Summer in Toronto brings beautiful weather, outdoor activities, and, unfortunately, high temperatures that can affect the performance of your garage door. At Toronto Garage Door Guys, we understand how critical it is to keep your garage door in optimal condition year-round. Here’s a closer look at how summer temperatures impact your garage door and what you can do to mitigate these effects.
Expansion and Contraction of Materials
Generally, wood, steel, and aluminum are used to make garage doors. These materials can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations:
Steel and Aluminum: These metals expand when heated. During hot summer days, your metal garage door may develop, causing it to warp slightly. It can lead to misalignment with the tracks and difficulty opening or closing.
Wood: Wooden garage doors can absorb moisture from the humid summer air, causing them to swell. It can make the door heavier and more complicated for the motor to lift, putting additional strain on the opener.
Impact on Garage Door Springs
The springs in your garage door system are crucial for smooth operation. Extreme heat can weaken these springs over time:
Torsion Springs: These springs bear the brunt of your garage door’s weight. They may lose tension after being exposed to extreme heat for an extended period, which could lead to a garage door that closes too quickly or doesn’t stay open.
Extension Springs: These springs on either side of the door may also break due to overstressing in the heat.
Effects on Lubrication
Proper lubrication is essential for smoothly operating your garage door’s moving parts. However, high temperatures can affect lubricants:
Melting and Thinning: Lubricants can become less effective as they thin out in the heat, increasing friction and wear on the moving parts.
Dirt and Debris: Thinner lubricants can also attract more dirt and debris, clogging up the system and leading to malfunctions.
Garage Door Opener Issues
The electric garage door opener is another component that can suffer in the heat:
Overheating: The motor can overheat if it’s overworked during hot days, especially if the door is struggling due to material expansion or poor lubrication.
Sensor Problems: High temperatures can also affect the sensors, causing them to malfunction or become misaligned.
Tips for Maintaining Your Garage Door in Summer
To ensure your garage door remains functional throughout the hot summer months, here are some tips from Toronto Garage Door Guys:
Regular Maintenance: Plan routine maintenance and inspections to look for wear and tear, particularly on the springs and tracks.
Lubricate Moving Parts: To ensure smooth operation, use a high-quality, heat-resistant lubricant on the tracks, rollers, and springs.
Check and Adjust Sensors: To prevent malfunctions, ensure the sensors are clean and oriented correctly.
Shade and Ventilation: Provide shade and ensure proper ventilation in your garage to reduce the internal temperature.
Insulate Your Garage Door: An insulated garage door can help regulate the temperature, reducing the impact of external heat.
Summer temperatures can pose significant challenges to your garage door’s performance. By being aware of these effects and adopting preventative measures, you can guarantee that your garage door functions smoothly and dependably throughout the summer. Don’t hesitate to contact Toronto Garage Door Guys for professional maintenance and repair services. Our experienced technicians are here to help keep your garage door in top condition, no matter the season.
