Your garage door is an essential part of your home’s security and convenience. It protects your vehicles, tools, and other valuable possessions from the elements and potential intruders. However, weather conditions can take a toll on your garage door, leading to unexpected emergencies. Below we’ll explore how various weather conditions can lead to garage door emergencies and what you can do to prevent them.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can affect your garage door’s performance. Here’s how:
Cold Weather:
Frozen Components: In freezing temperatures, metal parts of your garage door, like springs and cables, can become brittle and break.
Reduced Lubrication: Cold weather can cause lubricants to thicken, resulting in slower door movement and potential damage to the opener.
Hot Weather:
Expansion and Warping: Excessive heat can cause your garage door to expand, potentially leading to warping, misalignment, and operational issues.
Dry Lubrication: High temperatures can evaporate lubricants, increasing friction between moving parts.
To prevent temperature-related emergencies, ensure your garage door is well-maintained, and use appropriate lubricants rated for extreme temperatures.
Rain and Humidity
Rain and humidity can also impact your garage door:
- Rust and Corrosion: Moisture can lead to rust and corrosion on metal components, weakening them over time.
- Wooden Doors: Wooden garage doors can absorb moisture, leading to warping, rotting, and decreased structural integrity.
- Regularly inspect your garage door for signs of rust or wood damage and apply protective coatings or sealants as needed.
High Winds
Strong winds can exert pressure on your garage door, potentially causing it to bow, buckle, or even come off its tracks. To prevent wind-related emergencies:
- Reinforce your garage door with wind-resistant hardware.
- Keep the door closed and secure during severe weather events.
- Consider installing a wind-rated garage door if you live in an area prone to strong winds.
Hail and Ice
Hailstorms and icy conditions can be particularly damaging to garage doors:
- Dents and Dings: Hail can leave dents and dings on the door’s surface, affecting its appearance and functionality.
- Ice Accumulation: Ice buildup on the door’s seals can prevent it from closing properly, compromising security.
- To protect your garage door, consider investing in impact-resistant materials or installing weatherstripping to prevent ice buildup.
Debris and Tree Branches
During storms or windy conditions, debris, tree branches, or even fallen trees can strike your garage door, causing significant damage. To reduce the risk:
- Trim overhanging branches that could fall onto the door.
- Secure loose items in your yard to prevent them from becoming projectiles during storms.
- Invest in a garage door with impact-resistant features.
For any Emergency Garage Door Repair related concern, feel free to reach Elite Garage Doors. Our experienced technicians are on call 24/7 to assist you when you need it most.
