weather stripping that matches the width of your garage door. You can find this at your local hardware store or online.
- Remove the old stripping. Depending on your garage door, you might need a screwdriver for this task.
- Clean the area where the old stripping was attached to remove dirt or residue.
- Measure and cut your new stripping to fit your door.
- Attach the new weather stripping according to the product’s instructions. Typically, this involves sliding it into a track on the door or adhering it using a strong adhesive.
2. Clean the Door Tracks
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in your garage door tracks. Clean them to ensure the door can glide smoothly.
Another crucial part of your summer maintenance regimen should be cleaning the tracks of your garage door. Over time, dirt, grime, and debris can accumulate in the tracks, causing the door to operate less efficiently and even leading to potential damage.
Remember, while keeping your garage door tracks clean is essential, do not attempt to adjust or repair the tracks yourself. This can be dangerous and should be left to professional garage door technicians. Regular cleaning, however, can significantly improve the functionality and lifespan of your garage door, especially during the hot summer months.
3. Realign Safety Sensors
Summer heat can cause slight movements in your garage door’s structure, potentially displacing the safety sensors. Regularly check their alignment and adjust them if needed.
Maintaining a safe garage door requires mechanical maintenance and attention to the safety sensors, including diligent garage door repair. These sensors detect potential obstacles and prevent accidents. Over time, these sensors can become misaligned, causing the door to reverse or not close properly. To check and realign these sensors, locate them near the bottom of the door track on both sides of the garage door. If the sensors aren’t closing properly or blinking, realign them by gently pushing them in the direction they appear to be pointing off.
Test the door by opening and closing it with an object blocking the sensors. If the door reverses, realign the sensors, and if not, contact a professional for faulty sensors or wiring issues. Regularly checking and realigning safety sensors is crucial for a safe and functional garage door, especially during the summer when garage usage is more frequent.
4. Inspect Springs for Wear
With the arrival of summer, the rising heat can accelerate the wear and tear on your garage door springs – a critical component in the operation of your garage door. These springs are under much tension and, if not properly maintained, can break, posing a potential safety risk to your family and pets. It is, therefore, vital to conduct regular inspections, looking out for signs of wear or damage, especially in the context of garage door repair. If you spot worn-out or damaged springs, replacing them immediately is essential to prevent any sudden and potentially hazardous failures. Remember, your safety is paramount; don’t ignore the health of your garage door springs.
5. Reprogram the Opener
Summer brings frequent power fluctuations, which can disrupt your garage door opener’s programming. Ensure safety and functionality by reprogramming it after any power surges or outages. This simple step prevents unforeseen issues and keeps your garage door working optimally.
6. Check All Hardware for Tightness
The heat can cause expansion and contractions that loosen screws and bolts. Check the hardware regularly and tighten any loose parts.
7. Test Door Balance
If your garage door is imbalanced, it will strain the opener. Disconnect the opener and manually move the door halfway up. If it doesn’t stay put, it’s imbalanced and needs adjusting.
8. Lubricate Moving Parts
Heat can make the lubrication evaporate faster, causing the moving parts to work harder. Use a high-quality, heat-resistant lubricant on all moving parts.
9. Check the Insulation
Proper insulation keeps your garage cooler, creating a more comfortable environment and reducing the strain on your door. Inspect your insulation for wear and tear and replace it if needed.
10. Clean the Garage Door
The summer sun can highlight a dirty garage door! Keep your door looking its best and running smoothly by cleaning it with mild detergent.
11. Inspect Rollers for Damage
Your door’s rollers can take a beating from the summer heat, especially if subjected to frequent use. Inspect them regularly, and if you notice any issues, such as damage or wear, consider addressing them promptly through garage door repair.
12. Paint the Door with Light Colors
Light colors reflect heat, helping keep your garage and door cooler. Consider a fresh coat of paint if your door is dark.
13. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation can help keep your garage cool, reducing the stress on your door. Install vents or fans if your garage still needs to get them.
14. Regular Professional Maintenance
While DIY maintenance can handle most of the minor issues, having a professional inspect your garage door, especially for specialized tasks like garage door repair, at least once a year is exemplary. They can spot problems early and provide solutions before they become significant issues.
15. Install a Heat-Resistant Garage Door
If you’re considering replacing your door, opt for a model designed to withstand heat. These doors usually have better insulation and are made of materials that resist warping and fading.
16. Use Energy-Efficient Openers
These openers use less power and generate less heat, a double win for your garage’s summer heat management.
17. Consider Solar Operated Openers
As an eco-friendly and efficient alternative, consider investing in solar-operated garage door openers. These openers won’t put a strain on your power grid during the intense summer heat and, importantly, they remain functional even during power outages. This ensures uninterrupted access to your garage, blending convenience with environmental sustainability – an ideal choice for the modern, green-conscious homeowner.
18. Check for Signs of Overheating
If your garage door opener is hot to the touch or smells like it’s burning, it may be overheating. Overheating is common in summer, and your garage door opener is no exception. These are clear signs of overheating if it feels boiling or emits a burning smell. Do not ignore these symptoms. Immediately disconnect the opener to prevent potential damage or fire hazards, and promptly call a professional for garage door repair to assess and fix the issue. Safety should always be your first concern.
19. Remove Flammable Materials
During summer, elevated temperatures can amplify fire risks. It’s imperative to sweep your garage, removing any flammable materials thoroughly. This preventative step contributes significantly to your home’s overall safety, reducing the likelihood of a fire incident. Maintaining a clean, organized, and fire-proof garage should be a top priority for every homeowner
20. Insulate the Garage
Insulating your garage, in addition to your garage door, is a crucial step in creating a comfortable environment in summer. Effective insulation not only prevents hot air intrusion but also retains cool air, minimizing energy loss. An insulated garage can significantly enhance your space’s comfort, creating an energy-efficient and eco-friendly home.
21. Keep the Door Closed
When not in use, keep the door closed to help maintain a cool temperature inside the garage.
Final Thoughts on Garage Door Care in Summer
Summer maintenance for your garage door, including essential tasks like lubrication and inspection, might seem daunting, but taking these steps can significantly extend the lifespan of your door and improve its performance. Remember, a well-maintained garage door is not only an efficient one but also safer for everyone in the house. Beat the heat this summer, and schedule a professional garage door repair if necessary to give your garage door the care it needs!
Your garage door is crucial to your home’s safety, security, and energy efficiency, especially during the hot summer months. Following these summer maintenance tips for your garage door can ensure its longevity and smooth operation. Whether you own a residential or commercial garage, a well-maintained garage door is key to beating the summer heat.
Stay calm, and remember, when in doubt, it’s best to call the professionals for any maintenance tasks you’re uncomfortable doing yourself. Happy summer, and here’s to a well-functioning garage door!
Contact First Call Garage Doors For Your Summertime Garage Door Maintenance
As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to ensure your garage door is in top shape. Take your time with issues to appear; proactively safeguard your pets and property, including addressing any potential garage door repair needs. Contact First Call Garage Doors for your Summertime Garage Door Maintenance. Our team of experts will ensure your garage door is safe, functional, and pet-friendly. So don’t delay. Make your first call to First Call Garage Doors today!