How San Diego’s Summer Heat Affects Your Garage Door (and What You Can Do About It)

San Diego summers are gorgeous, but the heat can take a toll and not just on you, but on your garage door too. As temperatures rise, your garage door faces unique challenges that can lead to costly repairs or even full replacement if left unaddressed. Understanding how heat impacts your door and taking a few preventative steps can save you a headache (and money) down the line.

How the Heat Impacts Your Garage Door

1. Warping or Fading Panels - Whether you have a steel, wood, or vinyl door, extreme heat can cause visible changes. Wooden panels may warp or crack, while steel doors can expand, leading to alignment issues. Paint and finishes also tend to fade faster under the intense California sun, especially on south-facing doors.

2. Drying Out Weather Stripping - Weather stripping plays a crucial role in keeping dust, debris, and hot air out of your garage. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause it to become brittle, crack, or detach completely. Once this barrier is compromised, you may notice higher indoor temperatures in your garage and more pests sneaking in.

3. Strained Garage Door Openers - Heat doesn’t just affect the door itself, your opener feels it too. Higher temps can cause the motor to overheat, potentially reducing its lifespan. Lubrication inside the opener and moving parts can also break down faster in high heat, making the system work harder than usual.

   
   

Tips to Keep Your Garage Door Running Smoothly in the Summer

Luckily, a few simple maintenance tasks can go a long way toward protecting your garage door during the hottest months:

• Check and Replace Weather Stripping: Inspect the rubber seal along the bottom of your door. If it feels brittle or cracked, replace it promptly to maintain insulation and keep unwanted pests out.

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Heat can dry out the lubrication on rollers, springs, and hinges. Use a garage door–safe lubricant to keep everything running smoothly and prevent excess wear.

• Inspect Panels for Damage: Catching small warps or cracks early can prevent bigger problems later. If you notice significant panel damage, a repair or replacement may be necessary.

• Protect from Direct Sun: Consider installing a UV-resistant finish or shade to reduce sun exposure, which helps prevent fading and material breakdown.

• Schedule a Professional Tune-Up: A summer inspection from a garage door pro can identify hidden issues, like an overworked opener, before they turn into major problems.

  
  

Why Preventive Maintenance Pays Off

Preventive care doesn’t just keep your garage door working smoothly, it saves you money in the long run. Here’s how maintenance compares to the cost of major repairs if problems are ignored:

Maintenance Task	Average Cost	Cost if Ignored (Major Repair/Replacement)
Weather Stripping Replacement	$100	$500
Lubrication & Tune-Up	$150	$800
Panel Repair	$250	$1,200
Opener Check & Service	$150	$700

Stay Ahead of the Heat

Your garage door works hard year-round, but San Diego’s summer heat can push it to its limits. By performing regular maintenance and calling in the pros when needed, you can extend the life of your door, keep your home cooler, and avoid unexpected repairs.

Need help with your garage door this summer? Our team at Apex Garage Doors is here to help with inspections, repairs, and upgrades to keep your door running at its best, no matter how hot it gets outside. Contact us today to learn more!