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Have you ever noticed how your garage door acts differently when the weather changes? Garage door problems are more common than you might think, especially when the temperature shifts. From Omaha’s hot summers to cold winters, your garage door faces a lot of stress. However, understanding these issues can help you keep your garage door in good condition. In this blog, we will explore some garage door troubles caused by different weather conditions and how to fix them. Keep reading this expert guide from Titan Garage Doors NE to find out how to keep your garage door protected all year.
Weather Changes: Common Garage Door Problems Solved
Learn about how changes in temperature and weather can lead to various garage door issues. With some expert advice, find effective ways to keep your door working perfectly all year.
How Hot Weather Affects Your Garage Door
High temperatures can cause many garage door problems. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Garage Door Motor Overheating
The garage door opener’s motor can overheat during hot weather. When this happens, the door may stop working. To prevent one of the dreaded garage door problems, keep your garage cool. You can use fans or ventilate the space.
Garage Door Panel Fading and Damage
The sun’s UV rays can make the color of your garage door panels fade. Over time, this makes your garage door look old and worn out. Heat can also cause the panels to warp or crack. To protect your garage door, apply UV-resistant paint or use shades.
Expansion of Metal Garage Door Parts
Did you know high temperatures cause metal parts to expand? This change can lead to misalignment of tracks and rollers. When parts do not fit as it should be, the garage door may not open or close smoothly. Remember to check and adjust these parts as often as needed to avoid problems.
Garage Door Lubrication Issues
At the same time, heat can also cause garage door lubricants to break down. Without proper lubrication, moving parts may stick or grind, which damage the garage door and opener. To keep everything running with ease, use a heat-resistant lubricant and apply it now and then.
Increased Wear on Weather Stripping
Hot weather can also cause the weather stripping to crack or peel. As a result of damaged weather stripping, hot air and pests can get in. Always check the weather stripping and replace it if necessary.
Nebraska’s Cold Weather on Garage Doors
Most garage doors break down during the extreme cold weather of Nebraska. Here are some usual issues and how to fix them:
Freezing of Garage Door Components
Extremely cold weather can cause garage door components to freeze. When parts like the springs, tracks, or rollers freeze, the garage door may get stuck. To prevent this, keep the garage door clean and dry. You can also use a silicone-based lubricant on moving parts.
Garage Door Spring Breakage
Have you ever noticed the springs become brittle and break in cold weather? When one spring breaks, the garage door will not open or close properly. Make it a habit to inspect the springs for wear and tear. Better yet, contact a licensed garage door expert to replace them if you see any damage.
Contracting Metal Garage Door Parts
In the meantime, low temperatures cause metal parts to shrink. This contraction can lead to misalignment of the garage door. When parts do not fit correctly, the garage door may not operate as intended. Always check and adjust the metal parts as needed to ensure proper alignment.
Thickening of Lubricants
Cold weather can also thicken lubricants, making it hard for the garage door to move. Use a garage door lubricant designed for low temperatures. Apply it from time to time to keep the garage door system operating smoothly all year long.
Weather Stripping Damage
Likewise, cold weather can make the weather stripping brittle and prone to cracking. This damage lets in cold air and moisture. So check the weather stripping often and replace it if necessary to keep your garage insulated.
Effects of Humidity and Moisture on Residential Garage Doors
How High Humidity Causes Garage Door Issues
Humidity often leads to garage door problems, especially in areas with a lot of moisture in the air. High humidity levels can cause metal parts on your garage door to rust and corrode. When it is so hot and humid, the garage door springs, tracks, and hinges may rust, making it hard to open and close. Not to mention, wooden garage doors can also swell and warp due to moisture.
To prevent these problems, always inspect your garage door for rust or swelling. Apply anti-rust sprays to the metal garage door parts to protect them. For wooden garage doors, sealing them with a weather-resistant finish can keep moisture out and prevent swelling.
Preventing Garage Door Problems from Heavy Rain and Flooding
Flooding and heavy rain can also damage your garage doors. You might have problems with your garage door opener if water gets into the electrical parts. Also, you might notice water stains or warping on the garage door itself.
Make your garage door waterproof by filling in any cracks or holes that water could enter. An effective garage door seal will often do the trick. After a flood, check if your garage door opener’s electrical system is still operating properly. If you see any garage door problems, call a professional to inspect and repair them.
What Happens When High Winds Cause Storm Debris?
Strong gusts of wind put extra pressure on the door structure, often causing the tracks to bend and the garage door to misalign. When the door is out of alignment, it will not open or close properly. To prevent these issues, reinforce your garage door by installing garage door reinforcements. You may also consider buying wind-resistant garage doors from brands like Clopay and Amarr.
Flying branches, leaves, and other objects can dent or scratch the garage door’s surface. Sometimes, debris can even break panels, leading to more severe problems. For homes in regions where hurricanes and tornadoes are common, an impact-resistant garage door is the best choice. Remember to always inspect your garage door after a storm to check for any issues that may arise.
The Key to Preventing Garage Door Problems
The question is, how do you keep your garage door from breaking when the weather changes? The answer is to keep up with regular garage door maintenance. It ensures all parts of the garage door system work with no issues and prevents unexpected breakdowns. Moreover, routine care helps you spot issues early before they become major repairs. This practice keeps your garage door in good condition, improves safety, and ensures reliability. Thus, make it a habit to check your garage door regularly to avoid costly problems and keep it running efficiently.
Garage Door Maintenance Near Me
At Titan Garage Doors NE, we understand how frustrating garage door problems can be, especially in extreme weather. Our licensed team of experts offers comprehensive garage door maintenance to keep your door functioning smoothly year-round. Do not let garage door issues disrupt your day. Contact us today for reliable garage door service and take advantage of our convenient service now, pay over-time plan and get the professional help you need without breaking the bank.
