Summer is here! While the days are sunny, the BBQ parties are happening, and the afternoons are lazy, if you live there, you know the season can bring a lot of hard work for your garage door. This vital part of your home gets much heat, dust, and constant opening and closing, which can take a toll on it. A functional, well-maintained garage door will look great, operate smoothly, save money on costly repairs, and potentially extend the life of your garage door system.
These maintenance tips will help you cruise through summer without a hitch, whether heading out for a road trip or simply attempting to keep the house cool.
Quick Summer Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need to tackle for summer garage door upkeep:
- Inspect for wear and tear.
- Clean the inside and outside of the garage door.
- Lubricate moving parts.
- Weatherstripping should be checked and replaced.
- Test the balance of the door.
- Check the safety sensors and test.
- Tighten hardware.
- Make your garage door pest-proof.
- Have a professional inspection
Now, let’s break down these tips into actionable steps to get your garage door summer-ready!
1. Inspect for Wear and Tear
Since your garage door works so hard, looking for signs of wear is essential. You want to look for dents, rust, frayed cables, and damaged rollers.
Action Steps:
- Look at the door from a few feet away and assess its overall condition.
- Watch how smoothly it moves. Jerking or noisy operation? You’re to take that and investigate further.
- Examine tracks and cables for fraying or rust using a flashlight.
2. Clean the Garage Door Inside and Out
The summer dust storms and debris can wear your garage door down like a desert trek. Dirt buildup isn’t just unattractive; it’s also bad for the parts, causing them to wear down faster.
Action Steps:
- Wipe the door’s surface with a soft sponge or cloth using a mild detergent and warm water.
- Spray water on the door, but don’t direct the water to the tracks or opener.
- To avoid streaks and water spots, you should dry it with a clean towel.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts
A happy garage door is a well-oiled garage door. Proper lubrication guarantees the correct smooth operation, or you will suffer annoying squeaks and grinding noises.
Action Steps:
- Use a silicone-based lubricant; WD-40 will attract dirt.
- Use a little on hinges, rollers, and springs.
- Be sure to lightly lubricate the tracks so they don’t get too slick and have dirt build-up.
4. Check and Replace Weatherstripping
Your garage weatherstripping can wear out, allowing summer heat and pests to creep in. Maintaining this seal will keep it from breaking regularly, letting out unwanted visitors, and keeping the temperature consistent.
Action Steps:
- Look for cracks or gaps around your garage door’s bottom edge and sides.
- Replace brittle, torn, or completely missing weatherstripping.
- If you’re unsure how to fit it, use adhesive-backed weatherstripping or call a pro.
5. Test the Balance of the Door
A garage door that is unbalanced can cause stress on your opener and it can eventually result in expensive repairs. The key to the smooth operation is balance!
Action Steps:
- Pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the opener.
- Manually lift the door halfway. It’s balanced if it stays in place. If the answer is no, you know it’s time to bring them in.
6. Inspect and Test Safety Sensors
Safety sensors prevent accidents because if the door comes into contact with something, it reverses. If you have kids or pets, you’ll want to make sure you test these sensors.
Action Steps:
- Try and put a small object (such as a block of wood) under the door.
- Close the door and reverse the touch of the object.
- If that doesn’t help, wipe the sensors with a soft cloth and realign them.
7. Tighten Hardware
Bolts, screws, and brackets loosen over time because your garage door is moving several times a day. Making sure the doors work properly and safely is done by tightening them.
Action Steps:
- All bolts on brackets, hinges, and tracks should be tightened with a socket wrench.
- Do not overtighten, as this will strip the threads or damage the parts.
8. Protect Your Garage Door Against Pests
With your garage being cool and cozy, summer is the prime time for the pests to get into it. While spiders, mice, and ants love to make themselves at home, you don’t have to let them.
Action Steps:
- Caulk or foam seal around any small gaps or cracks around the door.
- Look for signs of pest activity, like nests or droppings.
- Keeping critters away is easy using natural repellents such as peppermint oil placed near entry points.
9. Schedule a Professional Inspection
There are a few tasks that are DIY friendly, while others need a trained eye. Come back to your garage door for a professional inspection to ensure your garage door is ready for the season and to catch problems you may have missed.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Professionals for the best performance can tune springs and cables.
- They will also test the opener’s motor and they will recommend repairs, if necessary.
Bonus Tip: Keep the Remote Cool
Your garage door remote may seem invincible, but extreme summer heat can cause batteries to drain faster or even damage the internal components.
Action Steps:
- Store the remote in a shaded, cool spot when not in use.
- Check the batteries regularly and replace them if the signal weakens.
Why Summer Maintenance Matters
Neglecting summer maintenance can lead to the following:
- Poorly insulated homes bring higher energy bills.
- Wear and tear on components will shorten your garage door’s lifespan.
- Unplanned breakdowns that get in the way of your busy summer.
On the plus side, a well-kept garage door can improve the curb appeal of your home, increase the home security, and save you some headaches and money on expensive repairs.
Ready to Get Started?
Garage door troubles don’t have to ruin your summer vibe. Experts Garage Doors is ready to help. Our team provides all of your garage door maintenance, repair, and inspection needs so you won’t be caught off guard when the nice weather finally arrives.
Call us today for a professional tune-up so that you can sit back and relax this summer!
