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Summer Garage Door Maintenance Tips
Although summer doesn’t officially start till late June, the summer heat comes much sooner in Lubbock. Also, school is officially out in Lubbock in May, so kids are home playing outside.
As the temperature rises and the summer season kicks into full gear, it’s essential to ensure that your garage door is ready to handle the heat. Increased use is also common in summer, especially when kids get bikes and all the toys out of the garage. Here are some valuable tips to keep your garage door functioning smoothly during the summer.
Lubricate Moving Parts
The summer heat can cause metal components to expand, leading to increased friction and wear on your garage door’s moving parts. To prevent excessive wear and tear, regularly lubricate the hinges, rollers, and tracks with a high-quality lubricant.
Don’t use any lubricant, though. DO NOT use WD40 on your garage door. WD40 is not made for garage doors because it can damage and deform the nylon rollers. You can purchase lubricant made specifically for garage doors directly from us by stopping by our location in Lubbock.
Check and Tighten the Hardware
The hardware may loosen over time with the temperature fluctuations and the more you use your garage door. Inspect the bolts, nuts, and screws, and tighten any that have become loose to keep your door operating safely and efficiently.
It is important to know what you are tightening, though. Knowing how hinges and other garage door parts work is important because overtightening could damage your garage door or cause it to not operate smoothly.
Inspect Weather Stripping
Hot weather and ongoing garage door use can cause weather stripping to crack or become brittle. Inspect the weather stripping around your garage door for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary to maintain a proper seal and keep out dust, debris, and pests.
When installing weather stripping on your garage door, it’s important to determine the type of material to which it will be adhered. Most garage doors have an aluminum capping that covers the wooden frame and protects it from wear and tear, but some garage doors have a different material, like brick or stucco. Make sure you use the current nails, screws, or bonding agent so the weather stripping is securely installed around your door.
Clean the Tracks
Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in your garage door’s tracks, causing it to operate less smoothly. This is especially common in Lubbock. Use a stiff brush to clean out any debris, and then wipe the tracks with a damp cloth to ensure smooth operation.
Dust can also accumulate in or around your garage door sensors. If the sensors become blocked by dust, your garage door may stop when you try to close it. Inspect the plastic or glass covering your garage door sensor and remove dust using a strong vacuum, like a shop vac or a slightly damp cloth.
Test Safety Features
Ensure that your garage door’s safety features, such as the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors, are functioning correctly. Test these features regularly to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of your family and pets.
You can test these by getting a few-foot-long 2×4 and waving it in the path of your sensors while having someone close the garage. If your garage door stops and reverses, you will know your sensors are working properly.
You can lay the 2×4 on the ground to test your auto-reverse mechanism. You want your garage too close to the 2×4. Once it makes contact with the 2×4, it should automatically reverse.
Protect from Sun Damage
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause your garage door’s paint to fade and deteriorate over time. Consider applying a UV-resistant sealant or paint to protect the surface of your garage door and extend its lifespan.
This depends on the material of your garage doors. If your garage doors are made of wood, you will want to sand and stain them every few years. Garage doors made of steel don’t require as much regular maintenance, but the sun can fade the color, especially if you have a door that gets direct sun most of the day.
First, ensuring that the paint or stain you use is for exterior use is very important.
Also, if you have a steel garage door, you first want to ensure it isn’t galvanized. A layer of zinc protects galvanized metal, and paint doesn’t stick to it well. Some garage doors are already primed during the manufacturing process, but it is always a good idea to apply a primer before painting.
You also want to ensure you protect the hardware and other parts of your door while painting and staining. Getting paint or stains on garage door parts could impact their performance.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Consider scheduling a professional maintenance service before the summer heat sets in to keep your garage door in top condition. One of our trained technicians can inspect your door, identify potential issues, and perform necessary repairs or adjustments. Give us a call at 806-797-4141 or fill out our contact form.
By following these summer garage door tips, you can ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently throughout the season, providing reliable access to your home and belongings. Stay cool and enjoy the summer with peace of mind, knowing your garage door is in top-notch condition!