Is your garage door ready to handle the summer heat?
To maintain a garage door running smoothly, you’ll need to inspect key parts, clean and lubricate moving components, check weatherstripping, and test its balance and safety features.
Hot temperatures can dry out grease, warp metal parts, and wear down seals that can make your garage door noisy, slow, or even unsafe.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to do to prevent those problems with clear steps, quick tips, and a helpful maintenance checklist.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Keep your garage door running smoothly this summer with our expert-backed maintenance tips.
- Watch for heat-related issues like dried-out lubricants, worn rollers, and misaligned tracks.
- Trust Upstate Doors to help you protect your garage door and ensure your peace of mind all year long.
Why Does Summer Garage Door Maintenance Matters?
Summer might be great for road trips and backyard BBQs but not so much for your garage door.
The heat can dry out lubricants, causing your door to stick, squeak, or move roughly. Metal parts expand in high temperatures, which puts extra strain on hinges, rollers, and tracks.
Even the weatherstripping can take a hit. It may crack or shrink, letting in hot air, dust, or even pests.
Small garage door issues may not seem like a big deal now, but they can turn into expensive problems over time. That’s why doing a bit of summer maintenance is so important. It keeps everything running smoothly, protects your home, and saves you money.
Step-by-Step Summer Garage Door Maintenance Guide
Here are the steps that you need to follow to maintain your garage door in summer:
Step 1: Inspect the Door’s Appearance and Structure
Start with a visual inspection to catch any obvious issues.
- Check for visible damage: Look for dents, cracks, rust spots, or peeling paint on the door panels.
- Inspect the weatherstripping: Ensure the rubber seals at the bottom and sides are intact and not brittle or cracked.
- Examine the door’s alignment: Observe if the door opens and closes smoothly without jerking or making unusual noises.
Tip: If you notice any significant damage or misalignment, it’s best to consult a professional for repairs.
Step 2: Clean the Door Surface
A clean garage door not only makes your home look better but also helps prevent dirt that can mess with how it works.
- Use mild detergent and water: Gently scrub the door with a soft cloth or sponge to remove dirt and grime.
- Rinse thoroughly: Use a garden hose to wash away soap residue.
- Dry completely: Wipe down the door to prevent water spots and rust formation.
Note: Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washers, as they can damage the door’s finish.
Step 3: Tighten Hardware and Inspect Moving Parts
Over time, the door’s hardware can loosen due to regular use.
- Tighten all bolts and screws: Use a socket wrench to secure any loose hardware.
- Inspect rollers and hinges: Look for signs of wear or damage. Replace any components that appear worn out.
Warning: If you notice frayed cables or broken springs, do not attempt to fix them yourself. These components are under high tension and require professional handling.
Step 4: Lubricate Moving Parts
Proper lubrication ensures smooth operation.
- Use a silicone-based lubricant: Apply to rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs.
- Avoid over-lubrication: Wipe off any excess to prevent attracting dust and debris.
Important: Do not use grease or heavy oils, as they can gum up the tracks and attract dirt.
Step 5: Clean and Align the Tracks
Dirty or misaligned tracks can hinder the door’s movement.
- Clean the tracks: Remove debris and dirt using a damp cloth.
- Check alignment: Ensure the tracks are straight and properly aligned. If they appear bent or misaligned, contact a professional for adjustment.
Tip: Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can cause the door to stick or become noisy.
Step 6: Test Safety Features
It’s important to make sure your garage door’s safety mechanisms are working properly.
- Auto-reverse feature: Place an object like a roll of paper towels in the door’s path. Close the door; it should reverse upon contact.
- Photo-eye sensors: Block the sensors with an object while closing the door. The door should stop and reverse.
Reminder: If these features aren’t working correctly, schedule a professional inspection immediately.
Step 7: Check Ventilation and Insulation
Proper ventilation prevents overheating, and good insulation maintains energy efficiency.
- Inspect ventilation: Ensure vents are clear and functioning to allow airflow.
- Check insulation: Look for gaps or damage in the insulation panels. Replace or repair as needed.
Note: Adequate ventilation and insulation help protect stored items and reduce energy costs.
