As the summer heat rages on, many homeowners face the challenges that extreme temperatures can pose on various aspects of their homes. One area often overlooked is the garage door, which can suffer significantly from the sweltering heat. It is important to understand the effects of extreme summer heat on garage doors. This way, proper measures can be taken to prevent any damage.
Effects of Extreme Summer Heat on Garage Doors
1. Material Warping and Expansion
Wooden Doors: Wooden garage doors, while aesthetically pleasing, are particularly susceptible to warping and cracking in high temperatures. The intense heat can cause the wood to expand, leading to misalignment and operational issues.
Metal Doors: Metal garage doors, including those made from steel and aluminum, can also be affected. The heat can cause these materials to expand, sometimes leading to dents or warping. In addition, metal absorbs heat, which can make the garage unbearably hot.
2. Paint and Finish Damage
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause the paint and finish on garage doors to fade, peel, or crack. This not only diminishes the curb appeal of your home but can also expose the underlying material to further damage from the elements.
3. Hardware Malfunctions
The extreme heat can affect the garage door’s hardware, such as springs, cables, and rollers. Metal components can expand, leading to increased friction and wear. This can result in noisy operations, or in worst cases, a complete breakdown of the door mechanism.
4. Insulation Problems
For insulated garage doors, the intense heat can degrade the insulating materials over time. This reduces the effectiveness of the insulation, making it harder to keep your garage – and by extension, your home – cool.
5. Sensor and Opener Issues
Electronic components, including sensors and garage door openers, can malfunction if they get too hot. Overheating can cause these devices to fail, preventing the garage door from opening or closing properly.
Mitigating the Effects of Extreme Heat
1. Regular Maintenance
Conduct regular inspections and garage door maintenance. Check for any signs of warping, paint damage, or hardware issues. Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and wear.
2. Proper Insulation
Ensure your garage door is well-insulated. Insulated doors not only help regulate the temperature inside the garage but also protect the door itself from the extremes of outside temperatures. Consider upgrading to a higher R-value garage door insulation if necessary.
3. Heat-Resistant Paints and Finishes
Use heat-resistant paints and finishes to protect the exterior of your garage door. These can help prevent fading, peeling, and cracking caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays and high temperatures. Here are some Tips For Painting Your Garage Door.
4. Ventilation
Improve the ventilation in your garage to reduce the internal temperature. Installing vents or exhaust fans can help dissipate the heat and keep the garage cooler.
5. Shade and Protection
Provide shade to your garage door by installing an awning or planting trees and shrubs strategically. This can significantly reduce the amount of direct sunlight the door receives, minimizing heat-related damage.
6. Upgrade Hardware
Consider upgrading to high-quality hardware that can withstand higher temperatures. Stainless steel components, for example, are more resistant to heat-induced expansion and wear.
7. Regular Checks on Electronics
Ensure that the electronic components of your garage door opener are kept cool. If your garage gets extremely hot, you might need to install a small fan or cooling system to prevent overheating of these sensitive parts.
Consulting a Professional Garage Door Service
While there are many steps you can take as a homeowner to protect your garage door from the extreme heat, sometimes the expertise of a professional is invaluable. Here’s why consulting a professional garage door service can be beneficial:
Expert Assessment
Professionals can provide a thorough assessment of your garage door, identifying any issues that might not be immediately apparent to an untrained eye. They can check for signs of wear and tear, potential warping, and other heat-related damages.
Specialized Repairs and Maintenance
For any sustained damage from the heat, a professional service can perform specialized garage door repair to restore its functionality. They have the tools and expertise to handle complex issues, ensuring that your garage door operates smoothly.
Upgrading Components
Professionals can advise on and install upgraded hardware and components that are more resistant to heat. This includes high-temperature-resistant lubricants, springs, and rollers that can withstand extreme conditions.
Why Choose Top Choice Garage Doors
When it comes to safeguarding your garage door against the harsh effects of extreme summer heat, Top Choice Garage Doors stands out as a leading service provider. With a team of highly trained technicians and years of industry experience, we offer high quality services such as garage door installation and repair. Experience is our top priority, so rest assured the job will get done professionally and promptly.
