We all know about the ways weather affects our homes. Strong winds blow shingles off your roof, freezing temperatures cause cracks in your foundation, and excessive rainfall leads to flooding in your basement. But there are a few lesser-known parts of the home that are just as affected by inclement weather — including your garage door. In this guide, we’ll explain how weather affects garage doors, cover the best garage doors for areas with extreme weather, and offer tips on garage door weather protection. Let’s take a look.

How Weather Affects Garage Door Performance

Heat and Humidity

Garage doors and humidity don’t mix well. Prolonged high temperatures and humidity can cause the metal or wood of your garage door to expand and warp. This throws your garage door out of alignment, making it difficult to open and close and affecting the seal of the door.

Freezing Temperatures

Cold weather can cause garage doors to contract and stiffen, leading to similar problems as high heat. One of the most common cold-weather garage door problems is frozen springs and tracks, making the door hard to open and close.

Snow and Ice Accumulation

If you allow snow and ice to build up around the garage door, it will often cause issues with its operation. The weather stripping at the bottom might freeze, causing the door to get stuck in the closed position.

Heavy Rain

If the metal components of your door, such as the springs and tracks, are exposed to excess moisture, they’ll corrode and become damaged over time. Prolonged water exposure also damages weather stripping, potentially leading to flooding in your garage.

Strong Wind

High winds at the right angle might damage your garage door by putting stress on panels and hinges. If the storm is strong enough to pick up debris or large amounts of dust, it might also be enough to damage your garage door.

Extreme Seasonal Changes

If you live in an area with fluctuating temperatures, it’s common for dramatic changes to cause damage to your garage door. Repeated temperature changes cause the seals and other components to become weakened and put extra strain on springs and openers.

High UV Index

Over time, intense sun exposure will damage your garage door, fading the finish and deteriorating components, causing them to become brittle and easy to crack.

Common Garage Door Issues in Different Seasons

As experienced garage door repair pros, we’ve learned the most common issues homeowners face with their garage doors in each season of the year. As extreme weather becomes more common, homeowners need to understand the potential hazards of each season.

Winter

Wintertime is the hardest on garage doors. Freezing temperatures can lead to components warping out of place, making the door harder to operate. It will also freeze the weather stripping and harden lubricant grease, making the door hard to open. In exceptionally cold weather, your garage door spring could even freeze and snap under the tension, which is incredibly dangerous.

Spring and Fall

The wet, rainy weather of spring and fall will likely cause problems for your garage door without protection. Excessive rainfall rusts garage door components, damages weatherstripping, and eventually leads to water infiltration into your garage, causing expensive damage.

Summer

Hot, humid summers pose a threat to your garage door, too. High temperatures cause the wood and metal parts of your garage door to swell, throwing it out of alignment and making it hard or impossible to use.

Best Garage Doors for Extreme Weather

When it comes to picking the best garage doors for extreme weather, you’ll need to think about what kinds of conditions your home will face. If you live somewhere that’s prone to storms and high-speed winds, it might be best to get a steel garage door without any windows. There are also Wind Load garage doors, which are designed to withstand more wind than regular models.

If you live in a very humid area or near the ocean, corrosion is a big concern. Opting for a vinyl or fiberglass door will help protect your garage from ambient humidity. If you live in an area with cold winters, we suggest a heavy-duty steel door with polyurethane insulation and quality weatherproofing.

No matter which door you choose, the best way to protect it from harsh weather is with regular garage door maintenance.

How to Protect Your Garage Door from Harsh Weather

With a few seasonal garage door maintenance tips, you’ll save time, money, and stress. Here are a few ideas to help protect your home with your garage door:

• Install a threshold seal to protect from flooding, moisture seepage, and mold growth.
• Add extra weather stripping around the sides and top of the garage door.
• Caulk garage door windows to prevent moisture infiltration and damage from winds.
• Seal your garage floor with waterproof paint or epoxy flooring.
• Insulate your garage door.

Can Garage Door Insulation Improve Performance?

