Monsoon season in Phoenix is a force to be reckoned with. The sudden downpours, strong winds, and dust storms can cause significant damage to homes, and your garage door is no exception. As one of the largest and most used entry points to your home, your garage door must be well-maintained and properly protected to withstand the extreme weather conditions that come with Arizona’s monsoon season.
At Rite-A-Way Garage Doors, we specialize in garage door maintenance, repair, and installation, offering expert advice on how Phoenix residents can protect their garage doors from storm damage. Below are practical tips to help ensure your garage door remains functional and intact throughout the monsoon season.
1. Inspect and Maintain Weather Seals
Weatherstripping around your garage door plays a crucial role in protecting your garage from rain, wind, and debris during a monsoon. Over time, weather seals can become worn, cracked, or detached, allowing water and dust to seep into your garage.
How to protect your garage door:
- Inspect the seals: Check the weatherstripping on the bottom and sides of the door for any visible damage. If you notice cracks or gaps, it’s time to replace the seals.
- Replace worn seals: If the seals are compromised, have them replaced by a professional. New weatherstripping helps keep out moisture, dust, and pests while ensuring your garage door operates smoothly.
Having intact weatherstripping will help maintain the integrity of your garage door and protect it from the elements.
2. Check the Garage Door Tracks and Rollers
Monsoon winds can carry sand, dust, and debris that might find their way into the tracks and rollers of your garage door. If debris builds up in these areas, it can cause your door to malfunction or even get stuck mid-operation, leaving your home vulnerable to further damage.
How to protect your garage door:
- Clean the tracks: Regularly clean the tracks to remove dust and debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the tracks and prevent buildup.
- Lubricate the rollers: Ensure the rollers are properly lubricated to reduce friction and prevent wear and tear. Use a silicone-based lubricant, which is less likely to attract dust and dirt.
By keeping the tracks and rollers in good condition, you ensure your garage door continues to operate smoothly, even during heavy winds.
3. Reinforce the Garage Door with Wind Resistance
During the monsoon season, Phoenix is no stranger to strong winds. High winds can put a lot of stress on your garage door, especially if it’s older or not designed to withstand heavy gusts. If you’re in a high-wind area, you might want to consider reinforcing your garage door to ensure it stays secure during a storm.
How to protect your garage door:
- Install a wind load-rated garage door: A wind load-rated door is built to withstand the powerful winds that often accompany monsoon storms. If your current door isn’t up to code, consider upgrading to a door that meets the building standards for wind resistance in Arizona.
- Add bracing to your door: If you can’t replace your door, adding braces or a storm shield can provide additional support and reduce the risk of damage during high winds.
A reinforced garage door will provide added protection against monsoon winds and help prevent costly repairs.
4. Inspect the Garage Door Springs and Cables
Garage door springs and cables are essential components that help the door open and close smoothly. During storms, especially with the added strain from wind or the weight of accumulated rainwater, these parts are under increased stress. If any of these parts fail, it could lead to a garage door that doesn’t open or close properly, or worse, a complete breakdown.
How to protect your garage door:
- Regularly inspect the springs and cables: Look for signs of wear such as rust, cracks, or visible damage. If you notice any issues, call a professional to replace the springs or cables before the storm season hits.
- Avoid DIY repairs: Springs are under high tension, and attempting repairs without professional expertise can be dangerous. Always leave spring repairs to certified technicians.
Ensuring your springs and cables are in top condition will prevent unnecessary breakdowns and ensure your garage door operates as expected during storms.
5. Secure Loose Items Around Your Garage
Monsoon storms can send debris flying, including tree branches, patio furniture, or garden tools. Any loose items around your garage or driveway can become projectiles in high winds, potentially causing damage to your garage door or surrounding areas.
How to protect your garage door:
- Clean up the yard: Remove any loose items around your garage, such as yard tools, garbage cans, or toys. Store these items in a secure area, away from the garage door.
- Trim trees and shrubs: Ensure that trees and shrubs around your garage are well-trimmed. Overhanging branches can break off during storms and cause damage to your garage door.
Keeping the area around your garage clean and free of loose items will help reduce the risk of debris hitting your garage door during a monsoon storm.
6. Professional Maintenance
While these preventative measures can be taken by homeowners, nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with professional garage door maintenance. A trained technician can inspect your garage door for any potential weaknesses, perform a full maintenance check, and recommend repairs or upgrades to better prepare your door for the storm season.
How Rite-A-Way can help:
- Comprehensive inspections: Our team at Rite-A-Way will assess all components of your garage door, from the springs and cables to the tracks and rollers.
- Expert repairs: If we find any issues, our licensed technicians will provide the necessary repairs to ensure your garage door operates smoothly.
- Emergency service: We offer 24/7 emergency services, so if your garage door does break down during a storm, we’ll be there to help.
Stay Safe and Prepared with Rite-A-Way Garage Doors
Protecting your garage door from monsoon damage is an essential step in safeguarding your home during Arizona’s stormy season. By performing regular maintenance and investing in quality repairs and upgrades, you’ll ensure your garage door can withstand the worst the monsoon season has to offer.
If you need help preparing your garage door for the upcoming storm season or if you’ve experienced damage from recent storms, contact Rite-A-Way Garage Doors at 480-570-4814 for expert service and support. We’re here to keep your garage door in top shape, all year round.