How To Maintain Your Garage Door In All Weathers

A high-quality garage door is an investment that should last you for years to come, but this can only be achieved with the right care and maintenance. As your garage door is exposed to the worst of the elements all year round, it can easily develop a range of faults. 

While certain amounts of wear and tear are normal, regular maintenance can extend your garage door’s lifespan and prevent expensive repairs later down the line. But how can you maintain your garage door throughout the seasons? The team here at JB Garage Doors has put together this guide for keeping your garage door in great condition, whatever the weather.

How to maintain your garage door in spring

Britain is known for grey skies and downpours, and this is especially true in the spring. Damp conditions mean that moisture can easily creep into the delicate components of your garage door, like the hinges, rollers and springs, so watch out for any signs of rust. Spring is also a good time to do a post-winter check-up on your garage door and ensure it’s still in top condition: tighten up any loose bits of hardware, inspect the weatherstripping and wash down your garage door to remove any grime.

How to maintain your garage door in summer

During the summer, extreme heat and sunlight beating down on your garage door can cause the metal components to swell and expand. This can lead to a whole host of issues — from misalignment to reduced spring tension — many of which require professional repairs, so it’s important to keep an eye on your garage door system and get any issues looked at immediately.

As these metal components expand, this can cause parts to grind against each other, creating friction. While you should already be lubricating the moving parts of your garage door every now and again, this job is especially important during extreme hot and cold temperatures.

How to maintain your garage door in autumn

During autumn, you might notice more dirt and leaves in your garage door tracks than usual. If these are left to build up, they can stop your garage door from operating smoothly, so be sure to clear out this debris on a regular basis. If you have a wooden garage door, autumn is also a good time to treat it. You’ll need to gently wash the door with warm water, before sanding it down to create a smooth surface. Then, apply another layer of varnish or sealer, as this protective finish can help to prevent rot or warping.

How to maintain your garage door in the winter

Freezing temperatures can take a huge toll on your garage door and its delicate components, so it’s important to give it a bit of extra TLC during winter by following the below steps:

• Regularly inspect your garage door for signs of wear or damage, and contact a garage door repair expert should you find any.
• Check the seals around your garage door for wear, as these are the first line of defence against bad weather. If you notice any damage, you’re best off replacing them.
• Lubricate any moving parts, as these can contract during cold weather, making your garage door stiff and difficult to move.
• Test the sensors. To open and close safely, an automatic garage door depends on sensors, and these can be especially sensitive to the cold. Test their alignment by placing an object under the garage door and ensuring the auto-reverse mechanism kicks in; if it doesn’t, gently clean the sensors and try again.
• Keep the ground around your garage free of any snow or ice, as this can cause your garage door to freeze shut.

The best way to protect your garage door in all weathers is by arranging an annual service with a trusted expert, like JB Garage Doors. We can examine your door for any faults and carry out the necessary repairs to keep everything in good working order. Get in touch today to schedule your garage door maintenance – we work across Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury and beyond.