Why Temperature Changes Can Cause Garage Door Problems
February 13, 2026
In Houston, temperature changes aren’t always dramatic, but even moderate swings can cause frustrating garage door malfunctions. Materials expand and contract, which means that parts that used to operate smoothly begin to bind or fail.
When you know how heat and cold affect your system, you can prevent minor inconveniences from turning into costly garage door problems. Here’s everything you need to know.
How Do Temperature Changes Affect Garage Door Materials?
Cold temperatures cause metal doors and other metal components to lose ductility. When the temperatures rise, garage door materials can expand, which alters alignment and tension across the system.
Wood doors are even more sensitive. They can absorb moisture and swell during humid periods. When conditions dry out, the doors will shrink. Over time, this constant movement can warp panels and loosen fasteners, leading to repeated garage door problems.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Fail More Often in Extreme Weather?
Garage door springs are one of the most important components in your door. They are also likely to fail when the temperature changes. Metal becomes more brittle in cold and overstressed in heat, which reduces the lifespan of your springs. During cold spells, the springs become less flexible, which could increase the risk of snapping under load.
In high heat, metal fatigue accelerates, especially in springs already nearing the end of their service life.
One of the simplest steps you can take involves observing how your garage door operates when you use it. Look and listen for anything unusual, such as loud squeaking sounds, which could indicate that your garage door springs need maintenance.
Temperature-Related Garage Door Problems to Watch For
Here are some other headaches you may encounter when the temperature swings:
- Lubricants may thicken in cooler weather, which increases resistance
- Sensors may become misaligned if the mounting surface subtly shifts
- Opener motors may have to work harder to move expanded door sections
While these issues are typically minor, over time, they can impact the performance and longevity of your door.
How to Prevent Temperature-Related Garage Door Issues
Regular maintenance is the best way to minimize weather-related wear. Here are a few tips for keeping your door working like it should:
- Schedule seasonal maintenance
- Inspect the tracks
- Look for anything unusual (loud noises, slower opening or closing)
Working with a reputable garage door company is essential. Find a trusted partner that can handle maintenance and repairs during all seasons.
When to Call a Professional
Uncovering garage door problems is just step one. Next, you need to connect with a reputable garage door company to get the issues resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. The good news is that Halo Overhead Doors is here to answer the call.
Halo Overhead Doors offers residential garage door services in Houston, TX. Our reliable team can respond quickly, diagnose the problem, and get your door working like new. We also offer maintenance and new garage door installation services. Contact us to learn more.