Meridian summers can bring high temperatures, and these conditions affect not just your home but also your garage door. When exposed to extreme heat, garage doors, and their components can experience wear and tear, leading to issues that require attention.
Here’s how extreme heat impacts garage door performance and what you can do to protect your system during Meridian’s hot summer months.
Expansion of Metal Components
One of the most common problems in high temperatures is the expansion of metal parts. Garage doors rely on components like springs, rollers, and tracks, which are all susceptible to heat expansion.
When these parts expand, it can throw the door’s alignment off balance and make it harder to open or close.
Misaligned Tracks: The metal tracks that guide your garage door can expand, causing the door to go off-track or become stuck. This can result in noisy operation or even complete malfunction.
Strain on Springs: Garage door springs are responsible for lifting the door’s weight. When exposed to intense heat, these springs can weaken over time, potentially leading to a sudden breakage. Replacing springs in extreme heat can prevent dangerous malfunctions.
Warping of Wooden Doors
If you have a wooden garage door, the effects of heat are even more significant. Wood is particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity, causing it to expand and contract more than metal.
Wood Expansion: When wood absorbs heat, it expands, which can result in warping or cracking. This not only affects the look of the door but can also compromise its functionality, as warping may lead to gaps or make the door difficult to open and close.
Protective Coating: A quality weatherproof coating can help minimize warping by protecting wood from moisture and heat damage. Consider refinishing your wooden garage door regularly to keep it in good condition during the summer months.
Effects on Lubrication and Moving Parts
High temperatures can also impact the lubrication of your garage door’s moving parts. Proper lubrication is essential for smooth and quiet operation, but extreme heat can cause lubricants to break down, leading to more friction between components.
Increased Friction: As the lubricant deteriorates, metal parts like hinges and rollers can start to grind against each other. This may result in loud, squeaky noises and increased wear, leading to more frequent Meridian ID garage door repair costs.
Regular Reapplication: During hot months, it’s helpful to reapply a high-temperature lubricant to prevent wear on the parts and ensure they continue to move smoothly.
Impact on Garage Door Openers
Your garage door opener is also at risk during hot weather. Electronic components are sensitive to extreme temperatures, and overheating can lead to malfunctioning or even complete failure of the opener.
Motor Overheating: The motor inside the opener can overheat if it’s running too frequently in high temperatures. When the motor overheats, it may shut down temporarily or even sustain permanent damage if the heat persists.
Shade and Ventilation: Ensuring adequate ventilation in your garage can help prevent the motor from overheating. If possible, keep the garage shaded during the hottest parts of the day to reduce the overall temperature.
Conclusion: Protect Your Garage Door from the Heat
Extreme heat can take a toll on your garage door’s components, from expanding metal and warped wood to overheating motors. Proactively protecting your garage door with regular maintenance, reapplying lubrication, and adding shade can help it withstand Meridian’s high temperatures.
At Garage Door Store Boise, we provide maintenance and Meridian ID garage door repair services to help you protect your garage door during any season. Contact us today to schedule a tune-up and keep your door operating smoothly, even in the hottest months!