Garage Door Maintenance for Florida Heat and Humidity

Central Florida's heat, humidity and summer storms are hard on garage doors. A few minutes of upkeep a couple of times a year can prevent many service calls.

Every few months

• Look and listen. Run the door and watch for jerking, rubbing or grinding.
• Lubricate hinges, rollers and the spring with a garage-door lubricant, not grease that collects sand and dust.
• Test the auto-reverse. Place a roll of paper towels under the door; it should reverse when it touches it.
• Clean the photo-eye sensors. Pollen and lizards often block them.

Watch for rust and swelling

Humidity can rust the bottom of steel doors and swell wood trim. Check the bottom seal (weatherstrip) and replace it when cracked. It also keeps out water and bugs.

Before hurricane season

Make sure your door closes fully and evenly. Ask a technician about wind-rated doors or bracing kits if your door is older.

Leave these to a pro

Springs, cables and track adjustments are under high tension. If any of those look wrong, request a technician.