With a dry winter predicted for Houston, you might be surprised to learn that a drought can actually impact your garage door including affecting its materials, components, and even alignment. While rain and moisture can cause their own sets of problems, dry conditions come with unique challenges that can impact your garage door’s functionality and longevity. Here’s what you need to know to keep your garage door in good shape during a dry spell.

How Drought and Low Humidity Impact Garage Door Materials

Wooden Garage Doors: Warping, Cracking, and Shrinking

Wood is a classic choice for garage doors, providing a warm, natural look. However, wood is also sensitive to environmental changes, especially low humidity. When air moisture is low, wood can start to dry out, leading to warping, cracking, or shrinking. These issues aren’t just cosmetic; they can affect the door’s structural integrity and how it opens and closes.

Example: Imagine opening your garage door one morning and noticing that the panels don’t seem to line up as well as they did before. This could be due to drought conditions causing your wood door to contract. Sealing or treating wooden doors with a weather-resistant finish can help protect them during dry spells, preventing moisture loss and prolonging the life of the door.

Metal Garage Doors: Rust and Brittleness

Metal garage doors are popular due to their durability and low maintenance, but they aren’t immune to the effects of drought. When the air is dry, any existing rust can spread faster, weakening the door. Although Houston isn’t particularly cold, fluctuating temperatures that come with changing seasons can make metal doors brittle over time.

Tip: Keep your metal garage door in peak condition by regularly cleaning it and applying a rust-resistant coating. This not only preserves the door’s appearance but also protects its structure.

Insulated and Composite Doors: Potential Seal Issues

If you have an insulated or composite garage door, you might notice some effects from drought too. While these materials aren’t as prone to shrinking as wood, the rubber and plastic seals around them can become brittle and less effective in dry conditions. Damaged seals can lead to a decrease in energy efficiency and even let in unwanted dust and pests.

 

Effects of Soil Shrinkage on Garage Door Alignment

Shifting Foundations and Misalignment

One lesser-known effect of drought is soil shrinkage. When the ground loses moisture, it contracts, which can cause slight shifts in your home’s foundation. While this might not be immediately noticeable, it can impact the alignment of your garage door tracks, especially if your garage is on a slab foundation.

Signs that foundation movement is affecting your garage door include:

• The door is not closing or opening smoothly.
• Gaps between the door and the ground.
• Unusual noises during operation.

Example: If you’ve noticed your garage door is making more noise than usual or seems to get stuck, this could be due to soil shrinkage under your foundation. Checking your door’s alignment can help prevent further issues and even save you money on potential repairs down the line.

 

How Dry Weather Affects Garage Door Components

Drought doesn’t just affect the door’s materials and foundation—it can also take a toll on the various components that help your garage door operate smoothly. Here’s how to spot and handle potential issues with springs, tracks, rollers, and weather stripping.

Springs: Tension and Stress

Garage door springs, whether torsion or extension types, bear the weight of the door each time it opens and closes. Dry conditions can exacerbate wear and tear on these springs, making them more susceptible to snapping. Additionally, fluctuating temperatures that sometimes accompany dry weather can increase the strain on these components.

Warning Sign: If your springs are creaking or the door feels heavier than usual, it might be time for an inspection. Consider calling a professional to check the springs, as attempting to repair or replace them yourself can be dangerous due to the high tension they’re under.

Tracks and Rollers: Increased Debris Buildup

Houston’s dry spells can lead to more dust and debris buildup on your garage door tracks and rollers. When the air is dry, these particles can collect more easily, obstructing smooth movement and causing wear.

Tip: Regularly clean your tracks and rollers, especially during a dry spell to prevent dust accumulation. Applying a light lubricant to the rollers and tracks can also help keep everything moving smoothly, reducing strain on the motor and other parts.

Weatherstripping and Seals: Shrinking and Cracking

Weatherstripping around the edges of your garage door is crucial for keeping out dirt, pests, and drafts. However, in drought conditions rubber weather stripping can dry out, becoming brittle and cracked.

Solution: Inspect your weatherstripping at the start of the season and replace any damaged pieces. This will help keep your garage cleaner, more energy-efficient, and protected from pests and debris that might be seeking shelter from the heat.

 

Preventative Maintenance Tips During a Drought

Maintaining your garage door doesn’t have to be complicated, but a little extra care during a drought can make a big difference. Here are a few key tips to help prevent issues and extend the life of your garage door components.

1. Lubricate Regularly: Use a silicone-based lubricant on springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks to prevent friction and wear. Avoid using grease, as it can attract more dirt and dust.
2. Check for Visible Damage: Walk around and inspect your garage door and its components every few weeks, looking for signs of cracking, rust, or misalignment. Catching small issues early can prevent costly repairs.
3. Re-seal Wooden Doors: If you have a wooden garage door, consider applying a fresh coat of sealant at the beginning of each season to protect it from drying out.
4. Consider a Professional Inspection: A professional tune-up from Spectrum Overhead Door can ensure all parts are in top condition and make any necessary adjustments to prevent drought-related issues.

When to Call a Professional

Some garage door problems require a trained eye. Here’s when to consider calling Spectrum Overhead Door for garage door repairs:

• Your Door Feels Unbalanced: If the door is difficult to open or feels “heavy,” it could mean the springs need adjustment or replacement.
• You Hear Unusual Noises: Grinding, squeaking, or thudding sounds can signal that something’s not right, whether it’s a misalignment or worn parts.
• The Door Doesn’t Open or Close Properly: This could be a sign of misalignment or a problem with the opener.

A professional inspection can catch these issues early, saving you money and preventing major repairs in the future.

Conclusion

A dry winter might not seem like a big deal, but it can impact your garage door in surprising ways. From material shrinkage to misaligned tracks, drought conditions can put added stress on your garage door and its components. With a few preventative measures, like regular lubrication, weatherproofing, and inspection, you can keep your garage door functioning smoothly all season long.