Weather can have a significant impact on your garage door, affecting its performance and longevity. Extreme temperatures, high winds, and heavy rain can all cause problems with your garage door, and it’s important to be aware of these potential issues and take steps to protect your garage door from the elements. In this article, we will discuss how different types of weather can affect your garage door and what you can do to protect it.
- Extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can cause problems with your garage door. In the summer, high temperatures can cause the metal parts of your garage door to expand, which can cause the door to bind or stick. In the winter, cold temperatures can cause the metal parts of your garage door to contract, which can cause the door to become misaligned or to freeze shut. To protect your garage door from extreme temperatures, it is important to have it serviced and lubricated regularly, and to ensure that the weather stripping is in good condition.
- High winds: High winds can cause problems with your garage door, particularly if it is not properly secured. Strong winds can cause the door to become misaligned or to come off its tracks, which can cause damage to the door and the opener. To protect your garage door from high winds, it is important to ensure that it is properly secured and that all of the hardware is tight. Additionally, it is important to have your garage door inspected and serviced regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly.
- Heavy rain: Heavy rain can cause problems with your garage door, particularly if it is not properly sealed or weather-stripped. Water can seep into the garage, which can cause damage to the door and the opener, as well as create a safety hazard. To protect your garage door from heavy rain, it is important to ensure that it is properly sealed and weather-stripped, and to have it inspected and serviced regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly.
- Snow and ice: Snow and ice can cause problems with your garage door, particularly if it is not properly insulated. Cold temperatures can cause the metal parts of your garage door to contract, which can cause the door to become misaligned or to freeze shut. Additionally, heavy snow and ice can cause the door to become heavy and difficult to lift, which can cause damage to the opener. To protect your garage door from snow and ice, it is important to ensure that it is properly insulated, and to have it inspected and serviced regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly.
- Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your garage door to fade, crack, and warp. The UV rays can damage the paint and the sealant, which can make the door more vulnerable to water damage. To protect your garage door from the sun, you can install a sun shield or awning, or use a UV resistant paint.
- Rust: Rust can cause damage to your garage door, and it is more likely to occur in areas that are exposed to moisture, such as near the coast or in areas with high humidity. Rust can cause the door to become weak and brittle, which can make it more vulnerable to damage from other weather elements. To protect your garage door from rust, it is important to keep it dry and well-lubricated, and to paint or coat the door with a rust inhibitor.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to protect your garage door from the effects of weather. This includes regular inspections, lubrication, tightening of bolts, and replacement of worn or damaged parts.