Your garage door is one of the most frequently used entry points in your home, yet it often goes unnoticed—until something goes wrong. 

The changing seasons bring fluctuating temperatures, moisture levels, and weather conditions that can affect your garage door’s functionality. Understanding these seasonal impacts and taking preventative maintenance steps can help keep your garage door operating smoothly year-round.

Can Seasonal Changes Affect My Garage Door?

Seasonal changes cause weathering–a garage door’s worst nightmare. This impacts your garage door’s materials, components, and overall performance. Temperature fluctuations can cause metal parts to expand and contract, while humidity and precipitation can lead to rust, warping, or even mold growth. 

Each season has different weather conditions that impact your garage door in different ways. But, with residential garage door maintenance, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure your garage door remains reliable.

How To Maintain Your Garage Door Throughout The Seasons

Routine maintenance is key to extending the life of your garage door. By adjusting your care practices according to the season, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and enhance safety. Below, we break down essential garage door maintenance tips for each season.

Spring Maintenance

Spring is a time for the infamous ‘spring cleaning’, making it the perfect season for a thorough garage door check-up. The fluctuating temperatures and increased humidity can affect moving parts and overall performance. Here’s how to maintain your garage door in spring:

• Inspect and tighten hardware: Check for loose bolts, nuts, and screws on the tracks and brackets, as they may have loosened during the colder months.
• Clean and lubricate moving parts: Apply a high-quality lubricant to rollers, hinges, and springs to keep everything running smoothly.
• Check the balance of the door: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment by a professional.
• Examine the weather stripping: Spring showers can bring moisture into your garage. Replace worn or cracked weather stripping to keep out water and pests.

Summer Maintenance

The summer heat and humidity can be tough on your garage door, particularly if it’s made of wood or has metal components that expand with high temperatures. Here are some summer maintenance tips:

• Inspect for warping and swelling: Wooden garage doors can absorb moisture, leading to expansion and difficulty closing properly.
• Check for overheating issues: If your garage door opener has safety sensors, ensure they’re clean and functional, as extreme heat can sometimes interfere with them.
• Lubricate moving parts: High temperatures can cause lubricant to dry out faster, so reapply if necessary.
• Protect against pests: Insects and rodents look for cool places to nest. Seal any small gaps and check for signs of infestations.

Fall Maintenance

As temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall, your garage door requires attention to prepare for the colder months ahead. Here’s what to focus on in the fall:

• Clear debris from tracks: Falling leaves, dirt, and debris can accumulate in the tracks and cause operational issues.
• Check insulation: If your garage is attached to your home, inspect the door’s insulation to keep the cold air out and improve energy efficiency.
• Test the auto-reverse feature: Place a small object under the door and close it. If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact, the safety mechanism may need adjustment.
• Inspect cables and pulleys: With winter around the corner, worn-out cables or pulleys can become dangerous. If you notice fraying or damage, contact a professional for replacement.

Winter Maintenance

Cold weather, ice, and snow can take a toll on your garage door, causing it to stick, freeze, or malfunction. Prepare your garage door for winter with these steps:

• Lubricate thoroughly: Use a low-temperature lubricant to prevent freezing and keep the door’s movement smooth.
• Keep the area around the door clear: Remove snow and ice buildup near the door to prevent jamming or freezing shut.
• Check for drafts: Cold air can seep through cracks, making your garage uncomfortable. Replace worn-out seals and weather stripping to improve insulation.
• Test your opener and backup battery: Power outages are more common in winter. Ensure your opener and backup battery are in working condition.

Reliable Garage Door Services to Keep Your Home Secure

At GoPro Garage Door Repair, we provide expert repair, installation, and maintenance services for residential garage doors to ensure safety, convenience, and peace of mind. 

With our 24/7 emergency service, you’ll never have to worry about being stuck with a malfunctioning door. Our licensed, insured, and experienced technicians use the latest technology to provide the best garage door maintenance in Dublin. Contact us today!