How Weather Impacts Overhead Garage Door Functionality

We’ve all been there—one minute, your garage door is working perfectly, and the next, it’s stuck or making strange noises. What gives? Well, the culprit could be the weather. Believe it or not, the weather plays a big role in how well your overhead garage door functions. From blistering heat to freezing cold, different weather conditions can throw a wrench into the smooth operation of your garage door. Let’s take a look at how the weather can affect your garage door and what you can do to keep it running smoothly all year round.

How Heat Affects Your Garage Door

When the temperature starts climbing, it’s not just you who feels the heat—your garage door does, too. High temperatures can cause a few issues that might surprise you:

1. Expansion of Metal Parts Most overhead garage doors are made of metal, and metal tends to expand when it gets hot. This expansion can cause the door’s components, like tracks and springs, to shift slightly. While this might not seem like a big deal, even a small shift can throw off the door’s alignment, making it harder to open and close smoothly.
2. Lubrication Breakdown The heat can also cause the lubricants on your garage door’s moving parts to break down more quickly. Without proper lubrication, parts like the rollers, hinges, and tracks can start to stick, leading to jerky movements or even complete failure to open or close.
3. Warping of Door Panels If your garage door is made of wood, the heat can cause the panels to warp. Warped panels not only affect the appearance of your door but can also prevent it from sealing properly when closed, leading to gaps that let in hot air and increase your energy bills.

Cold Weather and Your Garage Door

Cold weather brings its own set of challenges for your garage door. Here’s what to watch out for when the temperature drops:

1. Contracting Metal Parts Just as metal expands in the heat, it contracts in the cold. This contraction can cause the door’s springs to become brittle and less effective, making it harder for the door to open. In extreme cases, the springs could even snap, leaving your door stuck in place.
2. Thickening Lubricants In cold weather, lubricants can thicken, making it harder for the door’s moving parts to glide smoothly. This can result in a slow, noisy door that struggles to open and close properly. If the lubricant gets too thick, it can even cause the door to get stuck.
3. Frozen Tracks If moisture gets into the tracks and then freezes, it can cause the rollers to get stuck, making it nearly impossible to open or close the door. This is especially common in areas where snow and ice are a regular occurrence.
4. Weather Stripping Issues The cold can cause the weather stripping at the bottom of your garage door to harden and crack. When this happens, the door can’t seal properly, allowing cold air to seep into your garage. Not only does this make your garage colder, but it can also cause your heating bills to spike as your home’s heating system works overtime to compensate.

How Humidity Impacts Garage Door Functionality

Humidity is another weather factor that can affect your garage door, especially in areas with high moisture levels. Here’s how:

1. Rust and Corrosion Humid conditions can cause metal components of your garage door, like the springs, tracks, and rollers, to rust and corrode. Rust not only weakens these parts but can also cause them to stick or fail completely.
2. Swelling of Wooden Doors If your garage door is made of wood, high humidity can cause the wood to swell. This swelling can lead to the door sticking in its tracks or becoming difficult to open and close. Over time, repeated swelling and shrinking can cause permanent damage to the door.
3. Electrical Issues Humidity can also affect the electrical components of your garage door opener. Moisture can cause short circuits, leading to malfunctions or even complete failure of the opener.

What You Can Do to Weather-Proof Your Garage Door

Now that you know how different weather conditions can impact your garage door, let’s talk about what you can do to protect it:

1. Regular Maintenance One of the best ways to keep your garage door functioning properly in any weather is to perform regular maintenance. This includes lubricating all moving parts, checking the alignment of the door, and inspecting the weather stripping for signs of wear and tear. Regular maintenance can help prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
2. Weather Stripping Replacement Replacing the weather stripping on your garage door is a simple and effective way to protect it from the elements. Make sure the stripping is in good condition and seals tightly when the door is closed. This will help keep out cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer, as well as prevent moisture from getting inside.
3. Use the Right Lubricants Make sure you’re using a lubricant that’s designed for your specific climate. In colder weather, opt for a lubricant that stays fluid at low temperatures. In warmer climates, choose a lubricant that won’t break down in the heat. Applying the right lubricant can keep your garage door operating smoothly, no matter the weather.
4. Protect Metal Components To prevent rust and corrosion, consider applying a rust-resistant coating to the metal parts of your garage door. This can help extend the life of your door and keep it functioning properly in humid conditions.
5. Consider Insulated Doors If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider upgrading to an insulated garage door. Insulated doors help regulate the temperature inside your garage, reducing the strain on your door’s components and making your home more energy-efficient.

We Will Weatherproof Your Garage Door!

Weather can have a significant impact on your garage door’s functionality, but with the right maintenance and precautions, you can keep your door running smoothly all year round. Whether it’s the heat, cold, or humidity, understanding how these factors affect your door can help you take the necessary steps to protect it.

If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door or want to make sure it’s ready for the next change in weather, don’t hesitate to reach out to Garage Door Repair Specialist at (713) 379-6597. Our team of experts can help you weather-proof your garage door and keep it in top shape no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.