Preparing Your Garage Door for Summer: Essential Tips
2024-01-10 7 min read Sarah Williams
Why Summer Preparation Matters
The summer months in Connecticut bring heat, humidity, and often increased use of your garage. Whether you're using it as a workshop, storage area, or simply parking your vehicles, proper preparation ensures your door operates smoothly and efficiently throughout the season.
At Garage Door Coventry, we see a significant uptick in service calls during summer months.many of which could be prevented with proper seasonal maintenance. Taking a few hours now can save you from inconvenient breakdowns during the hottest days of the year.
Inspect Weather Seals
Hot weather can cause rubber weather seals to dry out and crack. These seals are your first line of defense against pests, debris, and weather infiltration. Inspect the bottom seal and side seals carefully for:
- Cracks or brittleness in the rubber
- Gaps that let in light (check from inside with door closed)
- Signs of pest damage or chewing
- Proper adhesion to the door and frame
- Warping or deformation from sun exposure
Replacing weather seals is relatively inexpensive and can make a huge difference in your garage's comfort and energy efficiency.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Heat can cause lubricants to thin and evaporate faster than usual. Apply a quality silicone-based lubricant (never WD-40, which is a solvent, not a lubricant) to:
- All hinges between door panels
- Rollers (nylon rollers need less, metal need more)
- Springs (light coating only)
- Tracks (very lightly.too much attracts dirt)
- Opener chain or belt
- Pivot points and moving joints
Check Your Opener
Garage door openers can be affected by summer heat, especially those in non-insulated garages where temperatures can exceed 100°F. Signs your opener is struggling include:
- Slower operation than normal
- Increased noise levels
- Intermittent operation or stopping mid-cycle
- Error lights or warning indicators
Ensure your opener has proper ventilation and consider adding insulation if your garage gets extremely hot. Some modern openers have thermal protection that temporarily disables them in extreme heat.this is a safety feature, not a malfunction.
Test Safety Features
Summer often means kids are home more, making safety features crucial. Test these monthly:
- Auto-reverse function: Place a 2x4 flat under the door and ensure it reverses upon contact
- Photo-eye sensors: Wave a broom handle through the beam while closing.door should reverse immediately
- Manual release: Ensure you can disconnect the opener and operate the door by hand in case of power outage
Consider Energy Efficiency
An insulated garage door can significantly reduce cooling costs if your garage is attached to your home. Consider these upgrades:
- Insulation kits for existing doors
- Reflective insulation for maximum heat deflection
- Proper sealing around all edges
- Ventilation options for airflow
Summer Maintenance Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you've covered all the bases:
- ☐ Inspect and replace weather seals if needed
- ☐ Clean tracks of debris and dirt
- ☐ Lubricate all moving parts
- ☐ Test safety features
- ☐ Check opener operation and ventilation
- ☐ Inspect cables and springs visually
- ☐ Test door balance (should stay in place when opened halfway)
- ☐ Clean and inspect sensors
Need help preparing your garage door for summer? Our maintenance services include comprehensive seasonal tune-ups. Schedule your appointment today or call (860) 891-3631.