How Extreme Weather Impacts Your Garage Door and How to Protect It

Extreme weather conditions can significantly affect your garage door’s performance and durability. From scorching heat to freezing cold, understanding these effects can help you take preventative measures and avoid costly repairs. Here’s how various weather conditions impact your garage door and what you can do to keep it in optimal shape.

Effects of Heat on Garage Doors
During the sweltering summer months, high temperatures can wreak havoc on your garage door:

• Metal Expansion: Heat causes metal parts like springs, tracks, and cables to expand. This expansion can lead to noisy operations, misalignment, or difficulty opening and closing the door smoothly.

• Wood Damage: Wooden garage doors are especially vulnerable, as extreme heat can cause warping, cracking, or splitting. Over time, these issues can create structural imbalances, leading to more extensive repairs.

Solution: Regular maintenance is key. Lubricate all moving parts to minimize friction caused by heat. If you notice any issues, consider reaching out for professional garage door repair in Washington County to address problems early.

Cold Weather Challenges
Winter’s freezing temperatures bring an entirely different set of problems:

• Metal Contraction: Cold weather can cause metal parts to contract, making them brittle and susceptible to breakage. Garage door springs are particularly at risk and may snap under pressure.

• Rubber Wear: Rubber components like weather stripping often harden and crack in low temperatures, creating gaps that allow drafts and water seepage.

Preventative Tip: Schedule routine inspections and replace worn parts before they fail. Lubricate the door’s moving components and ensure proper insulation to combat cold weather damage.

Storm and Wind Damage
Storms can pose immediate and severe threats to your garage door:

• Physical Damage: High winds, hail, and flying debris can dent or scratch the door’s surface, potentially weakening its structure.

• Water Damage: Heavy rain can rust metal parts, while wooden doors may absorb moisture, causing swelling or rot.

• Track Misalignment: Strong winds or impacts can knock the door off its track, compromising its safety and functionality.

Proactive Measures: Regularly inspect your garage door for damage. Fix minor issues like dents or cracks in weather stripping promptly to prevent further problems.

Protecting Your Garage Door from Extreme Weather
You can extend the life of your garage door and keep it functioning smoothly by taking a few simple steps:

1. Inspect the door regularly for signs of wear or damage.

2. Lubricate all moving parts to prevent wear caused by friction.

3. Repair or replace weather stripping to maintain a proper seal.

4. Address any structural or operational issues immediately to avoid further damage.

If extreme weather has already taken a toll on your garage door, don’t wait. Contact BWI Garage Doors for expert garage door repair in Gaithersburg, MD. With professional care, your door will be ready to face any challenge nature throws its way.