Does Hot California Weather Damage Garage Doors in Santa Maria?

There’s a lot to love about California, but the temperature can be brutal on the exterior of garages and homes. For example, garage doors in Santa Maria can become damaged due to high heat, humidity, and exposure to salty air if steps aren’t taken to protect them.

The Impact of California Climate on Garage Doors

The climate in central California is what’s described as “coastal Mediterranean” with more than 300 days per year of sunshine in average years. Although the temperature rarely rises much above 80 degrees in Santa Maria, there’s still a lot of UV exposure potentially damaging the exterior portions of your home.

People in California rarely need to worry about extremely cold temperatures or snow unless they live in higher elevations, but there are other environmental hazards to consider when it comes to protecting your home’s exterior.

For example, Santa Maria is famous for its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. While that’s great for residents and visitors, exposure to salt air is another factor that could impact your garage door installation.

One major issue is the possibility of UV rays damaging parts like seals and the exterior finish. Weather stripping and seals are made from PVC, plastic vinyl, or rubber, and the garage door itself is usually crafted from wood, metal, or colored vinyl. Each of these materials can become faded or weakened by pervasive sun exposure.

Wooden doors can absorb moisture in hot weather, which could lead to warping and deterioration. If the weather stripping becomes dry due to excessive heat, it could also deteriorate and expose the interior of your garage to the elements, debris, or pests.

Sunlight can interfere with the performance of garage door sensors by reflecting off them and creating a glare. This can become a safety hazard or prevent the doors from closing properly.

Because your garage is the largest entrance to your home, any damage or leaks could impact the interior of the garage and eventually affect the energy efficiency inside your house.

The best way to prevent heat-related problems is to learn to recognize the signs of an issue before it becomes too severe. Hiring a professional technician to address the problem would be the next logical step.

Signs That Your Garage Door Needs Attention

Technicians who have experience with garage door repair in Santa Maria will tell you that even a minor problem with a garage door or any of its components will have a ripple effect that leads to damage and wear of other parts. For example, a bent track could damage the springs or cables. Warping from exposure to heat and humidity could prevent the door from closing properly or cause gaps that allow moisture and heat inside the garage.

The same goes for the seals and weather stripping around the edges and bottom of the door. If it does need replacing, have the work done by a professional technician and make sure they install the most energy-efficient style available.

Upon inspection, look for any parts that are worn or displaced. Check the bottom seal for deterioration, cracks, and missing portions. Try to open the door manually to test for uneven or difficult operation due to bent tracks or warped panels.

You might also check the temperature inside the garage and your car when it’s parked in the garage. Heat escapes from your car after it’s been running, which can raise the temperature inside the garage. However, higher-than-normal temperatures inside the garage could indicate a leak around the garage windows or doors.

Lastly, check around the windows for signs of leaks or condensation on the glass. Make sure they’re properly sealed and watertight.

Protecting Garage Doors in Santa Maria From the California Heat

Prevention is the best way to prolong the life of your garage door. You can protect it from excessive heat by installing insulated doors and insulating the walls and roof of the garage itself.

Light colors deflect sunlight. Install light-colored garage doors or paint your existing door a lighter shade to avoid absorbing excess heat.

Avoid parking your car in the garage immediately after a long drive. Heat emitting from the car’s engine could raise the temperature inside the garage, and that heated air will become trapped inside the garage until the next time you open the door.

Leverage the power of cooler weather early in the mornings or late evenings by opening the garage door for a little while. This will allow trapped heat and humidity to disperse.

The opposite is true during the heat of the day when garage doors should remain closed to prevent excessive heat from entering the garage or your home.

Improving ventilation in your garage can keep heat from damaging the doors and interior. If your garage roof is gabled, a vented fan with a built-in thermostat can regulate the temperature and improve airflow. Otherwise, a regular box fan will help circulate the air.

Keep in mind that a cluttered or full garage prevents the free flow of air and absorbs heat. Get rid of junk you don’t need and organize the rest.

If excessive humidity is an issue, and none of the above solves the problem, consider putting a humidifier in the garage to regulate moisture in the air.

You could also consider planting a shade tree near a south-facing wall of the garage, if possible. That alone can create a temperature difference of up to 10 degrees cooler while shielding at least part of the garage from UV rays.

When direct sunlight is an issue, consider installing an awning over the main door as well as any windows or side doors. This is an attractive and practical solution.

However, the most certain way to ensure that your garage door is properly insulated and maintained is by having a professional installation. Work with your garage door company to choose a door that’s properly insulated and optimized for the weather conditions in Santa Maria.

Make sure that it remains in optimal condition through regular inspections and servicing from a qualified garage door repair technician.

Where to Find Garage Door Repair in Santa Monica

The average lifetime of a well-built, insulated, and maintained garage door is 15-30 years. If you want your garage door to remain fully functional throughout its expected lifespan, proper weatherproofing and regular maintenance will help. Contact your local garage door repair company to schedule an inspection and service today.