Several garage door insulation benefits make this project a worthwhile investment. Extreme temperatures can damage the garage door and affect the climate inside your home, causing you to spend more on energy bills to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. An insulated garage door protects its components, improves performance, and ensures your garage isn’t causing heating inefficiency.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors for Year-Round Protection

Despite best efforts, all garage doors will eventually need maintenance and repair. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your garage door to protect it from the elements or need a fix after damage caused by the weather, the pros at Mesa Garage Doors can help. Serving Southern California for over 30 years, we have the skills and experience needed to protect your home and give you the peace of mind you deserve. To find the best weather-resistant garage doors or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.

Your garage door is one of your home’s largest and heaviest moving objects, weighing hundreds of pounds and operating under high tension. While the importance of garage door maintenance can’t be understated, garage door repair safety should always be your top priority.

As Southern California’s leading garage door installation and repair company with over 500,000 satisfied customers during our 35-year history, Mesa Garage Doors has plenty of experience and knowledge regarding garage door safety tips for repair, maintenance, and installation.

Common Garage Door Repair Mistakes To Avoid

Many homeowners across Orange County might attempt DIY repairs without fully understanding the risks. DIY repairs can cause serious injury or costly damage because the average person isn’t trained in how to safely repair a garage door. Here are some of the most common garage door repair mistakes to avoid.

Improper Spring Adjustments

Garage door springs operate under extreme tension and require precise adjustment to function safely. Proper spring adjustment requires specialized tools and knowledge of torque calculations based on the garage door’s weight and dimensions. Attempting to adjust or replace these components without professional training puts you at risk of severe injury from sudden spring release.

Ignoring Warning Signs

Overlooking minor issues often leads to major mechanical failures. Some of the biggest risks of putting off garage door repair involve compromising your door’s safety systems.

A quiet creak or mild stuttering action can quickly develop into complete system failure, potentially causing serious injury or property damage. Regular professional inspections help catch these warning signs early.

Using Incorrect Parts

Every garage door system is engineered with specific component requirements for safe operation. While you may be tempted to pick up generic or mismatched parts from the local hardware store because they’re cheaper, doing this may create weak points in the system, causing it to fail unexpectedly.

The professional technicians at Mesa Garage Doors understand the importance of using manufacturer-recommended replacement parts to maintain your door’s safety certification.

Broken or Frayed Cables

Garage door cables bear tremendous weight and stress during normal operation, making them extremely dangerous to handle when damaged. If you notice broken or frayed cables, stop using your garage door right away and contact us for a free repair estimate.

The main thing to remember about garage door repair is safety. Professional cable replacement includes a complete safety inspection to identify the underlying issue that may have caused the original damage. This way, we can help prevent the problem from returning and putting your loved ones in harm’s way again.

Noisy or Stuck Rollers

Attempting to force stuck rollers or ignoring grinding sounds can cause track damage and garage door misalignment. DIY roller repairs frequently lead to more problems that accelerate wear on other components. Our service includes track cleaning and alignment, along with professional roller replacement.

Off-track Garage Door

An off-track garage door poses immediate safety risks and requires precise realignment to prevent further damage. Knowing when to call a professional for garage door repair is important. Attempting to force a door back onto its tracks can cause permanent damage to panels, cables, and springs.

Rely on the specialized experience and equipment of Mesa Garage Doors to safely realign your garage door. Our technicians will check all related components for damage and present you with repair options.

How To Safely Maintain Your Garage Door

Many of the same precautions involved in safely repairing a garage door also apply to regular maintenance. Professional inspections help reveal potential safety issues before they become dangerous and prevent common garage door problems.

Monthly Visual Inspection

A thorough visual inspection can help catch developing problems. Perform these basic checks at least once a month to maintain the safe operation of your garage door:

• Check for frayed or damaged cables.
• Look for loose hardware or bent tracks.
• Test the door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door.
• Verify that the safety sensors are aligned and working correctly.

