Heat, Humidity and Storms: Garage Door Problems in The Woodlands

Rust on springs, cables and hinges

Humidity rusts bare metal. A rusty spring has more friction and can wear out sooner, and rusty cables can fray. Wipe off surface rust, use a garage-door lubricant on moving parts, and have a technician look at any spring or cable that looks corroded. See how long garage door springs last.

Lubricant that dries out

Heat breaks down grease faster. Clean off old, gummy grease and use a light garage-door lubricant on hinges, rollers and springs a couple of times a year.

Worn bottom seals and weatherstripping

Cracked bottom seals and side weatherstripping let in hot air, water during heavy rain, insects and pests. Replacing them keeps an attached garage cooler and drier.

Sensors and bright sun

Strong sunlight shining straight into a safety sensor can make the door reverse at certain times of day. Shading the sensor or swapping the sensor sides usually solves it. See garage door won’t close.

Storm season and wind

A garage door is the largest opening in most homes, and strong winds push hard on it. Wind-rated doors and bracing kits are available — ask a garage door professional what fits your door before storm season, and never stand under a door that is damaged or off track.

A pre-summer checklist

Watch the door run, check springs and cables for rust and wear, lubricate moving parts, test the auto-reverse, and replace worn seals. Or book a garage door tune-up.

More garage door guides

• Garage Door Won’t Open? 7 Common Causes and What to Check
• Garage Door Won’t Close? How to Fix the Most Common Causes
• How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
• Noisy Garage Door? What Each Sound Means
• Should You Repair or Replace Your Garage Door?