Three Ways Extreme Heat Affects Your Garage Door

Extreme heat and dry weather are no strangers to Los Angeles. These weather extremes are becoming more frequent and severe, and they can have considerable impacts on the structure and functioning of your home, including your garage door. Find out how the extreme heat could increase your need for garage door repair Los Angeles.

Cracked Weather-stripping

The bottom and sides of a garage door typically have strips of rubber weather-stripping. The weather-stripping helps seal the garage from air intrusion. It also provides insulation against unwanted air exchange. Extreme heat and dry weather may crack the weather-stripping. When the weather-stripping is damaged, dust and dirt can get onto the tracks and into the opener.

Metal Expansion

In extreme heat, metal expands. It does so at a faster rate than wood, vinyl or plastic. Most garage doors and door openers have multiple components that are made of metal. These components include the tracks, chain and interior structural panels. If the metal expands more than expected, the tracks may shift or warp. The chain may not function properly for opening the door. The door itself may warp if the interior metal structure and its fasteners expand at a faster rate than the materials the outer part of the panels are made from.

Exterior Damage

Extreme heat may also cause exterior damage to the garage door. Some paints and sealants may not stand up to extended periods of extreme heat and direct sunlight. The exterior paint could crack and peel, exposing the wood or other materials, leading to worsening damage. Doors with widows may have a shorter caulk lifespan. Caulk becomes dry and brittle in extreme heat. Damaged or missing caulk around the garage door’s windows could cause air or dust intrusion and lead to cracking or loosening of the frame and glass panes.