2024-12-10 7 min read
<p>Summer heat can significantly impact your garage door's performance and longevity. High temperatures cause metal components to expand, lubricants to thin, and weatherstripping to deteriorate faster. At <strong>Amsterdam Garage Doors</strong>, we've seen how Ohio summers affect garage doors throughout Amsterdam and surrounding areas like Steubenville, Wellsville, and Salineville. Here's our expert guide to preparing your garage door for the hot months ahead.</p>
<h2>Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping</h2> <p>Hot weather combined with UV exposure can cause weatherstripping to crack, warp, and lose its effectiveness within just a few seasons. Check all seals around your garage door, including:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Bottom seal:</strong> This rubber gasket along the bottom of the door is your first defense against heat, pests, and debris. Look for cracks, gaps, or hardening.</li> <li><strong>Side seals:</strong> The seals along the frame should create a continuous barrier. Any gaps allow hot air to infiltrate your garage.</li> <li><strong>Top seal:</strong> Often overlooked, the top seal prevents heat from entering through the header.</li> </ul> <p>Replacing worn weatherstripping helps keep hot air out, maintains your garage's temperature, and can reduce energy costs if your garage is attached to your home. Our <a href="/services#maintenance">maintenance service</a> includes comprehensive weatherstripping inspection and replacement.</p>
<h2>Lubricate Moving Parts</h2> <p>Heat causes lubricants to break down faster, potentially leaving metal components without protection. Before summer hits, apply a high-quality silicone-based lubricant (never WD-40, which attracts dust) to these critical areas:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Rollers and hinges:</strong> These components work constantly and need proper lubrication to prevent wear and reduce noise.</li> <li><strong>Springs:</strong> Torsion springs (if safely accessible) benefit from lubrication to prevent corrosion and maintain smooth operation.</li> <li><strong>Track surfaces:</strong> A light coating helps rollers move smoothly without binding.</li> <li><strong>Lock mechanisms:</strong> Graphite lubricant works best for locks, as oil-based lubricants can attract dirt.</li> </ul> <p>Not comfortable doing this yourself? Our technicians provide complete lubrication service as part of our <a href="/services#maintenance">preventive maintenance plans</a>.</p>
<h2>Check Your Door's Balance</h2> <p>Temperature changes affect spring tension, which can throw your door out of balance. An unbalanced door strains the opener and causes premature wear. Here's how to test:</p> <ol> <li>Disconnect the opener by pulling the release cord.</li> <li>Manually lift the door to the halfway point (about waist height).</li> <li>Release the door carefully.it should stay in place.</li> <li>If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Spring adjustment is dangerous and should only be performed by professionals. Contact <a href="/contact">Amsterdam Garage Doors</a> for safe <a href="/services#springs">spring replacement and adjustment</a>.</p>
<h2>Inspect the Opener</h2> <p>Garage door openers can overheat in summer, especially in poorly ventilated garages where temperatures can exceed 100°F. Signs of an overheating opener include:</p> <ul> <li>Door stopping mid-cycle</li> <li>Opener making unusual sounds</li> <li>Intermittent operation</li> <li>Burning smell (requires immediate attention)</li> </ul> <p>Ensure your opener has adequate ventilation. Consider adding a garage fan or installing a vent if temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Our <a href="/services#openers">opener services</a> include inspection and upgrades to more heat-resistant models.</p>
<h2>Consider an Insulated Door</h2> <p>If you live in an area with extreme summer heat like we experience in Ohio, an insulated garage door provides multiple benefits:</p> <ul> <li>Reduces garage temperatures by up to 20°F</li> <li>Decreases strain on air conditioning (for attached garages)</li> <li>Protects items stored in the garage from heat damage</li> <li>Operates more quietly than non-insulated doors</li> <li>Increases energy efficiency year-round</li> </ul> <p>Amsterdam Garage Doors offers a wide selection of insulated doors. <a href="/contact">Contact us</a> for a free consultation on upgrading to an insulated door through our <a href="/services#installation">new door installation service</a>.</p>
<h2>Schedule Your Summer Maintenance Today</h2> <p>Don't wait for a breakdown in the middle of a heat wave! Our <a href="/services#maintenance">preventive maintenance service</a> covers all these items and more, ensuring your garage door performs reliably all summer long. With 31+ years of experience and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, Amsterdam Garage Doors is your trusted partner for garage door care. <a href="/contact">Request your free quote today</a>!</p>