How Can I Avoid Garage Door Problems in Greenwood’s Harsh Weather?

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Why the Weather Damages Garage Doors
• How to Avoid Garage Door Problems
• Choosing Weather-Ready Materials
• Weatherproofing Your Garage Door in Greenwood

Dealing with a garage door that doesn’t work properly can be frustrating, especially in Greenwood’s tough weather. Freezing winters and hot, humid summers put a lot of stress on your garage door’s springs, tracks, and seals. But the good news is, with regular maintenance, you can avoid most problems and keep everything running smoothly.

By cleaning, greasing, and keeping everything properly aligned, you can prevent bigger issues from developing. A simple annual inspection, tightening hardware, and fixing minor problems can keep your garage door working well all year round.

Don’t let neglect cause costly repairs down the road. Schedule your garage door maintenance in Greenwood today with Select Garage Door. Our expert team will ensure your door stays in top shape, ready to face all of Greenwood’s weather challenges. Call now for an inspection or maintenance service!

Key Takeaways

• Harsh weather conditions (temperature, humidity, wind, and sun) can damage garage doors, leading to costly repairs.
• Regular seasonal maintenance is essential—look for damage, broken seals, and loose hardware, and fix them early.
• Lubricate moving parts (springs, rollers, hinges) with weather-resistant lubricants to improve performance and prevent rust.
• Choose weather-resistant materials like steel, aluminum, or fiberglass, and consider UV-resistant or insulated coatings for added protection.

Why the Weather Damages Garage Doors

Temperature Changes

Extreme heat and cold can cause metal parts like hinges and tracks to expand and contract, misaligning the door and making it hard to open. Cold weather can also cause lubricants to stiffen, freeze mechanisms, and make springs brittle, especially on steel and aluminum doors.

Moisture Damage

Cracks in your door allow rain, snow, and water to seep in, leading to rust and corrosion on metal parts. Wooden doors are also at risk of warping in high humidity. Regularly check and replace weather seals to prevent moisture infiltration and catch issues early.

Wind Damage

Strong winds can cause tracks to shift, panels to shake, and hardware to loosen, leading to higher energy costs due to air leakage. Reinforced, wind-resistant doors can protect against storms, and clearing the area around your garage reduces the risk of flying debris.

Sun Damage

Continuous sun exposure can fade paint and weaken seals, especially in areas without shade. UV light can degrade rubber seals and weather stripping, allowing moisture and heat to get in. Using UV-resistant finishes and performing regular maintenance can prevent sun damage and extend your door’s life.

How to Avoid Garage Door Problems

Preventing garage door issues starts with seasonal maintenance, especially in Greenwood’s unpredictable weather. Regular checks on seals, balance, sensors, and lubrication can catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Seasonal Checks

At the start of each season, inspect your garage door for damage like dents or cracks. Check the weather seals, springs, and tracks, as extreme weather can affect them. Tighten any loose screws and bolts to ensure safety and prevent future issues.

Consider replacing weather seals in autumn to prevent drafts and moisture in winter. Fixing small issues early saves you money in the long run.

Smart Lubrication

Lubricating the moving parts of your garage door is a simple and cost-effective way to protect it from weather damage. Apply a weatherproof lubricant to the springs, rollers, and hinges to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation—especially before winter.

Be careful not to over-apply oil, as too much can attract dirt and cause imbalance. A light, steady coat every few months is enough to keep things running smoothly.

Balance Tests

An unbalanced garage door can strain the springs and opener, shortening their lifespan. To test the balance, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door. If it doesn’t stay open or moves unevenly, it’s time to call a professional for adjustments.

Routine balance checks improve door performance, and replacing old springs before winter can prevent further issues.

Seal Inspections

Check the bottom seals and weather stripping for cracks or gaps. Worn-out seals allow drafts, moisture, and pests to enter your garage. Replace old seals with durable options like triple-fin weatherstrips for better insulation and energy efficiency.

Sensor Cleaning

Dirty sensors can lead to safety and operational problems. Clean the sensors with a soft cloth to remove debris and ensure they’re aligned properly. Periodically test the sensors to keep them functioning well.

Choosing Weather-Ready Materials

In places like Greenwood, where the weather can be extreme, the materials you choose for your garage door play a significant part in its durability, performance, and lifespan. Here are some of the best options to consider when balancing cost, appearance, and weather resilience.

Steel

Steel is a durable and low-maintenance option that performs well in both hot summers and cold winters. It’s resistant to rust, especially when galvanized, and insulated steel doors are energy-efficient and long-lasting.

Pros:

• Highly durable
• Rust-resistant (galvanized)
• Energy-efficient (insulated)

Cons:

• Heavier than other materials
• Can dent under heavy impact
• Higher initial cost

Wood

Wood offers unmatched beauty and durability but requires regular maintenance to prevent warping, cracking, and moisture damage. Composite wood, a manufactured option, is more resistant to moisture but lacks the natural aesthetic of real wood.

Pros:

• Aesthetic appeal and warmth
• Strong and durable

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance
• Susceptible to moisture and weather damage without proper care

Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight, rust-proof, and ideal for areas with high humidity. Reinforced aluminum panels resist dents and are suitable for wet environments. However, aluminum doors may require powder coating for added protection against corrosion and scratches.

Pros:

• Lightweight and rust-resistant
• Low-maintenance
• Resistant to corrosion

Cons:

• Can dent more easily
• Less durable than steel in high-impact situations

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is highly resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and weather extremes. It’s a low-maintenance option that works well in harsh climates. However, to prevent fading due to sun exposure, fiberglass doors need UV-blocking coatings.

Pros:

• Moisture-resistant
• Low-maintenance
• Lightweight and energy-efficient

Cons:

• Needs UV-protection to prevent fading
• Can be less durable in high-impact situations

Weatherproofing Your Garage Door in Greenwood

A well-maintained garage door not only enhances your home’s security but also shields you from the elements. Regular maintenance and early inspections help detect issues like leaks, dampness, or corrosion before they turn into costly repairs.

Weatherproofing your garage door can prevent damage, save on energy costs, and improve overall performance. Proper seals, insulation, and lubrication ensure your door remains in top condition throughout the year.

Professional services provide the expertise to fix complex issues safely and effectively, helping you avoid unnecessary stress and repairs.

Don’t wait for problems to escalate. Schedule your garage door maintenance with Select Garage Doors today. Our experienced technicians will inspect and maintain your garage door, ensuring it stays in peak condition and ready to face Greenwood’s weather challenges. Contact us now for a free consultation!