With the change in seasons come different challenges for your garage door. Harsh weather including scorching summers and febrile winters can wear on your garage door system and even cause you other unexpected problems. From a malfunction due to extremely high temperatures to damage from severe weather events, being prepared is essential for preventing expensive repairs and the safety of your property.
To prepare yourself for anything, at York Garage Door Guys, we know that getting ahead of the game and making sure you maintain your garage door and knowing what to do about garage door emergencies in case of bad weather is key. In this post we will review a few seasonal challenges and tips to prepare your garage door for anything Mother Nature throws your way.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can affect the performance of your garage door system. In warm weather, metal parts can grow, causing misalignment or problems with opening and closing the door. On the other hand, freezing temperatures may cause metal parts to contract, creating the same type of trouble.
Preparation Tips
Grease moving parts: Prevent some unpleasant squeaks by applying grease on hinges, rollers, and tracks before extreme temperatures hit, reducing friction and preventing parts from freezing together.
Insulation of your garage: A good insulation system will help to keep the temperature dynamic in your garage less affected by extreme weather conditions.
A maintenance check: A professional should inspect your garage door system at the beginning of each season; this way, potential problems can be found and taken care of before turning into one more expensive repair.
Severe Weather Events
Severe weather events like storms, hurricanes, and heavy snowfall are capable of damaging your garage door. Strong winds can cause a door to swing or even dislodge from its tracks; rain and snow can cause water damage and rust.
Preparation Tips
Reinforce the door Add bracing kits or reinforcement struts to strengthen the door and resist being blown in by high winds.
Trim nearby trees: Cut down any trees and/or branches overhanging or located close to your garage to lessen the chances of debris falling on your garage door in a storm.
Tie down loose items: Make sure to store any outdoor furniture, equipment or debris securely so they don’t become projectiles during severe weather.
Power Outages
Automatic garage door openers may become useless during a power outage, leaving you in a bind when trying to gain access to your garage. That can be extra inconvenient when bad weather hits and you have to hurriedly bring your vehicle or belongings indoors to safety.
Preparation Tips
Install a backup power supply to guarantee your garage door opener remains functional during power outages, you might want to buy a battery backup system.
Manual operation: Get to know your garage door so that you can operate it manually if power is cut.
Have emergency supplies on hand: Things like a flashlight and batteries, as well as a hand crank, should be kept in the garage so that you can easily access them in the event of an emergency.
With proactive measures and preparedness for seasonal challenges, the risk of weather-related garage door emergencies can be minimized, ensuring the safety and functionality of your garage door system. York Garage Door Guys is here to take care of any garage door maintenance and repair needs you may have. Give us a call to schedule a service!
