How Lethbridge’s Weather Affects Your Garage Door and What You Can Do About It
How Lethbridge’s Weather Affects Your Garage Door and What You Can Do About It
Lethbridge really puts homeowners to the test with its crazy weather—freezing winters and scorching summers make garage doors a bit of a headache. The wild temperature swings can mess with how your garage door works and how long it lasts. Knowing how Lethbridge's climate affects your door and figuring out some ways to keep it safe can save you from shelling out big bucks on repairs and help your door stick around longer.
The Impact of Lethbridge’s Winter on Garage Doors
Lethbridge’s winters are known for their chilly temperatures, often dipping well below freezing. These extreme cold temperatures can have a variety of effects on your Lethbridge garage door, making it more susceptible to damage and malfunctions. Metal parts such as springs, cables, and tracks contract when exposed to freezing temperatures, which can cause the door to become sluggish or even fail to operate properly.
One of the biggest issues during winter is frozen weatherstripping. The rubber seals that run along the bottom of the door can become stiff or brittle in the cold, making it harder for the door to seal properly. This can lead to drafts, increased energy bills, and even moisture buildup inside the garage, which could cause rust or mold over time.
Frozen springs are another common problem in the winter. When the springs freeze, they lose their tension and cannot properly lift the door. This can result in a door that gets stuck or doesn't open all the way. Additionally, garage door openers may struggle in cold weather, and if the opener's motor is already worn down, the additional strain can lead to a complete failure.
The Impact of Lethbridge’s Summer on Garage Doors
On the bright side, summers in Lethbridge can get pretty scorching and dry, with temps hitting the high 30s. While that’s a nice change from the winter freeze, the crazy heat can mess with your garage door. The metal parts might warp or get out of whack, which can make your door stick or move all wonky. Plus, the heat can be tough on garage door openers, especially if they're sitting out in the sun. If they keep working hard in that heat, the motor could overheat and wear out quicker than usual.
Another challenge posed by summer weather is UV radiation, which can cause weatherstripping and seals to degrade more quickly, leading to gaps and air leaks. As a result, your garage can become hotter, which can also affect the temperature of your home if the garage is attached. A garage door that isn’t properly sealed in the summer can lead to higher cooling costs inside your home.
How Insulated Garage Doors Can Help
If you wanna tackle the crazy weather in Lethbridge, one of the smartest moves is to switch to an insulated garage door. These doors are built with special materials that keep the temperature in check, so the harsh cold or heat doesn’t sneak into your garage and mess with your door’s stuff. Plus, insulated garage doors come with a bunch of perks:
- Temperature Regulation: Insulated doors help maintain a consistent temperature inside the garage, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This can also improve the energy efficiency of your home, reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Improved Durability: Insulated doors are more durable than non-insulated ones. The extra layer of insulation protects the door from the wear and tear caused by extreme temperatures.
- Noise Reduction: Insulation also reduces noise, which can be particularly beneficial if you use the garage as a workspace or live in a noisy area.
- Better Moisture Control: By preventing drafts and reducing the entry of moisture, insulated doors can help keep your garage dry and free from rust or mold buildup during the winter.
Regular Maintenance to Prevent Weather-Related Issues
Besides swapping out for an insulated garage door, keeping up with regular maintenance is super important to make sure your garage door keeps working well, even with the crazy weather in Lethbridge. Here are some handy tips to keep your garage door running smoothly:
1. Lube Up the Moving Parts: Make sure to grease all the moving bits like springs, rollers, and tracks. This will stop them from freezing or getting stuck in the winter and help everything run smoothly when it’s hot out
2. Inspect Weatherstripping: Check the weatherstripping around the edges of the door for any signs of wear or damage. Replace brittle or worn seals to keep out drafts, moisture, and debris.
3. Check Door Balance: If your door is off balance, it can put extra strain on the opener and other components. Ensure that your door is properly balanced and make adjustments if necessary.
4. Perform Annual Inspections: Regular inspections by a professional can help identify and fix small problems before they turn into bigger issues. This can be especially helpful in Lethbridge’s climate, where temperature fluctuations can cause rapid wear and tear.
Conclusion
Lethbridge’s weather can be a bit of a pain for garage doors, with those freezing winters and super hot summers. But if you take some smart steps like putting in insulated garage doors and keeping up with regular maintenance, you can make sure your garage door works like a charm all year long. Not only will this help keep your investment safe, but it’ll also boost your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Don’t let the weather mess with your garage door—put in the effort to keep it running smoothly for a long time!