Updated: October 31, 2023
Posted: July 28, 2015
5 Ways to Prepare Your Garage Door for Summer
Following on from one of our previous blog posts on how to prepare your garage door for the cold winter months, this article will serve to explain the 5 main ways to ensure it remains in top working order during the summer too. Carrying out regular maintenance on your garage door is essential, especially following a cold, rainy winter which may have caused some damage to the appearance and functionality of the door.
Although the garage door and its mechanisms may seem fine, carrying out thorough inspections will mean you can sort out any problems before they escalate into larger, more costly repairs.
1. Clean the door thoroughly
Typically used to store vehicles, tools, equipment or supplies, the interior of a garage tends to accumulate a great deal of dust, dirt and grease which can affect the condition of the door. Furthermore, the exterior of the door can become filthy from exposure to the elements, so it’s important to keep on top of maintenance and prolong the life of the door by washing both sides using warm soapy water. To prevent the build-up of dust, try applying a thin protective coating of car wax to the surface of the door. For further information on how to give your garage door a spring clean, take a look at our previous article which features a few top tips.
2. Preventing rust and rot
Once you have managed to remove the dirt, grime and dust from your garage door, the next step is to eliminate any rust or rot. Rust is a major issue for steel garage doors, so if you notice any afflicted areas on the surface of the door you must sand them down and apply a zinc primer.
For garage doors made from wood, rotting is a considerable threat so it’s worth applying a fresh coat of paint and a water sealant on both sides to prevent the risk of having to replace the entire door.
3. Lubricate the mechanisms
All moving parts, including the hinges, springs, tracks and rollers, must be frequently lubricated to ensure the garage door continues to operate properly. Make sure you only use lubricant oil which is specifically designed for garage door use to avoid causing any damage. A top tip is to only apply a thin layer of lubricant oil to the moving parts, as an excessive amount will quickly collect dust and dirt which can cause the mechanisms to wear.
4. Regular inspections
It’s important to closely inspect the parts and mechanisms of your garage door frequently to check for any signs of wear and tear. There is a high risk that rollers will suffer from cracking, chipping or general abrasions, so make sure you pay close attention to these areas of the door before any problems escalate, rendering the door useless.
Checking the cables to the garage door is also an extremely important task as continuous use of the door can cause them to fray or wear prematurely. If you notice any damaged or loose parts, you must seek the help of a professional immediately to ensure efficient, safe operation of your garage door.
5. Weather stripping and insulation
In preparation for the summer months, fitting weather stripping and insulation will help prevent the hot air from filtering through into the garage and damaging any of the items inside. A top tip to protect the condition of the exterior weather stripping is to use a lubricant oil with silicone.
Here at JB Doors our team of qualified technicians have the skills and expertise to ensure your garage door remains fully functioning for many years to come. We offer a comprehensive spares and repairs service so your current garage door remains in optimum working order, no matter what the conditions.
We also offer an extensive range of garage door designs to suit any application, including insulated roller garage doors which will withstand any hot, humid weather conditions during the summer. Simply contact our expert team today for further information about any of the services we provide.