Maintenance Checklist Table
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Tools Needed | DIY-Friendly |
| Lubricate moving parts | Monthly | Lubricant, rag | ✅ |
| Tighten hardware | Every 2–3 months | Socket wrench | ✅ |
| Clean tracks | Monthly | Brush, cloth | ✅ |
| Test auto-reverse feature | Monthly | Small object (e.g. box) | ✅ |
| Inspect weatherstripping | Quarterly | None | ✅ |
| Check opener battery | Every 6 months | Battery | ✅ |
Quick Tips to Maintain Your Garage Door for the Summer
Keep your opener working smoothly and avoid costly repairs by following these quick maintenance tips:
- Lubricate the chain or screw drive with a garage door lubricant to reduce noise and wear.
- Check if the door stays balanced by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting it half way.
- Test the auto-reverse feature by placing a small object under the door; it should reverse when it touches it.
- Look over the opener unit for any signs of damage, loose wires, or overheating.
- Scan key parts like rollers and cables for fraying, rust, or wear if they look bad, it’s time to replace or call a pro.
Common Summer Garage Door Problems & How to Fix Them
1. Garage Door Feels Sticky or Jerky When Opening
- What’s happening?
The heat causes metal parts to expand, which can lead to misalignment in the tracks or dry rollers. - How to fix it:
Clean the tracks, lubricate the rollers and hinges with silicone spray, and check if the tracks are aligned.
2. Unusual Noises Like Grinding or Screeching
- What’s happening?
Hot weather can dry out lubricants or wear down components faster. - How to fix it:
Lubricate all moving parts especially springs, rollers, and hinges. Replace any parts that look worn out.
3. Garage Door Sensors Not Working Properly
- What’s happening?
Direct sunlight can interfere with the infrared sensors that make the door stop or reverse unnecessarily. - How to fix it:
Shade the sensors with small covers or adjust their angle. Clean the lenses with a soft cloth to remove dust or cobwebs.
4. Weather Seals Are Cracked
- What’s happening?
The rubber seals at the bottom or sides of the door can dry out and crack in hot, dry conditions. - How to fix it:
Inspect the seals for damage and replace them if they’re brittle or worn out. This keeps your garage cool and pest-free.
5. Garage Door Opener Remote Fails Occasionally
- What’s happening?
Heat can weaken batteries or affect the electronics in your remote or wall unit. - How to fix it:
Change the batteries and make sure the opener’s receiver isn’t overheating. If problems persist, a replacement remote might be needed.
Maintain your garage door with Upstate Doors
Most of us don’t think about our garage doors until something stops working. But with a bit of care, especially during the summer heat, you can avoid big headaches and expensive repairs later on.
At Upstate Doors, we believe in staying one step ahead. Instead of waiting for problems to show up, we help you keep your garage door running smoothly all year round.
We’re your local experts, proudly serving homes across New York with reliable repairs, seasonal tune-ups, and custom upgrades that actually fit your needs.
Noticed your garage door creaking, slowing down, or just not working like it used to? Let us take a look. We’ll handle it with care, get things running right, and make sure you can move on with peace of mind.
Final thought
You don’t need to be an expert to look after your garage door in the summer. A bit of time, a few simple steps and you’re good to go.
If you can do simple things like lubricating moving parts, checking for wear, and staying ahead of small issues, you’re protecting one of the most used doors in your home.
The best part? A bit of summer maintenance now can save you from costly repairs down the road and give you peace of mind knowing everything’s working smoothly.
If you ever feel unsure or spot something that doesn’t seem right, don’t wait. Reach out to a trusted professional like Upstate Doors to help you stay safe and stress-free.
FAQs
Why should I bother with garage door maintenance in the summer?
Because summer heat can really mess with your garage door. It dries out the lubricant, makes parts expand, and can wear things down faster. A little maintenance now can save you from big problems later.
What parts should I check first?
Start with the basics; rollers, tracks, springs, and weatherstripping. These are the spots most likely to suffer from heat or extra wear during the summer.
Do I really need to lubricate it in summer?
Yes! You need to lubricate the garage door in summer. A quick spray of the right lubricant keeps everything running smooth and quiet.
Can I do all the maintenance myself?
You can handle basic things like cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting. But for spring tension adjustments or opener repairs, Upstate Doors recommends professional help for safety.
Should I also get ready for fall now?
It’s a smart move. Summer’s a good time to check seals, insulation, and anything else that might give you trouble when the weather turns cold.
