As temperatures rise across Tennessee and Northern Alabama, homeowners start to notice more than just higher utility bills — their garage doors can begin acting up, too. The culprit? Thermal expansion.

At State Line Garage Doors, we see a spike in service calls during the hottest months, and many of them come down to one thing: the summer heat pushing your garage door components to their limits. Here’s what you should know — and how to prevent those heat-related problems before they start.

What Is Thermal Expansion in Garage Doors?

Thermal expansion happens when metal components in your garage door — like the tracks, springs, or rollers — expand due to rising temperatures. This can cause several issues:

• Tracks may warp or shift, throwing your door off alignment.

• Springs and cables can become stretched or stressed.

• Rollers might stick, squeak, or resist movement.

• Sensors may become misaligned in extreme sunlight or heat.

While these may seem minor, they can quickly affect your garage door’s performance — and even create safety hazards.

Common Summer Garage Door Problems

Here are some signs your garage door may be suffering from the summer heat:

• Door sticks or jams midway through operation

• Unusual squeaking or grinding noises

• Slow response from your garage door opener

• Increased resistance when opening or closing manually

• Visible gaps or misalignment in the track system

If you’re noticing any of these, it’s time to get it looked at — before the damage gets worse.

How to Prevent Heat-Related Garage Door Issues

1. Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up
   A professional inspection and lubrication can keep your garage door operating smoothly all summer long. We’ll tighten loose components, adjust tracks, and lubricate moving parts to minimize friction caused by heat.

2. Check Insulation and Ventilation
   A well-insulated garage door helps maintain stable interior temperatures and protects sensitive components from overheating. If your garage feels like an oven, insulation upgrades or ventilation solutions may help.

3. Shade Your Sensors
   Direct sunlight on photo-eye sensors can cause false readings. Make sure they’re shaded or adjusted properly to avoid unnecessary malfunctions.

4. Avoid DIY Adjustments
   Heat may make it tempting to “tinker” with your system, but adjusting springs or tracks without the right tools can be dangerous. Always call a pro.

Keep Cool with State Line Garage Doors

Summer is tough enough without a jammed garage door or noisy opener. If you’re in Lawrenceburg, TN or the surrounding 60-mile area — including Muscle Shoals, Savannah, Spring Hill, and beyond — State Line Garage Doors is ready to help.

We offer fast service, honest advice, and expert repairs that keep your garage door running smooth year-round.