☀️ The Okanagan’s Weather & Your Garage Door: What You Need to Know
Living in Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon, and throughout the Okanagan Valley means enjoying stunning landscapes and four distinct seasons. But while we love our hot summers and snowy winters, our garage doors? Not so much.
Extreme temperature changes, moisture, and harsh conditions can cause serious wear and tear on your garage door’s components. Springs can snap in the cold, metal parts can rust from rain, and heat can warp your door’s panels. Understanding how these seasonal changes impact your garage door can help you take the right steps to protect it.
Below, we’ll break down the biggest weather-related issues and give you expert tips on how to prevent costly repairs before they happen!
❄️ Winter Woes: Freezing Temps & Garage Door Problems
⚠️ The Problem
Winter in the Okanagan Valley often means freezing temperatures, icy conditions, and even heavy snowfall. Your garage door’s metal components—like springs, cables, and tracks—can contract in extreme cold, leading to misalignment, stiffness, and even breakage.
Another common winter issue is frozen weatherstripping. If moisture seeps into the bottom seal of your garage door and temperatures drop, the door can freeze shut, making it difficult to open. Trying to force it open could result in damage to the motor, tracks, or panels.
🛠 How to Protect Your Garage Door in Winter
✔️ Lubricate moving parts with a low-temperature lubricant to keep them from stiffening or freezing.
✔️ Check and replace weatherstripping to prevent ice buildup and cold drafts.
✔️ Test the auto-reverse feature to ensure your garage door can still open safely in freezing conditions.
✔️ Never force a frozen door open—instead, use warm water to melt ice around the bottom seal.
✔️ Schedule a professional garage door maintenance check-up before winter hits to inspect your springs and cables for wear.
🔥 Summer Heat: How High Temperatures Affect Your Garage Door
⚠️ The Problem
Summers in Kamloops, Kelowna, and Penticton can reach 35°C or higher, and extreme heat can cause garage door materials to expand and warp. This is especially true for wooden doors, which absorb heat and moisture, leading to swelling and misalignment.
For metal garage doors, high temperatures can cause the tracks to expand, which might lead to operational issues. Additionally, heat can dry out the lubrication on rollers and hinges, making your garage door noisier and harder to open.
🛠 How to Keep Your Garage Door Safe in Summer
✔️ Apply UV-resistant paint or coatings to wooden garage doors to prevent warping.
✔️ Reapply lubrication in summer to keep rollers and hinges working smoothly.
✔️ Install insulation to keep your garage cooler and reduce heat damage.
✔️ Avoid painting your garage door a dark color, as it absorbs more heat.
✔️ Check your garage door opener’s motor—excessive heat can cause it to overheat and stop working.
🌧️ Spring & Fall: How Rain, Humidity, and Wind Affect Garage Doors
⚠️ The Problem
Spring and fall in the Okanagan bring unpredictable weather, including rain, humidity, and strong winds. While the region isn’t known for excessive rainfall, moisture buildup can still cause rust on metal components, making your garage door harder to operate.
For wooden doors, high humidity levels can cause expansion, leading to a door that sticks when opening or closing. Windstorms can also blow debris into the tracks, causing blockages and potential derailment.
🛠 How to Prevent Moisture & Wind Damage
✔️ Keep metal parts clean and lubricated to prevent rust from forming.
✔️ Seal wooden doors with a weatherproof coating to protect against swelling.
✔️ Inspect and clean tracks regularly to remove debris and prevent off-track issues.
✔️ Ensure proper drainage around your garage to prevent water from pooling near the door.
💡 Year-Round Garage Door Maintenance Tips
No matter the season, taking care of your garage door can extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. Here are some year-round maintenance tips:
✔️ Perform a monthly inspection—check for signs of wear on springs, cables, rollers, and weatherstripping.
✔️ Listen for unusual noises—grinding or squeaking sounds can indicate a need for lubrication or repair.
✔️ Test the balance—disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment.
✔️ Schedule professional maintenance at least once a year to catch potential problems early.
💡 Year-Round Garage Door Maintenance Tips
Whether it’s a frozen garage door in winter, a warped panel in the summer, or a noisy opener in the fall, Garage Door Pros Kamloops is here to keep your garage door working smoothly all year long.
📞 Call us now at 604-330-0212 for expert garage door repair, maintenance, and 24/7 emergency service!
📍 Now serving Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton, Salmon Arm, Kelowna, and Merritt!
💻 Message us below to book a service today!
Your garage door works hard through every season—let’s keep it running smoothly together! 😊🔧
Contact Us
Get in Touch for Expert Garage Solutions and Assistance Today
Have questions or need assistance with your garage? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated team is here to provide expert guidance and solutions tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
