When summer heat sets in, your garage door might start acting up, refusing to close properly, reversing without reason, or making strange noises. These problems often catch homeowners off guard, especially when everything worked fine during cooler months. However, intense summer temperatures have a significant impact on garage door systems, from metal track expansion to strain on electric components.
Understanding how hot weather affects your garage door can save you frustration, money, and unnecessary repairs. Whether you live in the suburbs or rely on garage doors in Nokesville, VA, the symptoms and solutions remain largely the same. The key is knowing what to watch for and how to respond before the heat does real damage.
Let’s explore the specific ways summer heat interferes with garage door function and what you can do to keep everything running smoothly.
1. Metal Expansion and Track Misalignment
Most garage doors run along metal tracks, which are vulnerable to expansion as temperatures rise. When metal expands, even by a fraction of an inch, it can throw off alignment. This leads to increased friction, jerky motion, or total failure to open or close.
Signs of misalignment include rubbing sounds, shaking during operation, and uneven gaps along the edges of the door. In severe cases, the door may get stuck entirely.
Solution:
Have a technician check the track alignment and tighten or reposition the brackets as needed. Lubricating the tracks with a high-temperature grease also helps reduce wear caused by friction.
2. Sensor Malfunctions in Direct Sunlight
Garage door safety sensors are designed to detect objects in the door’s path. However, strong sunlight, especially in the late afternoon, can confuse these sensors.
Direct UV rays may cause sensors to interpret sunlight as an obstruction, triggering the door to reverse unexpectedly or refuse to close at all.
Solution:
Install sun shields or sensor hoods to block direct light. Make sure sensors are clean and properly aligned. If issues persist, consider upgrading to models that filter UV interference more effectively.
3. Warping of Wooden Garage Doors
Wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. During hot, humid days, wooden garage doors may swell or warp, putting pressure on hinges, springs, and tracks.
This deformation can cause jamming or gaps, which invite pests and reduce insulation performance.
Solution:
Paint or seal your wooden garage door regularly to minimize moisture absorption. If warping is already visible, consult a professional to assess whether a repair or replacement is the better option.
4. Strain on the Garage Door Opener Motor
Heat not only affects mechanical parts but also takes a toll on the motor in your garage door opener. Excess heat causes motors to work harder, particularly if they’re older or underpowered.
An overheated motor may shut down unexpectedly or slow down significantly.
Solution:
Ensure proper ventilation in your garage. If your opener is aging, consider replacing it with a modern unit designed for higher thermal resistance. Regular maintenance can also prolong motor life.
5. Weakening or Snapping of Torsion Springs
Torsion springs do the heavy lifting when a garage door opens and closes. Heat can weaken these springs over time, especially after repeated cycles in extreme weather.
When a spring breaks, the door may slam shut or fail to open at all, a serious safety hazard.
Solution:
Schedule a professional spring inspection at the start of each summer. If you hear a loud snap or notice uneven door movement, stop using the door and call for repairs immediately.
6. Insulation and Air Pressure Problems
Garages with poor insulation can trap hot air, turning the space into an oven. This not only affects stored belongings but also increases interior pressure, making it harder for the garage door to seal correctly.
Air pressure differences between inside and outside may even cause the door to flutter or not latch completely.
Solution:
Add insulation to your garage walls and upgrade to a well-insulated garage door. Weather stripping around the door edges can also help keep air pressure balanced.
Extreme summer temperatures present unique challenges for garage door systems, from track misalignment and warped panels to failing sensors and overheated motors. Being proactive about maintenance can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
If you rely on garage doors in Nokesville, VA, it’s wise to have a trusted local expert assess your door’s summer readiness. Crews Garage Door Company offers professional inspections, repairs, and upgrades to keep your system working dependably, no matter how high the mercury climbs. Contact our team today to schedule service and keep your garage door running at its best.