Cleaning and Lubrication Tasks

Every three to six months, focus on key maintenance tasks to reduce wear and tear on moving parts and to help maintain smooth, safe operation. These tasks may include:

• Removing dirt and debris from garage door tracks
• Cleaning photo eye safety sensors
• Applying the appropriate lubricant to hinges, rollers, and springs
• Wiping down weather stripping

Essential Safety Precautions for DIY Garage Door Repair

The importance of garage door maintenance shouldn’t override the importance of staying safe. Follow these garage door safety tips to prevent possible injury and property damage:

• Disconnect the garage door opener before starting any work.
• Clear the work area of obstacles.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, like goggles and safety gloves.
• Keep children and pets away from areas of possible harm.
• Work with a partner who can assist when needed.
• Use proper tools designed for safe garage door repair.
• Maintain three points of contact at all times when using a ladder.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught.
• Tie or secure loose hair to avoid getting caught.

When To Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair

A key element of garage door repair safety is knowing when to call a professional for help. While you can perform some basic maintenance tasks on your own, it’s best to contact Mesa Garage Doors when you notice:

• Visible signs of wear or damage on garage door springs
• Frayed or loose cables
• An unbalanced garage door
• The door falls faster than normal
• A malfunctioning automatic garage door opener
• Unusual noises during operation
• Significant damage or deterioration of garage door panels

Why Garage Door Springs Are the Most Dangerous Component

Garage door spring safety is especially important because of the heightened risk of causing serious injury. Garage door springs are designed to work under high tension, storing massive amounts of energy to counterbalance your door’s weight. Much like the springs on your car, this stored energy can be released suddenly if the spring breaks or it’s improperly handled during repairs.

Our technicians undergo extensive training in garage door repair safety, including working with garage door springs. They follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries during spring replacement or adjustment. If you notice gaps between spring coils, loud banging noises, or your door feels especially heavy when lifted manually, call us right away to take a look.

Your Trusted Garage Door Repair Team in Southern California

Proper garage door maintenance keeps your family safe and your door operating reliably. While homeowners can safely perform some basic maintenance, most repairs require professional attention.

Mesa Garage Doors provides comprehensive repair services and free safety inspections. Our experienced technicians offer service throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Ventura County. With an A+ BBB rating and over 1,000 five-star reviews, we’re Southern California’s trusted leader in garage door installation and repair.

Contact us today to schedule your professional garage door inspection.

Garage doors can become noisy and sluggish if you don’t lubricate them. Increased friction can contribute to overall wear and tear as well. To maintain your garage door and reduce the strain on the motor, lubricate moving parts every six months. You can avoid costly repairs, accidents, and premature replacement by following these tips for lubing your garage door:

Prepare to Lubricate Your Garage Door

Before lubricating your garage door system, perform some general maintenance tasks to make sure everything is in working order. Here’s what you need to do:

• Tighten Loose Parts: Look for loose nuts and bolts and tighten them. Be careful not to overtighten anything and, if something looks excessively worn, replace it or call a garage door technician.
• Check/Clean the Rollers: Roller bearings are often unsealed and can collect dirt. Clean them if necessary; if a roller is worn out and wobbling in the track, replace it.
• Inspect the Hinges: Noisy hinges are usually ones that have gone bad. A bad hinge can cause your garage door to get stuck, so it should be fixed/replaced before proceeding.
• Adjust the Chain: Tighten the garage door opener’s chain if it’s loose, making slapping noises, or also causing the garage door to jerk when moving.

How to Properly Lube a Garage Door

To start, all you need is a store-bought garage door lubricating oil. Have a cleaning rag, an old outfit, a face mask, and gloves/goggles handy. Protective gear will shield you from dirt, allergens, and irritants. Close the garage door and shut off the power to the opener. Then follow these steps:.

