When the muggy heat of summer arrives in Toronto, the temperature isn’t the only thing heating up – the market for garage door repair can start to sizzle. Lubricating is one of the most often overlooked aspects of Summer overhead door maintenance. Although it may seem inconsequential, summer lubrication is a crucial part of maintaining your garage door system’s smooth and safe operation for years to come.
The Impact of Summer Heat on Garage Door Components
When summer arrives, your garage door’s rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks are exposed to high heat and fluctuating levels of humidity. Such harsh environments may cause the lubricant to dry more quickly, metal parts to expand, and friction to increase. These stresses lead to, in the absence of lubricant:
- Noisy operation
- Reduced life of moving parts
- Additional load on the garage door operator
- Springs or rollers wear out prematurely
Why Lubrication Is Crucial in Summer
Prevents Metal-on-Metal Grinding: Summer heat may be thinning or evaporating existing lubricants, leaving components dry and vulnerable. Using a top-quality silicone-based garage door lubricant reduces metal-on-metal contact, which creates friction and contributes to door damage.
Reduces Noise: A well-oiled garage door is a quiet garage door—we all know how crucial that can be in residential areas. Screeches in the summer are a sure indication that the lubrication needs attention.
Extends Lifespan of Components: Even summer lubrication will retard the wear due to heat expansion and friction. It’s an easy way to prolong the lifespan of rollers, bearings, and hinges.
Enhances the Performance of the Garage Door Opener: Your opener motor will have to labor more if friction is the issue. Lubricated parts ensure smooth movement, increasing energy efficiency and preventing the motor from overheating.
Prevents Rust and Corrosion: Rust forms faster under the hot summer humidity in Toronto. Lubrication serves as a shield against corrosion and rust to key parts of the garage door.
What Parts Need Lubrication in Summer?
- Hinges (especially metal ones)
- Rollers (be careful to check whether they are nylon)
- Springs and bearing plates
- Tracks (just clean, no greasing upon completion)
- Lock and arm bar
Pro Tip: Use the Proper Lubrication
Avoid using part lubricants like WD-40 or slippery, wet substances like motor oil. This will help ward off rust and eliminate the irritating squeaky sounds that often accompany it.
Final Thoughts
It’s not a good idea to wait until your garage door starts squealing before showing it a little love this summer. Spending a few minutes adding lubrication to your garage door components can save you from expensive repairs, unpleasant sounds, and decreased safety.
Do you want assistance with your garage door maintenance in Toronto?
Contact the professionals at Toronto Garage Door Guys for expert garage door service and seasonal checks. For more on making sure your door is smooth, quiet, and birdsafe all summer long, read on!
