On some days, it can be so darn hot that you might not even want to go outside. What's more, your home might agree. In especially hot weather, your garage roller door might not want you to go outside, and it won't even let you. Why does hot weather make roller doors behave erratically, or not work at all?

Thermal Overload 

Like any kind of electrical device, the motor that drives your garage roller door has certain safety features. One of these most critical features is its thermal overload, which registers that the motor is drawing in more amps than what is standard for the device, and is therefore operating at a higher, potentially unsafe temperature. The motor then automatically shuts down. This is for your protection, but it can be inconvenient. 

Limit Your Use

During hot weather, it can be sensible to limit your use of your garage door. For example, don't use it to enter or exit your home, unless you actually need to move a vehicle in or out of your garage. Limiting usage allows the motor sufficient time to cool down between cycles, meaning standard operation is less likely to trigger a thermal overload. 

Reducing the Overall Temperature

Although being selective in when you actually open and close your garage door will go a long way towards solving your problem, you may need to take additional steps. Reducing the overall temperature inside your garage will be beneficial, allowing the motor's temperature to consistently remain within its safe operating parameters. You're ahead of the game if your garage is already insulated. If not, you don't need to go to the considerable expense of adding insulation to the entire space.

Door Insulation

Most companies that offer garage roller door service can add insulation to the inward side of the door. This doesn't affect the door's operation but adds a layer of effective insulation to the individual panels of the roller door, which should help to reduce the overall temperature inside the space. This should improve the efficiency of your garage door motor and can help to reduce the chances of thermal overload. Existing garage doors can be retrofitted, and you won't need to buy an entirely new door.

If your garage door begins to behave erratically in hot weather, start by reducing your usage as much as possible. If this isn't as effective as it needs to be, think about taking steps to reduce the temperature inside your garage.

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