As the days get longer and summer is officially here, it’s time to start thinking about how the hot weather affects your garage door. While most people enjoy soaking up some sunshine during their time outdoors, unfortunately your garage door isn’t quite so lucky. With the air temperature rising, it can have an adverse effect on the functioning of your garage door if certain precautions aren’t taken. In this blog post, we will discuss why you should be aware of how summer heat impacts your garage doors and what steps you need to take in order to help prevent any problems from arising as a result of this seasonal change.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
During the summer months, your garage door may be subject to increased wear and tear. The hottest temperatures can cause the springs and other components to stretch or become misaligned, leading to decreased performance of the door. Warning signs to look out for include loud noises when it opens or closes, sticking when trying to open or close, jostling in tracks during movement, a slow response time, inconsistent movement that starts and stops abruptly, or jerks while it is opening. Paying attention to changes in performance could improve safety by preventing an unexpected breakdown that could lead to injury or damage. Make sure to keep up with annual maintenance checks on your door too!
How to Insulate Your Garage Door Against Heat Damage
Insulating your garage door against heat damage is essential for protecting the integrity and longevity of your garage. It is not recommended to use conventional insulation applications due to fire hazards, so it’s important to identify more suitable options. Consider using a three layered roller system which consists of a reflective bubble wrap layer, a foam board layer, and an air gap between them. Another option involves wrapping exterior grade aluminum foil onto the door to reflect incoming radiant heat. Additionally, replace any doorstops that crack or shrink in extreme temperatures with neoprene-based flexible seals as they are designed to expand and contract without breaking down. With these useful tips in mind, you can rest assured that your garage doors will be effectively insulated against heat damage.
What To Do When Your Garage Door Is Already Damaged
If your garage door is already warped or damaged from the often unpredictable summer weather, there are several things you can do to improve it. First, inspect the door for any holes in the insulation that could be allowing more heat into your garage. If this is an issue, fill these holes with caulk or spray foam and then make sure your weather stripping is properly working. Additionally, applying a fresh coat of paint to panels can extend its life by acting as a barrier between the elements and metal components. Finally, check if you have a manual or automatic mechanism in place to close and open your garage door – if not, that may be something worth looking into since automated models are far better equipped against periods of extreme temperature changes than manual doors.
How Regular Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Unnecessary Damage
Regular maintenance of your garage door is an important part of making sure it lasts longer and doesn’t require expensive repairs. An annual lubrication and clean can help to ensure that all moving parts function properly, as this will reduce friction and avoid any potential unnecessary damage. If left unfixed for too long, eventual issues with the rollers, springs, or other components may result in serious damage that could have been prevented if caught early. Also check the weatherstripping around the edges which should be replaced if compromised. Taking care of your garage door can ensure it serves you faithfully for years to come without extra expense or hassle.
Install an Automatic Garage Door Opener for Summer Protection
Summer is a great time to install an automatic garage door opener in your home, not only for convenience and ease of access, but also for extra protection. Automatic openers provide the increased safety of being able to enter and leave your home without having to step outside. The auto-locking feature ensures that the door is locked after each opening and you don’t have to worry about leaving it ajar accidentally. They are also energy-efficient since they open very quickly and can be programmed with a timer so they close automatically after a certain amount of time has passed. In addition, most systems include surge protection features which ensure there is no risk of power spikes or other power surges damaging the system components or your vehicle stored inside. An automatic garage door opener is a simple way to enhance the security of your home while also simplifying your life with its added convenience.
