A garage door can last for several decades. However, the effects of the weather and a lack of preventive maintenance can shorten this lifespan. Your garage door is constantly exposed to the elements. In the summer, heat and humidity may affect its functionality.
If you want your garage door to survive the summer, you need to take measures to mitigate the effects of summer weather on your door. But, to do maintenance, you should first understand these effects.
Heat
Summer is a hot month; sometimes, even your garage door cannot bear the heat. When the sun hits your garage door directly for long periods, the door’s surface temperature increases. The high temperature causes your garage door’s metal parts to expand, which throws off its balance.
Excessive heat may also affect your garage door motor’s electrical system. If your garage door keeps acting up in the summer, have a garage door technician check it and adjust its sensitivity.
Direct Glare on Your Sensors
Your garage door sensors alert your door of any obstructions to ensure that it does not crush something when closing. The photo-eyes on the sensor may not always tell the difference between sun rays and an obstruction. So your door may go up randomly when the summer sun shines too brightly.
Some sensor manufacturers produce shades for the photo-eyes on sensors to prevent the effects of sun rays on your door. Your garage door contractor can install these shades on your sensor.
Humidity
Chicago summers are hot and humid. Moisture and mechanical moving parts do not go well together. Garage doors tend to stick when humidity levels are high. So, you will notice that your garage door stops moving smoothly up and down.
Garage door lubricant comes in handy in high humidity levels. Regularly lubricate your garage door’s moving parts in the summer to resolve issues caused by humidity. Essential parts to lubricate include:
- Springs
- Hinges
- Door opener chain drive
- Metal rollers
If you have a wooden garage door, the door may absorb moisture in the air. Excessive moisture causes cracking and rotting in wood. Seal your garage door with a weather-resistant finish to protect it from high moisture levels.
Summer Storms
A sturdy garage door can withstand summer storms without functionality issues. However, thunderstorms sometimes cause power outages and surges. Your automatic door opener will not work without power, and power surges may damage your garage door opener’s circuit board.
Install a surge protector on the outlet where you have plugged your garage door opener. A surge protector diverts excess voltage that may damage your garage door opener’s electrical system. The device ensures the opener receives constant electrical power levels.
Also, learn to open your garage door manually using its emergency release. That way, you will not get stuck if there is no power. Alternatively, you can install a battery backup system so your garage door still opens automatically when there is no power.
Finally, always inspect your garage door after a storm to identify damages that may impair its functionality.
Intense Sunlight
As the summer sun beats on your garage door, the colors may fade. Fading is especially common in garage doors made from painted wood. A faded garage door reduces your home’s curb appeal. Therefore, prevent fading by treating your garage door with a weather-resistant finish.
Summer is a season for vacations and spending time outdoors. But, your garage door may ruin your fun with frequent malfunctions or breakdowns. At Raynor Door Company, we take care of your seasonal garage door maintenance, repairs, and installations, so you can never have to worry about garage door issues. Contact us for more information on how we can help you maintain your garage door during the summer.