How to Prevent Garage Door Wear and Tear in Melbourne's Climate

Given how Melbourne has seen its fair share of unpredictable weather, it’s only natural that residents and shop owners have a lot of concerns regarding the condition of their fixtures, including their garage doors. Obviously, we can’t do a lot when dealing with natural elements; however, there are still ways we can do as garage door owners to prevent its early deterioration apart from regular maintenance. With that said, today’s article will list down a few helpful tips on how to protect your roller doors from wear and tear.

What’s Melbourne’s climate? Understanding how it affects our garage doors.

Melbourne has a mild and temperate climate that enjoys all four seasons, from bright and sunny summers to cold and crisp winters. As enjoyable as this sounds, this also means that the residents must always be prepared for the sudden change in weather. A warm sunny day in summer can instantly turn into a sudden downpour. These weather changes affect the conditions of our roller doors, and if you don’t keep an eye out, the chances of you calling in your local roller door repairs to help fix them may become frequent. With that said, here are a few preventive maintenance tips you can follow for better garage door care:

Inspect your garage door regularly. A little goes a long way, and even the simple act of checking your garage door regularly can make a big difference. See if there are any visible damages in the panel, like dents or even in the tracks. There may be a loose cable there or faulty springs and rollers, so keep an eye out for these small irregularities. A telltale sign that you may need to call in garage door repairs is if it’s producing a sound; it’s indicative that something may be stuck or it’s brushing against something.

Don’t forget to check your garage door’s alignment as well, because poor garage door alignment on your home’s security can compromise the safety and security of your home, belongings, and even yourself.

Make sure to lubricate it. Although calling in the professionals regularly is a much-need, it’s your duty as a garage door owner to keep it maintained. Lubricating the rollers, tracks, and hinges is a necessary part of maintenance since it helps reduce friction during operation and prevents premature wear and tear. Don’t just use any lubricant—use a silicone-based one that’s designed specifically for garage doors.

Weatherproof your garage door. As mentioned earlier, the weather can play a crucial role in accelerating the deterioration of your garage door through rust. This is why weatherproofing is paramount so you can protect it from salt corrosion and moisture. In coastal areas, it’s better to choose a garage door that’s made of vinyl so it can withstand rust, rot, and warping. If you want to take it up a notch, you can also install a weather-stripping kit for added protection.

Schedule regular professional maintenance. Although checking your roller door would improve its longevity by keeping an eye out for the signs of issues, it’s always better to have the professionals come in once in a while for thorough assessment and maintenance. Find a qualified professional in your area who can inspect, clean, and adjust your door for optimum performance.

Make storm preparations. In recent years, the weather has become more erratic, with storms and typhoons growing more intense each time. It’s important to secure your garage door during extreme weather events so that the risk of damage from storms and high winds can be lessened. There are a lot of different storm shutters and bracings available in the market, so if you want to avail of these, inquire with your local garage door technician for suggestions.

What are the most common garage door problems?

Aside from unnecessary noises, you should keep an eye out for these common garage door issues and nip them in the bud before they worsen:

Difficulty closing or opening. There are a couple of things that can cause this issue: cable problems, worn-out springs, or even misaligned tracks. Since there are various causes of this problem, it’s best to call a technician to check the underlying issue.

The panels are sagging. This issue is usually caused by worn-out springs or cables. If this happens, do not attempt to fix the door by yourself and call a qualified technician for a thorough inspection and repair.

By following these preventive tips and exercising regular care and maintenance, you can extend your garage door’s lifespan and ensure its smooth operation for a good while. Remember to call in qualified professionals regularly so you can be sure that your garage door is in good shape.