The Impact of Weather on Garage Doors
Weather in its many forms can be one of the most unpredictable game-changers for your garage door. From summer heatwaves and tornadoes to winter snowstorms and wind, the elements can certainly take a toll on your garage door, impacting its functionality over time.
While you can’t eliminate the effects of weather, being prepared for its impact can help you stay on top of servicing, maintenance and repairs — and keep your garage door operating no matter what Mother Nature throws at it.
How Heat Affects Garage Door Functionality
Sunlight and heat can have a major impact on your garage door functionality. The more intense the heat, the more drastic the effects will be. The glare of the sun can interfere with your door’s photo-eye, causing it to react as though there is an obstruction and preventing you from closing the door. A shade or small sun deflector around the photo-eye can help prevent this.
The warmer temperatures and humidity can also wreak havoc on your electronic controllers, causing them to work abnormally or perhaps stop working at all. These may need repair or servicing if this occurs.
Finally, the moisture and humidity can cause warping and deterioration of wooden garage doors. To counter this, consider applying a protective topcoat during the summer or having your doors serviced during the hotter months.
How Cold Weather Affects Garage Door Functionality
Of course, hot weather is not the only danger — cold weather can leave its mark on your garage door, too. Melted snow is a major winter threat, often causing your garage door to freeze shut. Prolonged wet and cold weather can cause swelling in your garage door’s openers and door frames, leading to hindered functionality and damage over time. Low temperatures may also thicken your door jamb’s lubricants, making it difficult to open and close.
To counter these cold-weather effects, make sure you’re preparing your garage door for the season. Use all-weather lubricant on door jambs and keep a close eye out for brittle or weakened springs. You’ll also want to keep your garage clear of any snow or pooling water and keep gutters clean so ice can’t form.
How Does Extreme Weather Affect Your Garage Door?
Extreme weather can happen unexpectedly at any time around the year, making it difficult to adequately prepare. From extreme fluctuating temperatures to storm damage and flash flooding, each type of weather can lead to door warping, malfunctioning technology, damaged hinges and much more.
Your garage door should be impact-resistant to minimize the potential of extreme weather damage. If you live in an area of the country prone to high winds or other extreme weather, consider installing a bracing kit for your garage door or investing in a WindCode-rated door to help withstand extreme weather events.
What Is Considered Extreme Weather?
Extreme weather comes in all shapes and sizes, any of which can have a damaging impact on your garage door. Be on the lookout for severe conditions such as:
- Hurricanes
- Wind
- Rain
- Thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Floods
By installing the highest quality doors and ensuring they are regularly serviced and prepared for the season, you’ll be well on your way to lasting doors year-round. Garage door maintenance is crucial to helping them handle fluctuating temperatures and weather. If your door does sustain damage as a result of extreme weather conditions, garage door replacement is an option to consider.
Request Garage Door Service From Continental Door
No matter the season, nature can leave its mark on your garage doors. From water damage and freezing during the winter to humidity and heat-related issues in the summer months, the seasons make it vital for you as a homeowner to stay diligent when it comes to your doors. Continental Door can help provide the ultimate service year-round, preparing your door for weather changes and performing repairs when necessary.
If you’re in the Greater Spokane area and in need of garage door replacement, service, maintenance or repair, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today to request service or receive a free estimate.
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