• Clean the Tracks: Use a damp rag to wipe the inside and outside of the garage door tracks. Make sure to remove all dirt and debris. Avoid using lubricant directly on the tracks, as it will strain the rollers and garage door opener. For tiny crevices, use a vacuum cleaner with a small attachment; stubborn dirt can be removed with an automotive brake cleaner.It’s also a good idea to quickly wipe down the interior and exterior of the garage door.Next, proceed with applying lubricant to the:
• Hinges: Open the garage door and lubricate each hinge, one at a time. Place the lubricant where each hinge contacts the bend in the track.
• Rollers: Aside from nylon rollers which should never be lubricated, a garage door roller should be thoroughly lubricated, including its internal ball bearings. Too much lubricant can cause the door to be unbalanced, so wipe the excess away.
• Springs and Bearing Plates: These components are located at the top of the garage door, so you may need a step ladder; once the compound is applied, slowly open and close the door manually to distribute the lubricant. Apply more if the springs are noisy
• Armbar and Lock: If these are present, apply lubricant to prevent rust from forming. The compound protects these parts from harsh elements. Also, apply lubricant directly into the keyhole.
• Garage Door Opener Rail: Grease the top of the rail on which the opener’s chain rides. Apply the lubricant and spread it with a clean rag. Do not put oil directly on the chain; it is already pre-lubricated. Spraying the bottom of the rail is not necessary.

Use the Right Lubricant

When lubing a garage door, use an all-weather product as cold temperatures can cause some lubricants to thicken and increase wear on parts. Silicone sprays have a straw attachment to reach small parts. White lithium grease is effective as well. However, it’s applied by hand so it can be messier, but it is easy to spread around. Mechanic grease, engine oil, and WD-40 or other standard degreasers can collect dirt and dust, so are not suited for lubing garage doors.

Call Mesa For Garage Door Repair

Lubricating your garage door is simple, but contact us if any part of your garage door system appears damaged. We specialize in the installation and repair of all types of garage doors. Get more tips and answers to frequently asked questions or request a free garage door repair quote online. To speak with us directly, call (714) 364-4987 now.

7 Signs to Replace Your Garage Door Weather Stripping

While it usually won’t affect how your garage door operates, the weatherstrip is important. People tend to overlook it and miss signs it should be replaced. A bad weather strip can affect the comfort, cleanliness, and efficiency of your garage. Here are seven signs it’s time to replace your garage door weather stripping, so you know when to take action.

1. The Weatherstrip Looks Worn Out

A worn weatherstrip may be dried out or more rigid than you’d expect of a rubber seal.Discoloration is a sign of wear as well. If sections of the strip start to droop, that’s also a sign it should be replaced as soon as possible.

2. The Seal Is Cracked or Otherwise Damaged

Install new weather stripping if the old one is brittle, cracked, flaking, or broken, which is often caused by exposure to UV light from the sun. A significant problem is a missing section of a seal. If you see any of these signs of damage, the strip is not providing the seal needed to insulate and protect your garage.

3. Water Is Leaking Into Your Garage

A solid weather strip will block water from seeping under the garage door. If there are streams of water or puddles inside after it rains or you use a garden hose, and the door is closed, the weather seal is likely compromised. Water leaks risk mold, pests, and water damage. If it freezes, the door can stick when you try to open it, potentially damaging the garage door and the opener.

4. You Feel a Draft When the Garage Door Is Closed

Many garages are draftier because they’re less insulated. If you notice an increase in the draft and it’s cooler than usual, the garage door weather stripping is probably wearing out. Air intrusion and leakage can reduce efficiency and lead to increased heating or cooling costs.

5. Light Can Be Seen Through the Edges of the Door

Periodically inspect the edges of the garage door to see if any light is coming through. A tight seal will block any sunlight. If you see pinholes or strips of light when the door is closed, there are breaks in the weather stripping.

6. Mice, Rats, and Other Animals Are Getting Inside

Rodents and other small animals are adept at finding and squeezing through small spaces. They can get into your garage unseen. Once they do, these creatures will find shelter, feed, and reproduce, potentially leading to an infestation. Only by replacing your weather stripping can you prevent such a misfortune.

7. The Garage Door Is Blocked On One or Both Sides

Perimeter weather stripping can wear out from the door opening and closing. If the seal becomes loose or damaged, the sides of the garage door may not align properly. This can affect performance and eventually damage the door.

