When summer hits Illinois, it brings more than just sunshine and pool days—it also means extreme heat and high humidity that can wreak havoc on your garage door. Just like your car or HVAC system, your garage door needs seasonal care to keep it functioning efficiently. At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we help homeowners prep their garage doors for all kinds of weather, including those scorching Midwest summers. Here are some powerful tips to help you get your garage door ready for the heat and humidity ahead.
1. Inspect and Lubricate All Moving Parts
High temperatures can cause metal components to expand, increasing the risk of friction, wear, and eventual failure. Start your summer prep with a full inspection:
- Check the springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks
- Look for signs of rust, dirt buildup, or wear
- Apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts
Regular lubrication reduces noise, improves performance, and helps parts move smoothly even in sweltering weather.
2. Examine and Replace Weather Stripping
Your garage door’s weather stripping plays a critical role in keeping heat, humidity, and pests out. During summer, worn or cracked weather seals allow hot air and moisture to invade your garage, making it uncomfortable and potentially damaging to items stored inside.
Check the weather stripping around the sides and bottom of your door. If you notice:
- Cracks or gaps
- Brittle or missing sections
It’s time to replace the seal. At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we offer high-quality weather stripping that keeps your garage airtight and energy-efficient.
3. Upgrade to an Insulated Garage Door
If your garage gets unbearably hot in the summer, your current door may not be doing enough to block out the heat. An insulated garage door can dramatically improve temperature control, keeping your garage cooler and protecting anything stored inside—from tools to gym equipment.
Benefits of insulated doors include:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Enhanced noise reduction
- Greater durability against extreme weather
Ask us about our insulated door options tailored for Illinois homeowners.
4. Check for Humidity-Related Issues
Excess moisture from humidity can lead to mold, mildew, and corrosion, especially in older wooden or metal doors. Here’s what to look for:
- Musty smells in the garage
- Condensation or rust on metal parts
- Mold or mildew near the base of the door
To combat humidity, make sure your garage is well-ventilated. Consider installing a dehumidifier or small fan to improve airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
5. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature
As temperatures rise, so does the chance that parts of your garage door may expand or misalign. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure your auto-reverse safety feature is functioning properly.
To test it:
- Place an object like a roll of paper towels on the ground where the door closes
- Close the garage door with the opener
- The door should reverse upon contact with the object
If it doesn’t, it may need recalibration or repair. Give us a call at 630-449-4600 to schedule a professional safety inspection.
6. Schedule a Summer Tune-Up
A seasonal tune-up ensures that all parts of your garage door are in great shape before the heat does any damage. At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we provide full inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs to help you avoid bigger problems down the line.
Our summer maintenance service includes:
- Tightening loose hardware
- Inspecting cables and pulleys
- Checking for proper door balance
- Ensuring the opener runs smoothly
Call Four Seasons Garage Doors for Summer Readiness
Don’t let summer heat and humidity affect the performance and safety of your garage door. A little preventive care goes a long way in protecting your investment and keeping your home comfortable.
At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we proudly serve Illinois with expert garage door installation, repair, and seasonal maintenance. Whether you need a weather seal replacement, a full tune-up, or an insulated door upgrade, we’ve got you covered.
Call us today at 630-449-4600 to schedule your summer prep service!
