Why Your Garage Door Is Slower in the Summer—And What You Can Do About It

As the summer heat sets in, you might notice that your garage door is slower to open and close than it was during the cooler months. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry. Understanding the reasons behind this sluggishness and knowing how to address it can save you time and money.

The Impact of Heat on Garage Doors

Garage doors are made of various materials, including metal, wood, and fibreglass. These materials can expand in response to rising temperatures. When metal components heat up, they may expand, resulting in friction between the moving parts of the door. This can lead to a slower operation, making your garage door feel sluggish.

Moreover, the heat can affect the lubricants used in the garage door’s mechanisms. If these lubricants dry out or become less effective, they won’t provide the necessary smooth operation required for optimal performance.

Common Reasons for Slower Operation

1. Expansion of Materials: As mentioned, the heat can cause the materials of your garage door and its components to expand. This can lead to increased friction and resistance, slowing down the door’s movement. 
2. Worn-Out Parts: Summer heat can exacerbate existing wear and tear on your garage door’s components. Cables, springs, and rollers may weaken over time, resulting in a door that is sluggish to open.
3. Dry Lubrication: If the lubricants on your garage door’s moving parts dry out, they will fail to reduce friction effectively. This can lead to a noticeable slowdown.
4. Increased Use: With summer comes more activities, often leading to more frequent use of your garage door. Increased usage can reveal existing issues more prominently, making the door feel slower.

What You Can Do About It

1. Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring your garage door operates optimally. Inspect the door, its tracks, and components for signs of wear and tear. Look for signs of rust, frayed cables, and misaligned tracks, and address these issues promptly.

2. Lubrication

Keeping your garage door well-lubricated is essential, especially during the summer months. Use a high-quality garage door lubricant to ensure smooth operation. Focus on the hinges, rollers, and tracks. Avoid using WD-40 as it can attract dirt and grime, leading to more problems.

3. Adjust the Springs

If your garage door is still slow despite regular maintenance, the springs may need adjustment. Springs can lose tension over time, affecting the door’s operation. Consult a professional for garage door repair to ensure safe and effective adjustments.

4. Insulation

If your garage door is made of metal, consider adding insulation to improve its energy efficiency. Insulation can help regulate the temperature of the door, minimizing the impact of summer heat on its performance. This can also improve energy efficiency.

5. Professional Inspection

If you’ve tried these solutions and your garage door is still slow, it may be time to call in the professionals. A garage door installation or repair service can identify underlying issues that may be affecting your door’s performance.

A slow garage door in the summer can be attributed to various factors, from material expansion to inadequate lubrication. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help you avoid these issues and ensure your garage door operates smoothly throughout the year. 

For residents in Coquitlam, Surrey, and Vancouver, Sam’s Garage Doors offers the best garage door installation and maintenance services. We guarantee quality work and reliable service. Don’t let a sluggish garage door slow you down this summer—contact us today for a free quote!