The sound of rain can be soothing, but not when it’s finding its way into your garage. As the rainy season approaches, the constant moisture in the air can cause significant problems for your garage door and its components. Wood can warp, metal can rust, and electrical motors can short-circuit, leading to costly repairs and major frustration.
Taking action now is the best way to avoid these headaches. A bit of preventative maintenance can save you a lot of money and ensure your garage door operates smoothly, no matter the weather.
This guide will walk you through how to prepare your garage door for the rainy season, keeping your home secure and your garage dry.
How Rain Affects Your Garage Door
Rain and humidity don’t just affect your garden; they can take a serious toll on your garage door.
Understanding the potential damage is the first step in protecting your investment.
- Wooden Doors: Wood is particularly vulnerable to moisture. When it absorbs water, it can swell, warp, and even rot. This ruins the door’s appearance and prevents it from opening and closing properly. The finish or sealant on a wooden door can also peel or crack.
- Steel Doors: While generally more resilient than wood, steel doors are not immune to rain. If the protective coating is scratched or chipped, the exposed metal can rust. Rust weakens the door’s structure and can spread, causing unsightly stains and compromising its integrity.
- Aluminium Doors: Aluminium is naturally resistant to rust, which is a major advantage. However, constant exposure to moisture can still lead to corrosion and pitting over time, especially in coastal areas with salty air. Moving parts on aluminium doors, like hinges and rollers, can also suffer from rust if they are made of steel.
- Garage Door Motor: The automation system is perhaps the most sensitive component. Water can seep into the motor’s housing and cause electrical shorts, damage circuit boards, and lead to complete system failure. A malfunctioning motor can be a serious security risk.
- Metal Components: Parts like springs, tracks, rollers, and hinges are often made of steel. Without proper lubrication, they can rust and seize up. Rusted springs are particularly dangerous as they can snap under tension, causing the door to slam shut unexpectedly.
How To Prepare Your Garage Door for the Rainy Season
Getting your garage ready for wet weather doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking. By following these steps, you can protect your garage door from rain and ensure it functions reliably all season long.
1. Inspect and Clean the Door
Start with a thorough visual inspection.
Look for signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint, cracks, rust spots, or warping. For wooden doors, pay close attention to the bottom edge, as this area is most exposed to puddles and dampness.
Once you’ve inspected it, give the door a good clean. Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge to wash away dirt, dust, and grime.
This prevents buildup that can trap moisture against the door’s surface and cause damage over time. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely.
2. Check and Replace Weather Seals
The rubber or vinyl weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door is your first line of defence against rain. Over time, these seals can become brittle, cracked, or compressed.
Check the bottom seal for any gaps or signs of damage. When the door is closed, you shouldn’t be able to see any daylight coming through from underneath. Also, inspect the seals around the door frame.
If you find any damaged sections, it’s best to replace them. You can find new weather seals at most hardware stores, and they are relatively easy to install.
3. Lubricate All Moving Parts
Proper garage door lubrication is crucial for protecting metal components from rust and ensuring smooth operation. Rain can wash away existing lubricants and promote corrosion.
Using a garage-door-specific lubricant (a silicone or lithium-based spray works well), apply a light coat to all moving parts, including:
- Hinges
- Rollers and their stems
- Springs
- The track itself
- The lock mechanism
Wipe away any excess lubricant to prevent it from dripping and attracting dirt. This simple step, done twice a year, can significantly extend the life of your door’s hardware.
4. Test the Door’s Balance
An improperly balanced garage door has to work harder to open and close, putting extra strain on the motor and springs. You can test the balance yourself.
In this blog post, “How To Test Your Garage Door Balance At Home,” we provide a step-by-step guide on how to test your garage door’s balance.
5. Clear Gutters and Drainage
Don’t forget to look up!
If your garage has gutters, make sure they are clear of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and run down the walls and onto the garage door, leading to water damage.
Also, check the area around the base of your garage door. Ensure that the ground slopes away from the garage to prevent water from pooling at the entrance.
If you have persistent drainage issues, you might consider installing a trench drain.
6. Repaint or Reseal Your Door
If your inspection revealed peeling paint or a worn-out sealant, now is the perfect time to apply a fresh coat.
A new layer of paint or sealant will provide a vital protective barrier against moisture.
- For wooden doors, sand down any rough spots and apply a high-quality exterior-grade paint or a waterproof sealant.
- For steel doors, gently sand away any rust spots, apply a rust-inhibiting primer, and then finish with a suitable paint.
Let Us Help You Stay Dry!
Preparing your garage for the rainy season is a smart move, but some jobs are better handled by experts. If you notice significant damage, have trouble with the door’s balance, or simply want a professional check-up, our team at Adams Doors is here to help.
As specialists in garage doors and automation since 1992, we offer expert repairs, maintenance, and installations.
