Summer means longer days, warmer temps, and the perfect opportunity to tackle home improvement projects. One task that often gets overlooked? Garage door care. Your garage door and opener work hard year-round—especially in a place like northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and the Chicago area, where weather extremes can take a toll.
If you want smooth operation, long-term durability, and peace of mind, now’s the time to act. Here’s what every homeowner should know about summer garage door maintenance—and how Tri-County Preferred can help with expert-level garage door services.
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Garage Door Services
The heat and humidity of a typical summer might make you crave the A/C, but it’s a golden opportunity for routine check-ups and repairs for your garage door. Unlike winter, when ice and snow complicate outdoor maintenance, summer gives you easy access to address wear and tear from previous seasons.
Benefits of summer garage door services:
- Mild weather means safer, more efficient inspections and repairs
- Parts expand and contract less drastically than in winter
- Easy scheduling during off-peak maintenance season
- Prevents unexpected issues during colder months
Check Your Garage Door’s Key Components
Garage doors might seem simple, but they’re complex systems with moving parts that need regular care. Summer is a smart time to inspect and maintain these key areas:
1. Springs and Cables
- Look for rust or signs of fraying
- Listen for unusual noises when the door opens and closes
- If one spring is worn or breaks, it’s a good time to replace them all
2. Rollers and Tracks
- Clean debris from tracks with a damp cloth
- Check rollers for cracking or wear
- Lubricate rollers and track joints with a silicone-based spray
3. Weatherstripping
- Check for cracks or warping along the bottom of the door
- Replace any worn-out rubber to improve insulation
- Helps keep out humidity, insects, and dust during sticky summer days
Don’t Forget the Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener works hard in the summer heat, especially when metal parts and grease expand or thin due to higher temperatures.
Signs your opener may need attention:
- The door hesitates or doesn’t open fully
- You hear loud grinding or squealing noises
- Remote range seems shorter than usual
What you can do:
- Replace the batteries in your remotes
- Clean safety sensors and ensure they’re correctly aligned
- Test the auto-reverse safety feature
If your opener is over 10–15 years old, this might be the season to consider upgrading to a newer, quieter, and more secure model.
Organize the Garage While You’re At It
Summer’s a great time to declutter and reorganize your garage space. A cleaner garage also makes it easier to spot any problems with your door or opener.
Quick summer garage checklist:
- Dispose of unused paints, chemicals, or old batteries properly
- Install shelving or storage racks to free up floor space
- Keep bikes, tools, and sports gear away from the door track path
Schedule a Professional Inspection Before Fall
Tri-County Preferred Garage Door Inc. offers expert garage door services throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Based in Marengo, we’re your go-to local partner for trusted repairs, opener installations, and seasonal maintenance.
Why choose us this summer?
- We specialize in Hörmann garage doors and LiftMaster openers
- We offer thorough multi-point inspections
- Our technicians know the unique challenges area weather brings
Don’t wait for a breakdown during a thunderstorm—or worse, a fall cold snap. Schedule your summer tune-up today and enjoy the peace of mind with a reliable garage system.
Need expert garage door services near Chicago, in northern Illinois or southern Wisconsin?
Contact us today!