Why Tennessee & Northern Alabama Homeowners Should Pay Attention to Moisture Damage

Living in Tennessee or Northern Alabama means dealing with high humidity—especially during the long, hot summer months. But did you know that humidity doesn’t just affect your comfort level? It can have a serious impact on your garage door’s performance, lifespan, and safety.

Here’s what every homeowner in our region should know about how Southern humidity affects garage doors over time—and what to do about it.

1. Moisture Causes Wood Doors to Swell and Warp

If you have a wooden garage door, excess humidity is your biggest enemy. Moisture in the air can cause the panels to absorb water, leading to:

• Swelling or warping

• Difficulty opening or closing

• Paint bubbling or peeling

• Cracks as the wood expands and contracts

Routine sealing or painting can help prevent this—but over time, unprotected wood may need to be replaced.

2. Rust Is a Real Threat to Metal Parts

Steel doors and hardware are also vulnerable. High humidity accelerates rust on:

• Hinges and rollers

• Springs and cables

• Tracks and brackets

Rust weakens the system and can lead to loud operation, broken parts, or full mechanical failure. Regular inspections and lubrication with silicone-based sprays can help extend the life of your hardware.

3. Humidity Affects Garage Door Sensors

Excess moisture in the air (and condensation buildup) can interfere with the performance of your photo-eye safety sensors. You might notice:

• Doors reversing unexpectedly

• Delayed response to open/close commands

• Sensor misalignment or fogging

If your door seems inconsistent, it could be humidity-related sensor issues—not always a mechanical failure.

4. Rubber Seals and Weatherstripping Break Down Faster

Southern summers are hard on rubber. Your garage door’s bottom seal and perimeter weatherstripping may:

• Crack

• Lose flexibility

• Let in water, insects, or hot air

This not only affects comfort but can also increase your energy bills if your garage is connected to your home.

5. Preventative Maintenance Is Essential in Our Region

At State Line Garage Doors, we recommend an annual inspection and tune-up—especially for homes in Tennessee and Northern Alabama where moisture-related wear happens faster. We’ll:

• Check for early signs of rust or wood swelling

• Lubricate all moving parts

• Inspect weather seals and safety sensors

• Ensure smooth, quiet operation

Humidity Is Inevitable—Damage Doesn’t Have to Be.