Summers in Tennessee and Northern Alabama can bring scorching temperatures and heavy humidity — and while most people worry about their AC units and cars, your garage door system can also suffer under the heat.

At State Line Garage Doors, we see an uptick in service calls during the warmer months from homeowners in Lawrenceburg, Savannah, Spring Hill, and beyond, dealing with everything from noisy operation to worn-out parts. Here’s what you need to know about how summer heat affects your garage door components — and what you can do about it.

🔥 1. Expansion of Metal Parts

High temperatures can cause metal components like springs, tracks, and hinges to expand slightly. This expansion can throw off the alignment of your system, causing your door to move less smoothly or make strange noises.

What to watch for:

• Jerky or uneven door movement

• Grinding, squeaking, or popping sounds

• Gaps or misalignment along the tracks

🧵 2. Worn or Stretched Springs

Garage door springs are under constant tension. Heat and humidity can cause them to weaken or lose tension faster, especially if they’re already older or nearing the end of their lifespan.

Signs your springs may be heat-damaged:

• Door feels heavy or won’t stay open

• Opener strains to lift the door

• Visible gaps in the spring coils

💨 3. Dry or Thinning Lubricant

Summer heat can thin or dry out the lubricants on moving parts, leading to increased friction, wear, and even premature part failure.

Quick tip: Keep tracks, rollers, and hinges lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent squeaks and extend their lifespan.

🌡️ 4. Overheated Garage Door Opener

Just like any electric motor, your garage door opener can overheat if used frequently in hot weather — especially if the motor is older or lacks proper ventilation.

Symptoms of overheating:

• Random stops mid-operation

• Opener shuts off temporarily and restarts later

• Burning smell or unusual heat around the motor

🚪 5. Warping or Fading Panels

Wooden garage doors are especially susceptible to warping and cracking from extreme heat. Even steel or vinyl doors can fade or become brittle if they’re constantly exposed to direct sunlight without proper UV protection.

Preventative tip:

• Repaint or reseal wood doors regularly

• Consider insulated or UV-resistant materials for better durability

Beat the Heat with a Summer Tune-Up

The best way to avoid summer garage door issues is with a seasonal inspection and tune-up. At State Line Garage Doors, we’ll check your system, lubricate moving parts, test safety sensors, and make sure everything is aligned and functioning properly — so you can enjoy the season worry-free.

📍 Serving Lawrenceburg, Spring Hill, Savannah, Muscle Shoals, and surrounding areas.
📞 Call today to schedule your summer garage door check-up!