Summer Garage Door Prep: How to Protect Your Door from Heat & Humidity

As temperatures rise and humidity sets in across Southeast Michigan, your garage door could be more vulnerable than you think. While many homeowners focus on air conditioning, lawn care, and outdoor projects, your garage door deserves just as much attention—especially in the summer months.

High heat, increased moisture, and expanded usage (with kids home from school and summer projects in full swing) can all affect the performance and longevity of your garage door system. Here’s how to keep it running smoothly all season long.

1. Inspect the Weather Seals

Hot temperatures and direct sunlight can cause rubber seals to dry out and crack, especially around the bottom of the door. If your weather stripping is brittle or missing in places, it can allow hot air, pests, and moisture into your garage.

Pro Tip: Replace worn weather seals now to protect against July humidity and upcoming fall rains. It’s a small fix with big energy-saving and comfort-boosting benefits.

2. Lubricate All Moving Parts

Humidity can cause metal components to expand, increasing friction and strain on your garage door opener. If you’re hearing squeaks or groans, it’s a sign your parts are drying out or rusting.

Solution: Use a high-quality silicone-based lubricant on rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs every couple of months in summer. Avoid grease or oil-based products, which attract dirt.

3. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature

Summer means more activity around your garage—kids on bikes, lawn equipment, and family cookouts. Make sure your garage door auto-reverse system is working properly to prevent accidents.

Test It: Place a roll of paper towels under the door and close it. If it doesn’t reverse immediately upon contact, your sensors may need alignment—or replacement.

4. Look for Warping or Expansion

Wood garage doors, in particular, are prone to warping in heat and humidity. This can affect how the door fits into the frame and may lead to operational issues or energy inefficiencies.

Check This: If your door is sticking or sagging in spots, it may be absorbing moisture. Consider upgrading to an insulated steel door that resists temperature-related changes.

5. Clean the Tracks and Door Exterior

Dust, pollen, and dirt build up quickly during Michigan’s summer months. This debris can clog your tracks and affect how smoothly your door opens and closes.

Quick Clean: Wipe down your tracks and remove any gunk or cobwebs. Rinse the door’s surface with a mild soap and water mix—especially if you live near a construction site or busy road.

6. Consider an Insulated Upgrade

An insulated garage door does more than help during the winter. In the summer, it keeps excessive heat from entering your home through attached garages, reducing the load on your air conditioner.

Energy Efficiency Boost: Newer insulated doors can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills, especially if your garage doubles as a workspace, gym, or mudroom.

7. Know When to Call the Pros

If your door is showing signs of stress, sagging, or slow response—or you hear grinding noises—don’t wait until it breaks down completely. Summer is the perfect time to schedule a professional tune-up before emergency repairs become necessary.

At Home & Door, we specialize in garage door maintenance and repairs across Southeast Michigan. Our technicians will inspect every component, tighten loose hardware, check alignment, and ensure your system is working flawlessly—so you can enjoy your summer without interruptions.

Call us today or visit our website for a free quote!

Call 248.399.9900

www.homeanddoor.com