2024-02-20 6 min read Garage Door Vader Team
Summer in Southwest Washington brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and increased garage door usage. Whether you're grabbing bikes for a ride, loading up for camping trips, or working on projects in your garage, your door gets a workout during these months. Here's how to prepare your garage door for summer and keep it running smoothly.
Before the busy summer season begins, take some time to inspect your garage door system. Look for visual signs of wear including frayed cables, rusty springs, and damaged weatherstripping. Listen for unusual sounds when the door operates. Test the balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway.it should stay in place without assistance.
Safety Sensor Test: Place a small object like a roll of paper towels in the door's path and close it. The door should reverse immediately upon contact or when the sensors detect the obstruction. If it doesn't, contact us immediately.this is a critical safety feature.
Heat and increased use can accelerate wear on moving parts. Apply a silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40, which can attract dirt) to the following components:
- Rollers (both sides) - Hinges (where panels connect) - Springs (light coating) - Tracks (wipe clean first, then light lubrication) - Opener chain or screw drive
This simple maintenance takes 15 minutes but can prevent squeaking, binding, and premature component failure.
Summer heat affects your garage in several ways. If your garage faces west or south, afternoon sun can raise interior temperatures significantly. This impacts everything stored inside and can affect opener performance.
Insulation Matters: Insulated garage doors not only keep your garage cooler in summer but also reduce strain on your home's HVAC system if your garage shares a wall with living space. If you're considering a door upgrade, summer is a great time to invest in an insulated model.
Ventilation Options: Consider adding ventilation to your garage through wall vents, a ceiling fan, or a ventilated garage door. These improvements make the space more usable and protect temperature-sensitive items.
Summer storms can blow rain horizontally into poorly sealed garages. Inspect your weatherstripping along the bottom, sides, and top of the door. Replace any cracked, compressed, or missing sections. This also keeps out pests seeking shelter from the heat.a common summer problem.
Your garage door opener works harder in summer due to increased use. Check the following:
- Force Settings: Doors should close with minimal resistance. If you have to hold the button to close the door, the force settings may need adjustment. - Travel Limits: The door should close completely without banging and open fully without straining. - Battery Backup: If you have a battery backup system, test it and replace batteries if needed.summer storms can cause power outages.
For comprehensive preparation, schedule a professional maintenance visit. Our summer tune-up includes all the above items plus spring tension adjustment, hardware tightening, track alignment check, and safety feature testing. This service typically costs less than a single repair call and helps prevent mid-summer breakdowns.
Contact Garage Door Vader to schedule your summer maintenance appointment and enjoy worry-free operation all season long.