Tips on Maintaining Garage Door Weather Stripping

To help weather stripping last longer:

• Check and clean it at least twice a year.
• Inspect the door regularly for damage and get it fixed quickly.
• Protect the weather seal with a silicone-based spray.
• Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants and oils.
• Use an all-purpose cleaner for vinyl parts.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

If your garage door weather stripping is damaged or there are any other issues with your garage door system, our experienced professionals can help. We provide award-winning service throughout Southern California. Our technicians are factory trained to repair or replace any type of garage door. Schedule your free repair estimate online or call 714-975-5951 today.

If you’re remodeling your home, adding to it, or constructing a new residence, “Should I build a detached garage?” may be among the most pressing questions. Depending on your needs, a detached garage can have many advantages over an attached one. But there can also be downsides. We’ll explore both and the potential cost of building a detached unit.

Benefits of a Detached Garage

Attaching a garage structure to the home became a widespread phenomenon by the late 1940s. By the 2000s, about 80% of all homes had attached garages.1 But more and more homeowners are rediscovering the beauty and convenience of having a detached garage and seeing benefits such as:

Design Flexibility

The façade of most homes, especially in suburban areas, is dominated by the garage. Building a detached garage can avoid overwhelming a small house. It can also be arranged any way you like. The garage can be set back, designed like its own little house, or placed at an angle. You can even hide it somewhere in the backyard.

As far as design options, there’s much to consider. You can choose different styles of doors and windows. There’s practically a limitless choice of colors and sizes. Insulation, ventilation, electricity, lighting, plumbing, and other amenities can be added if necessary.

Free Up Space

Not only does a detached garage give you more room for living and vehicle/tool storage. It also frees up room outside your home. A usable area can be created that can accommodate a deck or patio. Perhaps you might want to expand your landscaping, plant a garden, add a pool or pond, or install a gazebo or pergola to boost the charm of your outdoor space.

Safety and Security

If you store fuel, oil, paints, cleaners, insecticides, weed killers, and other flammable and/or chemical-based products in the garage, these can emit fumes that can reach living areas. Storing these items in a separate building eliminates such risks.

In addition, access points to your home are limited. Once an intruder finds their way into an attached garage, they can break into or simply step through an unlocked interior door. With a detached garage, even if the door is left unlocked, the security of your home isn’t compromised.

Less Noise

Sounds from a detached garage won’t disrupt people in the house, whether a car is leaving or entering, you’re operating power tools, or playing an instrument. Some people use a detached garage as a getaway. In that case, they’re cut off from noise from the house.

Privacy

Not everyone uses a garage to store cars and tools. If you choose to use it as a man cave or retreat for kids to play, there’s a high degree of privacy. You can use a detached garage to practice playing instruments. Or, you can use it for woodworking or other projects that require power tools. It’s also an ideal space for a home office away from home where you can get work done without being interrupted.

Disadvantages of a Detached Garage

Detached garages aren’t as convenient for everybody. Installing one can be a burden if:

• Winter in your area is harsh and walking to the unit requires bundling up and being uncomfortable.
• You forget a tool or other item you need and must walk back to the house to get it.
• There’s limited yard space and you enjoy having an open area for kids and pets.
• Building an entirely new structure is more work than you bargained for.
• The cost of installing/using extra utilities will strain your budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Build?

When many homeowners ask, “Should I build a detached garage?” the first consideration is often cost. HomeAdvisor puts the typical price range in 2022 at anywhere from $19,200 to $45,000. However, a 3-car detached garage can cost up to $65,700 to build, but you could spend as little as $12,600 for a 1-car, 12- x 24-foot unit. On average, a detached garage costs from $40 to $70 per square foot. Materials account for half the total cost and labor accounts for the other half. Generally, you’ll spend up to 15% more to build a detached unit than an attached garage.

The cost factors during the project include building a concrete foundation, hiring an electrician, and installing siding and roofing. Insulation, painting, and installing a driveway add to the cost too. The longer a driveway, the more you’ll spend for it. Then the cost of garage door installation is a factor, so there’s more to think about than initial construction.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

We offer numerous collections and styles of garage doors. These include our steel frame Bronze Series, insulated Gold Series, and three-layer, low-profile Platinum Series as well as our carriage house, modern aluminum, and wood doors. Request a new door estimate or book an appointment online. For immediate assistance, call us at (844) 473-2866 today.