How To Protect Your Garage Door From Summer Sun Damage (And Keep It From Looking Like It’s Been Through a Heat Wave)
Hey there, fellow Pittsburgher! Summer’s here, and while we’re all soaking up the sun (or hiding from it with a cold IC Light in hand), our garage doors are… well, not exactly having a blast. Let’s face it: that blazing Pennsylvania sun doesn’t just fry our patio furniture—it wreaks havoc on garage doors too. Cracking paint, warped panels, and rusty hardware aren’t exactly the summer glow-up we want for our homes. But don’t sweat it—literally or figuratively. We’re diving into how to shield your garage door from sun damage, with a few laughs, local know-how, and a shameless plug or two for our favorite garage door company (hint: it’s us, Garage Door Pitt).
Why Your Garage Door Hates Summer More Than You Do
Let’s start with the basics: why does summer turn your garage door into a drama queen?
- UV Rays: Pittsburgh’s sun might not be Miami-level intense, but UV rays still fade paint and weaken materials over time.
- Heat Expansion: Metal tracks swell, vinyl doors warp, and seals dry out like yesterday’s Primanti Bros. sandwich.
- Humidity: Moisture + heat = rust on springs, cables, and hinges. Not a good look.
Think of your garage door like a car left in a parking lot all summer. Without protection, it’ll age faster than a TikTok trend.
The Garage Door Pitt Summer Survival Guide
We’ve seen it all—from doors in Bethel Park that look like they’ve been through a zombie apocalypse to emergency garage door repair calls at 2 a.m. when a cable snaps mid-heatwave. Here’s how to keep yours in fighting shape.
1. Shade It Like You Mean It
Rethink Your Landscaping
Plant a tree or install an awning to block direct sunlight. Pro tip: Avoid oak trees unless you enjoy acorn shrapnel.
Use UV-Resistant Coatings
A fresh coat of UV-protective paint or sealant acts like sunscreen for your door. Bonus: It’s cheaper than replacing the whole thing.
FYI: Garage Door Pitt offers affordable garage door services, including professional coatings that last 2x longer than DIY store-bought stuff. Just sayin’.
2. Maintenance: It’s Not Just for Your Lawnmower
Monthly Check-Ups
- Lubricate tracks and rollers (we recommend silicone-based sprays—grease attracts dirt).
- Inspect cables and springs for fraying or rust. If they look sketchy, call a garage door technician before they snap.
- Test the auto-reverse feature on your automatic garage door installation. Safety first, folks.
Seasonal Deep Clean
Grime + sunlight = permanent stains. Use mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Skip the pressure washer unless you want to strip the paint.
3. When to Call the Pros (Like Us)
Look, we get it—DIY is fun until you’re Googling “garage door track repair near me” at midnight. Here’s when to pick up the phone:
- Cable Issues: Garage door cable replacement isn’t a “hold my beer” project. Those things are under insane tension.
- Track Misalignment: If your door sounds like a dying robot, it’s time for garage door track repair.
- Commercial Overhead Door Repair: Got a business? Don’t risk downtime. We handle commercial garage door repair too.
Hot Take: Waiting until your door fully breaks costs 3x more than preventative fixes. Just call Garage Door Pitt. We’re local, affordable, and won’t ghost you.
“But What’s the Actual Cost?” Let’s Talk Numbers
We know you’re wondering. Here’s a quick breakdown of common services:
| Service | Average Cost in Pittsburgh | DIY Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Garage Door Cable Repair | $150–$300 | High (Seriously, don’t.) |
| UV-Protective Coating | $200–$500 | Medium |
| Commercial Overhead Door Repair | $300–$1,000+ | Leave it to us |
| Emergency Garage Door Repair | $200–$600 | Nope. Just nope. |
Key Takeaway: Preventative care saves $$$. And yes, we offer free estimates.
3 Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask (But Should)
1. “Can I just ignore minor cracks in the panels?”
Nope. Small cracks let moisture seep in, which expands in heat and worsens the damage. Think of it like ignoring a check-engine light.
2. “Why does my garage door sound like a haunted house?”
Probably track misalignment or worn rollers. Schedule a tune-up with Garage Door Pitt before it turns into a full-blown garage door repair emergency.
3. “Is automatic garage door installation worth it?”
IMO, 100%. Modern openers have sun-safe features like auto-close timers and battery backups. Plus, no more manual lifting in 90° heat. Win-win.
Final Thought: Don’t Let Summer Win
Your garage door works harder than a Steelers fan in December. Show it some love this summer with simple upkeep and a little help from Garage Door Pitt. Whether you’re in Bethel Park or downtown Pittsburgh, we’re here for garage door services that won’t melt your budget.
TL;DR: Shield your door from the sun, fix issues early, and when in doubt, call us. Now go enjoy that summer BBQ—your garage door’s got this. 🍔✨
(Need a hand? Garage Door Pitt’s team is just a click or call away. Affordable, local, and way friendlier than the sun.)
