4 Essential Summer Garage Door Tips for Wisconsin Homeowners

Summer in Southern Wisconsin is hard to beat. From lake days and backyard barbecues to hitting the trails, we love making the most of the warm weather. But while you’re busy enjoying the season, your garage door is working overtime.

Between the intense summer heat, sudden thunderstorms, and the heavy daily use of kids and bikes constantly moving in and out, your garage door takes a beating this time of year.

To keep your home safe, efficient, and running smoothly all season long, here are four essential summer garage door tips every Wisconsin homeowner should know.

1. Keep the Heat Out (And the Cool Air In)

If you have an attached garage, the temperature inside directly affects the rest of your home. A summer afternoon can easily turn a garage into an oven, forcing your home's air conditioning unit to work twice as hard to keep your living spaces cool.

If you notice your garage is unbearably hot, it might be time to look at your door's insulation and weatherstripping. Upgrading to a modern, well-insulated garage door acts as a thermal barrier, keeping the blazing summer heat outside and protecting everything you store inside—from tools to vehicles.

2. Inspect the Bottom Seal and Weatherstripping

Wisconsin summers are notorious for popping off sudden, heavy downpours. A worn-out or cracked bottom rubber seal is an open invitation for water, humidity, and uninvited pests to flood into your garage.

• The Quick Check: Close your garage door and look closely at the bottom. Do you see daylight peeking through? Is the rubber brittle or cracked?

• The Fix: Replacing a worn bottom seal is a quick, inexpensive way to weatherproof your garage against summer storms and keep pesky bugs out.

3. Wash and Protect the Exterior

The summer sun emits powerful UV rays that can fade and degrade your garage door's finish over time. Built-up dirt, pollen, and salt residue from the winter can also trap moisture and cause premature wear.

• Give it a quick wash: Use a mild dish soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge to wash down the exterior panels. Avoid using a pressure washer, as the high pressure can strip paint or damage the surface. A simple rinse with a garden hose does the trick perfectly.

4. Give it a Quick "Listen" and Tune-Up

With school out, your garage door likely opens and closes way more often in July and August than it does in January. This heavy traffic means small mechanical issues can quickly turn into major breakdowns.

• Listen closely: Stand inside your garage and operate the door. Do you hear loud grinding, scraping, or squeaking noises?

• Check the tracks: Make sure the metal tracks are clear of dirt, cobwebs, or debris that might cause the rollers to bind.

• A quick safety warning: While wiping down tracks and lubricating rollers with a silicone-based spray is a great DIY task, never attempt to adjust or fix the garage door springs yourself. Those springs are under massive tension and require specialized tools and training to service safely.

Is your garage door making strange noises, or are you ready for a sleek summer upgrade? As a local, family-owned business serving Southeast Wisconsin and the Madison area since 1975, the team at Overhead Door Company of Metro Milwaukee™ is here to help. Give us a call at (414) 491-1432 or schedule a professional maintenance tune-up online today!