Hot Weather Tips from State Line Garage Doors
If you’ve lived through a summer in Tennessee or Northern Alabama, you know how intense the heat can get. What many homeowners don’t realize is that those high temperatures don’t just make it uncomfortable outside—they also put serious stress on your garage door.
At State Line Garage Doors, we get calls every summer from homeowners in Lawrenceburg, Muscle Shoals, Spring Hill, Florence, and beyond who are dealing with garage doors that start squeaking, sticking, or failing altogether in the heat. Here’s how to avoid those issues and keep your door running smoothly all season long.
☀️ How Summer Heat Affects Garage Doors
When temperatures climb into the 90s and beyond, several things can happen:
-
Metal components expand, leading to misaligned tracks or tight rollers
-
Lubricants break down, causing squeaking, friction, and wear
-
Opener motors overheat, especially in unventilated garages
-
Garage door sensors may act up due to direct sunlight or warped brackets
-
Panels may swell or fade, particularly on wooden or darker-colored doors
That’s why summer is the most important season for preventative maintenance.
🧰 Summer Garage Door Maintenance Tips
✅ 1. Lubricate All Moving Parts
Heat causes lubrication to dry out faster. Reapply a high-quality garage door lubricant to:
-
Hinges
-
Rollers
-
Tracks
-
Springs
-
Bearing plates
Avoid using WD-40—it’s a cleaner, not a long-term lubricant.
✅ 2. Check for Track Expansion or Misalignment
As metal expands in heat, it may throw your door slightly off-track, leading to scraping or sticking. If you notice unusual noises or movement, have a technician inspect the alignment.
✅ 3. Keep the Opener Cool
Garage door openers are under more strain when temps soar.
-
Make sure your garage is well-ventilated
-
Avoid overusing the door during peak heat hours (1–5 PM)
-
Keep the motor area clear of clutter so air can circulate
✅ 4. Inspect the Weatherstripping
Extreme heat and sunlight can dry out and crack the rubber seal at the bottom of your door, letting in hot air, water, and even pests. If it’s brittle or peeling, it’s time to replace it.
✅ 5. Protect Your Panels from Sun Damage
If you have a wooden or dark-colored door, summer UV rays can fade or warp the panels.
-
Refinish or reseal wood doors as needed
-
Wash metal doors to remove dirt and grime that absorb heat
-
Consider lighter-colored paint if you’re due for a refresh
🚪 Signs You Should Call the Pros
Call State Line Garage Doors if you notice:
-
Your garage door is sticking, dragging, or jerking when opening or closing
-
Loud squeaks or grinding sounds persist after lubrication
-
The opener is overheating or inconsistent
-
The door is off-balance or visibly sagging on one side
-
You’re unsure what needs adjusting—we’re happy to help!
📍 Serving Tennessee & Northern Alabama with Trusted Expertise
We’ve been helping homeowners in Lawrenceburg, Savannah, Spring Hill, Muscle Shoals, Florence, and surrounding areas since day one. Whether you need a quick fix, an opener replacement, or a full summer tune-up, State Line Garage Doors has your back.