Preparing your garage door for extreme summer heat and storms is essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity, especially in coastal Connecticut. At Ace Overhead Doors, your trusted automatic garage door company in Stonington CT, we’ve compiled expert tips to help you protect your investment and keep your home secure all season long.
Why Summer Maintenance Matters for Garage Doors
Extreme heat and summer storms can cause significant wear and tear on garage doors. High temperatures lead to the expansion of metal components, increased friction, and potential warping of materials like steel, aluminum, and wood. Storms bring humidity, moisture, and wind-driven debris, which can damage seals and hardware. Regular maintenance not only prevents breakdowns but also extends the lifespan of your garage door system.
Essential Summer Garage Door Maintenance Tips
1. Inspect and Lubricate All Moving Parts
Heat causes metal parts such as springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks to expand, increasing friction and the risk of failure. Inspect these components for signs of rust, wear, or dirt buildup. Apply a high-quality, silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts to reduce noise and ensure smooth operation, even in sweltering weather.
2. Check and Replace Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is your first line of defense against heat, humidity, and pests. Inspect the seals around your garage door for cracks or wear. Replace any damaged weather stripping to keep hot air and moisture out, maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient garage.
3. Monitor for Warping and Misalignment
Extreme heat can cause garage door panels and tracks to warp or shift, leading to performance issues such as sticking, uneven movement, or increased noise. Regularly check for signs of warping or misaligned tracks. If you notice the door dragging, jerking, or coming off the tracks, contact a professional automatic garage door company in Stonington, CT for realignment and repairs.
4. Upgrade to Insulated and Storm-Ready Doors
Consider upgrading to an insulated garage door to better regulate temperatures and reduce energy costs. Insulated doors also provide added protection against storm damage. For homes in storm-prone areas, reinforce your garage door with bracing kits or invest in wind-rated models for enhanced safety.
5. Test the Garage Door Opener and Safety Features
High temperatures can cause garage door openers to overheat and malfunction. Test your opener’s auto-reverse and safety sensors to ensure they’re functioning correctly. If you notice any issues, schedule a professional inspection with Ace Overhead Doors.
Storm Preparation Checklist
- Secure all loose hardware and tighten bolts.
- Remove items from around the garage door that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Ensure backup power sources are available for automatic openers during outages.
- Schedule a seasonal inspection with your local automatic garage door company in Stonington CT for peace of mind.
Trust Ace Overhead Doors for Summer Garage Door Care
As your reliable automatic garage door company in Stonington CT, Ace Overhead Doors is committed to helping you prepare for whatever summer brings. Our experienced technicians offer comprehensive inspections, maintenance, and emergency repairs to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently.
Contact Ace Overhead Doors today to schedule your summer maintenance or storm-readiness checkup!