If you understand how weather impacts garage doors, you know that their performance varies depending on the weather conditions. You may have already recognized a pattern in how the elements impact your door throughout the seasons. Leaving your garage door vulnerable to harsh conditions can cause it to break down prematurely. Here’s how various weather conditions affect your garage door and what you can do to keep it protected, regardless of the season or weather.
Hot and Humid Weather
High temperatures can be tough on garage doors. The metal parts of your door, like the springs and tracks, can expand. This expansion often makes the door harder to open. Humidity is harsh on wooden doors. The moisture can cause these doors to warp and swell. Ensure your metal components are properly lubricated. For wood doors, using a protective sealant will help to maintain them during summer’s wrath.
Cold and Freezing Weather
Winter brings the opposite problems to the table, but the effects can be just as severe. Extremely cold temperatures cause the metal components of your garage door to contract. Like warm weather, this change adds stressful wear and tear for your door. Those metal components are also more likely to break since the cold makes metal parts more brittle.
Snow and ice can accumulate on your door, making it harder to open. You should always clear away snow to avoid straining the mechanisms. Use a silicone-based lubricant to address any sticking with metal garage door parts.
Rain
Rain means moisture, and moisture leads to rust and corrosion. Water can make its way into even the smallest cracks in your door and cause problems. Wooden doors, in particular, are susceptible to water damage like that which you might see in your home. If you don’t already, consider a gutter system that diverts rain away from your garage door.
Wind
Wind is among the most damaging types of weather for garage doors. The high winds can knock a door off its tracks. Excessive winds can also blow debris into your door and compromise its integrity. It’s much more challenging to mitigate this type of damage. Secure outdoor items beforehand to prevent flying debris. Wait for calm conditions to address any needed repairs on your garage door.
Practical and Affordable Repairs for Weather-Related Damage
If you’ve been struggling with weather-related issues, our garage experts are here to help! Contact D Bar Garage Doors today to learn more about our repair services or schedule an appointment with one of our contractors.