The varying California weather brings unique challenges when it comes to garage door upkeep. From the humid coastal weather to the hot Mediterranean climate, homeowners have to be proactive to prevent garage door weather damage. To help you, we discussed here California’s climate impact on garage doors and why regular maintenance is key to avoiding expensive repairs.
How does California’s climate affect garage doors?
Common garage door problems in California can be attributed to its local weather. Here’s how it impacts garage doors:
1. Corrosion due to salty air
The salty air in coastal neighborhoods, such as Southern California, can easily lead to rust on metal garage doors. Wood or vinyl doors with metal hardware will also suffer from corrosion, causing the door to stick or go off track.
2. Fading paint due to intense sunlight
Garage doors in California directly facing the sun are prone to fading. This will require frequent painting or refinishing. And for vinyl or fiberglass doors, prolonged UV exposure could mean you’ll need a new garage door installation in Los Angeles earlier than expected.
But can extreme heat cause garage door opener issues? Not only with the garage door opener but also with almost all of your door components!
3. The need for better weatherproofing due to intense heat
Many California homeowners switch to heat-resistant garage doors to combat the intense summer heat. This is also to prevent drafts and heat transfer that will make their home uncomfortable.
Aside from that, extra garage door weatherproofing is needed in CA due to strong winds and the potential for massive storms.
Benefits of seasonal garage door care and maintenance in California
Professional garage door inspection and maintenance will prevent a slew of repetitive repairs. Like many local homeowners, here’s why you should pay more attention to garage door maintenance in Los Angeles:
1. Effective rust prevention
Rust prevention for garage doors will let you extend their lifespan and reduce repair costs. This is especially true for homes located along the coastal areas of California.
Some of the best ways to prevent rust on garage doors near the coast include applying protective coatings, regular cleaning, and replacing damaged weatherstripping.
2. Better moisture management
Moisture management is crucial, especially if you have wooden garage doors. This will prevent the door material from expanding and causing operational issues. Aside from that, regular maintenance will delay wood rot and pest infestation not only on the door itself but the entire garage.
Some signs your garage door needs maintenance in humid areas are sticky or squeaky operation, mold growth, and corrosion.
3. Increased insulation
Garage door insulation benefits not only extend your unit’s lifespan but also improve your family’s comfort. It prevents drafts that make your home warmer during summer and chilly in winter. And since your cooling and heating system doesn’t have to compensate, you’ll also enjoy potential energy bill savings.
4. Enhanced wind resistance
Southern California bears the brunt of the dry and hot Santa Ana winds. The gusts get stronger during early fall to early spring, making seasonal garage door maintenance extremely crucial.
Regular maintenance will let you spot weak points before high winds cause severe damage to your door.
5. Added fire safety
Wildfires are a massive threat in California, and although garage door maintenance won’t prevent them, it will still reduce damage to your property.
For example, well-insulated doors will minimize heat transfer and block embers from entering the garage.
6. Extending garage door lifespan
Overall, regular garage door maintenance in Los Angeles will increase its service life. This will save you from expensive repairs and inconvenience when your door sustains operational issues.
Maintenance steps, such as following a garage door lubrication guide, will make a significant impact on reducing wear and tear. The same goes for keeping the garage door clean.
Pro tip: schedule preventative garage door service!
Maintaining your garage door doesn’t have to be a chore! You can schedule professional service from specialists like CaliforniaGarageDoorRepair for hassle-free maintenance.
Licensed technicians can spot early signs of garage door problems before they get worse. They can also provide instant repairs to ensure your garage door can withstand harsh California weather. On top of that, they can also provide garage door maintenance tips to help you care for your door.
But how often should I service my garage door in California? Garage door experts can advise you about the best garage door maintenance schedule based on your location and door condition. Consult a local garage door company near you to learn more!
