As the days become longer and warmer, it’s natural to start thinking about the summer months ahead. As you begin to plan your outdoor activities, it’s important not to neglect your garage door. Your garage door plays an essential role in your home’s exterior, not only providing curb appeal but also safeguarding your vehicles and other belongings from the elements. Over the winter months, your garage door has likely endured harsh weather conditions, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. These conditions can cause wear and tear on your garage door’s components, making it necessary to prepare it for summer.
By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your garage door is ready for the increase in activity that comes with warmer weather. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential steps to take to prepare your garage door for summer, ensuring that it functions smoothly and safely throughout the season.
Inspect and Clean the Door
The garage door is an essential component of your home’s exterior, and it’s important to keep it well-maintained to ensure its proper functioning. The first step in preparing your garage door for summer is to inspect and clean it thoroughly. This step will help you identify any potential problems and address them before they become more significant issues.
Begin by checking the door’s condition for any damages or wear and tear. Winter weather can cause the door to warp or crack, so it’s essential to check it for any signs of damage. Look for any cracks, dents, or warping that may have occurred during the winter months. Check the springs, cables, and other hardware for any signs of wear or damage.
After checking the condition of the door, it’s time to clean it and its components. Use a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt, debris, or cobwebs that may have accumulated during the winter. Be sure to rinse the door thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer to remove any remaining debris. It’s important to clean the tracks, rollers, and hinges thoroughly as well.
Once you’ve cleaned the door, it’s time to lubricate the moving parts for smooth operation. It is suggested that you use a silicone-based lubricant to lubricate the rollers, hinges, and springs. Lubrication will prevent the parts from grinding against each other and causing damage. Keep in mind not to over-lubricate, as this can attract dirt and debris.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your garage door will help it function better and last longer.You must perform these steps at least once a year, preferably before the summer months. Neglecting your garage door’s maintenance can lead to costly repairs and replacements down the road.
In addition to the steps above, you should also keep an eye out for any unusual noises or movements while operating the garage door.
Check the Opener
The garage door opener is a critical component of your garage door system, responsible for opening and closing the door at the push of a button. As part of your summer garage door maintenance checklist, it’s important to check the opener’s functionality to ensure it’s operating safely and smoothly. Here are the steps to take to check the opener:
Test the Remote and Wall Switch
The first step is to test the remote and wall switch to make sure they’re working correctly. Begin by testing the remote from inside your car, standing at different distances from the door to ensure that the signal is strong enough. If the remote doesn’t seem to be working correctly, the first thing to do is to replace the batteries.
Next, test the wall switch by pressing it to open and close the door. If the wall switch works correctly, but the remote still isn’t functioning correctly, it may be time to replace the remote. If replacing the remote doesn’t solve the problem, contact a professional for help.
Adjust Sensitivity and Force Settings
The opener’s sensitivity and force settings determine how much pressure the door applies when opening and closing. Adjusting these settings is important to ensure smooth and safe operation. If the door is closing too quickly or hitting the ground with too much force, it could damage the door and potentially cause injury.
Test the door after making adjustments to ensure that it’s operating smoothly and safely. If you’re unsure about how to make these adjustments or if you’re still experiencing problems with the opener, contact a professional.
Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a crucial component of your garage door that helps to seal the door and keep unwanted elements out of your garage. It is usually located at the bottom of the door, but it can also be found on the sides and top of the door. Weatherstripping can become damaged or worn out over time, so it’s essential to inspect it regularly to ensure it’s in good condition.
Inspecting the weatherstripping is a simple process that you can do yourself. Start by closing the garage door and inspecting the weatherstripping for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for cracks, tears, or gaps in the weatherstripping that could allow dust, pests, or debris to enter your garage. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to replace the weatherstripping.
Prepare for Power Outages
Summer is a time for outdoor activities, family vacations, and relaxation. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for severe storms that can cause power outages. While these outages are typically temporary, they can leave you trapped in your garage if your garage door opener relies on electricity to operate. To avoid this scenario, it’s essential to prepare for power outages by installing a backup battery for your garage door opener.
A backup battery for your garage door opener is a small device that’s installed in the opener’s motor housing. The battery is designed to provide power to the opener in case of a power outage. This means that you’ll be able to open and close your garage door even if the electricity is out. Backup batteries are relatively inexpensive, and they can be purchased at most hardware stores or from your garage door manufacturer.
Consider Upgrading
A garage door upgrade is a great investment in your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and security. With the advancements in technology, there are now a plethora of garage door styles and features available that cater to different preferences, budgets, and requirements. If your garage door is outdated, damaged, or causing problems, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new one.
Upgrading your garage door is a smart investment that can provide several benefits, including better energy efficiency, improved security, and enhanced curb appeal. With several options available, including Classic, steel back, full view and Homestead steelback, it’s essential to consult with a professional to determine the best option for your home and budget. Whether you’re looking for a more rustic or contemporary look, a garage door upgrade can provide a significant return on investment and improve your home’s value and functionality.
Final Words
As the temperature begins to rise and the days get longer, it’s essential to make sure your garage door is ready for summer. Following the steps outlined in this article will ensure that your garage door is operating smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
Inspecting and cleaning your garage door and its components will prevent potential issues from developing and keep the door functioning correctly. Checking the opener’s functionality and adjusting the settings will ensure that the door opens and closes safely and smoothly. Inspecting and replacing weatherstripping will keep your garage sealed from pests, dust, and debris.
In case of power outages, having a backup battery installed for the opener and ensuring that the manual release function is functioning correctly will prevent you from being trapped in your garage. Upgrading your garage door to a more energy-efficient and secure option may be necessary if your garage door is outdated or damaged.
If you’re unsure about how to prepare your garage door for summer or encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Veteran Garage Door is here to provide the necessary assistance and ensure that your garage door is summer-ready in no time.
All in all, it’s essential to prepare your garage door for summer to prevent potential issues, ensure smooth and safe operation, and get the most out of your garage door. Don’t neglect this essential component of your home’s exterior and take the necessary steps to keep it functioning correctly. If you need any assistance, contact Veteran Garage Door for professional help.
Veteran Garage Door Repair
3415 Custer Rd #103
Plano, TX
75023
(972) 432-5695
