What Happens to Your Garage Door Over Summer?
Heat Affects the Materials in Your Garage Door
Garage doors are made up of metal, springs, rollers, cables, and sometimes timber or composite panels. As temperatures rise, these materials naturally expand.
Over summer, this expansion can:
Tighten tolerances in the tracks
Cause doors to feel heavier or stiffer
Lead to slight misalignment
Make existing wear more noticeable
On very warm days, you might notice your garage door sticking, shuddering, or not running as smoothly as it does in cooler months. These are often early warning signs rather than sudden failures.
Increased Use Puts Extra Strain on the System
Summer is typically the busiest season for garage doors. With:
More daylight hours
Kids constantly heading in and out
Extra vehicles at the house
Guests arriving and leaving at different times
Your garage door may open and close far more often than usual. When this increased use is combined with summer heat, the entire system — particularly the motor — has to work harder.
If a motor is already worn or overdue for servicing, summer is when it’s most likely to struggle, slow down, or stop working altogether.
Dry Weather Can Make Your Door Louder
Hot, dry conditions can cause lubricants on hinges, rollers, and springs to dry out more quickly. When this happens, friction increases.
You may start to hear:
Squeaking or screeching noises
Grinding or rattling sounds
A general increase in operating noise
Summer evenings are often quieter, so these noises stand out more — especially when guests are staying or kids are sleeping. A garage door that’s properly serviced should operate smoothly and quietly, even in warmer weather.
More Activity Means Greater Safety Risks
During summer holidays, garages often become high-traffic areas. Bikes, scooters, sports gear, and toys are constantly being moved in and out, and children may be around the garage more than usual.
If safety sensors are dirty, misaligned, or not functioning correctly, the risk of accidents increases. A well-maintained garage door should:
Stop and reverse if something is in the way
Move smoothly without jerking
Open and close predictably and safely
Summer is the ideal time to check that all safety features are working as they should.
Dust, Wind & Outdoor Conditions Take Their Toll
Whanganui’s summer weather often brings dry spells and wind, which can blow dust, sand, and grit into garage door tracks and rollers. Over time, this buildup can:
Reduce smooth movement
Increase wear on components
Put extra load on the motor
Without regular maintenance, small issues caused by dirt and debris can develop into larger, more costly repairs.
Why Summer Problems Often Get Ignored
Many garage door issues don’t cause an immediate breakdown. Instead, they show up gradually — a bit more noise, a bit more resistance, a bit less reliability.
Because the door is still working, these signs are easy to ignore. But summer is often when these small problems worsen, especially with increased use and heat.
Addressing issues early helps prevent inconvenient breakdowns during the busiest time of year.
Simple Summer Signs Your Garage Door Needs Servicing
You may want to get your garage door checked if:
It feels heavier than it used to
It sticks or hesitates, especially on hot days
It’s noticeably louder
The motor sounds strained
It doesn’t open or close as smoothly as before
Keep Your Garage Door Running Smoothly All Summer
A seasonal garage door service helps ensure all components are properly aligned, lubricated, and operating safely. It’s a simple way to extend the life of your door and avoid unexpected problems when you should be enjoying summer.