How to Prevent Garage Door Damage in Phoenix’s Heat
Why Phoenix’s Summer Heat is a Silent Garage Door Killer
Phoenix summers are no joke — with temperatures soaring past 110°F, your garage door endures extreme heat daily. While most homeowners focus on keeping their homes cool, many overlook how the intense sun, heat, and dryness impact their garage doors.
Ignoring these issues could leave you with wear and tear, a stuck door, costly garage door repair, or even a total garage door replacement. Let’s break down how the Phoenix heat affects your garage door and what you can do to prevent heat-related damage.
1. Metal Expansion: Why Your Garage Door Gets Noisy and Misaligned
The problem:
Metal components like springs, garage door tracks, and hinges expand in the heat, causing them to warp or lose tension.
This leads to broken springs, squeaking noises, misalignment, and difficulty opening/closing the door.
How to prevent it:
Lubricate all moving metal parts with a silicone-based lubricant (not petroleum-based — it evaporates quickly in heat).
Book a Summer garage door tune-up to adjust springs and tracks for thermal expansion.
2. Sunlight Sensor Interference: When Your Door Won’t Close
The problem:
Garage door sensors rely on infrared light to detect obstructions.
Intense direct sunlight can trick the sensors into thinking something is in the way, stopping the door from closing.
How to fix it:
Angle your sensors slightly downward or inward to block direct sun exposure.
Consider sensor shields or polarized covers designed to reduce sun interference.
3. Weather Stripping Cracks and Peels
The problem:
The rubber weather stripping at the bottom of your garage door dries out, cracks, and loses flexibility in high heat.
Gaps allow hot air, dust, and pests to enter your garage — raising the temperature and putting more strain on your home’s cooling system.
How to prevent it:
Inspect the weather stripping every summer and replace it if it’s brittle, cracked, or pulling away.
Opt for UV-resistant rubber seals for better durability.
4. Garage Door Opener Overheating
The problem:
Prevent garage temperature Overheating: Keep your garage door opener motor running smoothly during hot months
Older openers without thermal overload protection are especially vulnerable.
What to do:
Limit frequent use of your garage door during peak heat hours (2–5 PM).
If your garage door opener is over 5 years old, it may be time to upgrade to a more modern unit. Newer models come with overheat protection to prevent motor failure in the summer heat, and WiFi-enabled remote control.
5. Fading and Warping of Garage Door Panels
The problem:
Wooden doors may warp and crack, while metal doors can fade or peel due to UV exposure.
This ruins curb appeal and can weaken your door’s structure over time.
Preventative measures:
Clean your garage door regularly with gentle soap and water.
Apply a UV-protectant sealant or heat-resistant paint to shield against sun damage.
For older doors, consider investing in an insulated garage door designed for extreme climates.
Conclusion: Beat the Heat — Protect Your Garage Door Today
Phoenix summers are unforgiving — but with the right maintenance, your garage door can withstand the heat without costly repairs.
At Swiftly Garage Doors, we offer high quality summer garage door tune-ups to protect your home from heat damage. We offer garage door services ranging from new garage door installations to repairs. Don’t wait for your door to break — schedule your summer garage door maintenance check or repair today!
Call now for a free inspection or book online to secure your spot before the summer rush!
