Summer Heat and Garage Door Maintenance: Preventing Warping and Opener Strain in Central IL

After a hard winter, the longer days and intense sunshine of summer bring a sense of relief to residents of Central Illinois. However, all that direct sunlight and humidity can cause problems for some of your home’s systems, including your garage door. Seasonal garage door maintenance is a must to avoid issues such as garage door warping in the heat or your garage door opener overheating. 

At Rocke Overhead Doors, we’ve found that preventative garage door maintenance is often overlooked by homeowners in Central IL. Below, we’re going over some of the steps that you can take to avoid costly breakdowns and the need for repairs while ensuring that your garage door operates smoothly and safely all season long.

Understanding the Risks of Summer Heat for Your Garage Door

When the summer sun starts to shine, you might be focused on keeping your landscaping healthy and protecting your family with plenty of SPF. However, temperature changes and sun exposure can also pose problems for your garage door system. UV rays can cause metal components to expand while also drying out rubber seals. Furthermore, painted finishes tend to fade in the sunlight. Lubricants are additionally less effective in high temperatures, which cause them to thin out and provide less protection for moving parts.

Metal isn’t the only material that expands in the heat. Wood is also particularly susceptible to heat and humidity. If you have a wood garage door, you may find that its panels begin to swell or warp during the summer, which can in turn lead to misalignment.

How Heat-Related Changes Can Affect Your Garage Door Opener

While you might not notice these effects immediately, even the smallest changes can create friction and resistance each time your door is used, resulting in an overworked garage door opener.

Here are a few reg flags to look out for:

• Your door is opening and closing more slowly than usual.
• It sounds like your door is grinding or scraping against something when it is moving.
• You hear squeaking noises coming from your door.
• Your door starts to jerk rather than functioning smoothly.
• Your opener’s motor sounds louder than it used to.
• Your door stops halfway or starts reversing unexpectedly.

If any of these problems arise, it’s important to reach out to a garage door maintenance service in Central IL for expert support.

Tips From Our Summer Garage Door Service in Central Illinois

Wondering how you can minimize the effects of summer heat on your garage door? Our experienced team recommends taking the following preventative steps:

• Clean your door regularly – Everything from dust to dirt and grime and accumulate on the surface of your door, eventually causing stains. Cleaning it on a regular basis will not only keep it looking fresh, but can also help you notice early signs of wear.
• Inspect seals and weatherstripping – When the summer sun dries out seals and weatherstripping, you’ll be faced with unwanted air leaks. Checking on these components can help ensure you have damaged seals replaced before they start to negatively affect energy efficiency.
• Keep moving parts lubricated – More frequent lubrication may be needed in the summer to limit excessive friction. Rollers, hinges, bearings, and springs can all benefit from the application of a garage door lubricant.
• Schedule regular garage door maintenance service – The best way to preserve the performance of your garage door throughout the seasons is to partner with a local maintenance service such as Rocke Overhead Doors. We’ll take all the necessary steps to prevent warping and opener strain, extending the lifespan of your garage door in the process.

Contact Rocke Overhead Doors Today

Ready to get started with our knowledgeable garage door maintenance service in Central IL? Reach out to our team today to learn more about our seasonal expertise and full range of services.