Weather can take a serious toll on the condition of your garage door. Whether it’s the relentless heat of summer or the cold of winter, your garage door is constantly exposed to the elements. But don’t worry – with a little attention and proper maintenance, you can weatherproof your garage door to ensure it lasts through the harshest conditions. Here’s how:

The Never-Ending Heat

Based in Southern California, we know what it's like to be beat by the heat, now can you imagine the garage doors? The intense sun can cause materials like wood and metal to warp, fade, and weaken over time. Even more so for the door’s paint or finish to peel or crack from constant sun exposure.

Heat can also affect the door’s system. Tracks and hinges can break down faster in high temperatures, causing harsh operation or early damage to essential hardware. In most cases, the constant changes in temperature can misalign the door, causing it to become unbalanced and harder to open or close.

How to Protect It

• Use high-quality paint or a UV-resistant finish to shield against the sun’s harsh rays.

• Regularly inspect the door’s moving parts and apply appropriate lubricants to keep them functioning smoothly.

• Consider installing a reflective film or shade to protect the door from direct sunlight.

Rain: A Sneaky Threat

While rain might seem like a less immediate threat compared to snow or extreme heat, it can cause significant damage to your garage door and its components over time. Continuous exposure to rain and moisture can cause rust and water damage, affecting your door's functionality.

Metal parts like springs, tracks, and hinges are particularly vulnerable to corrosion, which can lead to faster wear and potential mechanical issues. Additionally standing water around the door’s base can seep into the garage, causing potential flooding or damage to items.

How to Protect It

• Ensure your garage door’s weatherstripping is intact and functioning properly to keep water from seeping under the door.

• Install a drainage system to direct water away from the door and prevent standing water near the base.

• Regularly check for rust or corrosion on metal components and apply rust-resistant treatments if necessary.

The Bitter Cold

In many parts of the country, dealing with snow becomes a daily task during the winter months. While snow can be a hassle in itself, it can also quickly damage your garage door if you’re not careful. When snow and ice accumulate, they can weigh down the door and cause unnecessary strain on the springs and tracks, making them more prone to breaking or bending.

Even more problematic is the cycle of melting and refreezing. As the temperature rises and falls, snow and ice can freeze into the door’s seals, creating ice buildup that can prevent the door from closing properly. This not only makes the door less efficient, but can also damage the weatherstripping or cause the door to become stuck in place.

How to Protect It

• Keep the area around the garage door clear of snow and ice to prevent buildup.

• Inspect the garage door for any signs of rust or corrosion, especially after snowstorms.

Why Use Weather Strips?

One of the most important components of your garage door that helps protect it from the elements is the weatherstrip. Also known as weather seals, weather strips are rubber pieces that run along the bottom of the garage door. Its job is to create a tight seal when the door is closed, preventing rain, snow, dust, debris, and pests from getting into the garage.

Weatherstrips also help keep the door insulated, which is especially important in extreme weather conditions. Over time, though, weatherstrips can become brittle or cracked, especially when exposed to heat or cold, which can lead to gaps where weather can seep in.

How to Protect It

• Regularly check your weatherstrips for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or brittleness.

• Replace damaged or worn-out weather strips to ensure a proper seal.

• Consider installing high-quality, durable weatherstrips designed to withstand extreme temperatures.