Las Vegas is known for its scorching summers, low humidity, and rapid temperature shifts between day and night. While this dry desert climate is great for avoiding snow and ice, it can wreak havoc on your garage door.
Plastic parts dry out and crack. Metal components rub together, creating friction. Your garage door opener works harder than it should, and in the worst cases, your garage door could come off track. If you’re a homeowner in Las Vegas, or any other dry climate, maintaining your garage door isn’t just about convenience—it’s about preventing costly repairs down the road.
The Impact of Dry Air on Garage Door Materials
Garage doors are built to last, but a dry climate accelerates wear and tear on certain materials, especially plastic and metal components.
Plastic Components Become Brittle
Garage door systems use a surprising amount of plastic:
- Gears inside your opener
- Weather seals around the door frame
- Rollers and brackets
Over time, the extreme dryness in Las Vegas removes moisture from plastic, causing it to become brittle. The result? Cracked seals that let in dust and debris, rollers that snap unexpectedly, and opener gears that fail sooner than expected.
What to Do:
✔ Inspect plastic parts regularly. If you notice cracks or discoloration (especially in white plastic), replace them before they break completely.
✔ Keep weather seals in good condition to prevent dust buildup and energy loss.
Plastic-on-Metal Friction Causes Binding
Plastic rollers and brackets often rub against metal tracks, which isn’t a problem in normal conditions. But in dry climates, lack of lubrication makes this friction worse. This can lead to:
- Squeaky, noisy operation
- Rollers that get stuck or jammed
- Increased strain on your garage door opener
Over time, this excess friction can cause the opener to work harder than it should, leading to premature failure of the motor or belt.
What to Do:
✔ Apply a high-quality silicone spray lubricant to rollers and hinges every 3-6 months. Avoid WD-40—it attracts dust.
✔ If your garage door sounds louder than usual, it might be time for a professional tune-up.
Increased Strain on the Garage Door Opener
Dry Friction Makes the Opener Work Harder
When rollers and hinges don’t move smoothly, the garage door opener has to exert extra force to pull the door open and closed. This can cause:
- Overheating of the motor
- Slower, jerky movements
- The opener failing much sooner than its expected lifespan
A properly functioning garage door should move effortlessly along the track. If your opener sounds like it’s struggling, dry climate conditions may be the reason.
The Risk of Cable Flipping and Off-Track Doors
When friction builds up, the garage door doesn’t move evenly. This puts extra strain on the cables, which can flip or loosen. If left unaddressed, a flipped cable can lead to a crooked or even an off-track garage door, requiring emergency repairs.
What to Do:
✔ Listen for unusual noises—grinding, squeaking, or jerking motions are warning signs.
✔ If you suspect a flipped cable, don’t try to fix it yourself—cables are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle. Call a professional.
The Effect of Dry Weather on Metal Components
Lack of Lubrication Causes Wear on Hinges and Tracks
Metal expands in heat and contracts in cooler temperatures. With no moisture in the air to naturally lubricate moving parts, garage doors in dry climates wear out faster than expected.
- Hinges become stiff, making the door harder to open and close.
- Metal tracks develop rough spots, increasing friction.
- Springs lose their tension faster, leading to breakage.
What to Do:
✔ Use a garage door-specific silicone spray lubricant every 3-6 months.
✔ If your garage door is hard to open manually, schedule a tune-up to inspect the hinges and springs.
How to Maintain Your Garage Door in a Dry Climate
Regular maintenance is the key to preventing premature wear and costly repairs.
Routine Lubrication (Every 3-6 Months)
Lubrication is the single most important step for keeping your garage door running smoothly in Las Vegas.
What to lubricate:
✔ Rollers – Apply a light coat to reduce friction.
✔ Hinges – Keep them from stiffening up.
✔ Springs – Prevents dry cracking and reduces strain on the opener.
✔ Metal tracks – Helps rollers glide smoothly without binding.
Use silicone-based spray lubricant for best results. Avoid grease-based products since they attract dust, which is a big issue in desert climates.
Inspect and Replace Plastic Components
- Weather stripping around your garage door should be checked at least once a year. If it’s cracked or peeling, replace it to keep dust and heat out.
- Garage door opener gears made of plastic are especially vulnerable. If your opener is struggling, it may be time to replace worn-out gears.
Professional Tune-Ups Keep Your Door Running Smoothly
While DIY maintenance goes a long way, professional garage door tune-ups are recommended every 6-12 months in Las Vegas. A trained technician can:
✔ Adjust spring tension to ensure smooth operation.
✔ Inspect cables for wear or misalignment.
✔ Check for loose bolts and hinges that may be causing excess strain.
What to Do if Your Garage Door is Already Affected
Don’t Attempt DIY Repairs
Garage door systems contain high-tension springs and cables that can be dangerous to adjust or replace without proper tools.
Call a Professional
If your garage door is crooked, off-track, or struggling to open, it’s best to call an expert. A professional technician can diagnose the issue quickly and prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Las Vegas’s dry climate may not bring snow or ice, but it still takes a toll on garage doors. From brittle plastic components to increased strain on metal parts, a lack of proper maintenance can lead to expensive repairs down the line.
With routine lubrication, inspections, and professional tune-ups, you can keep your garage door operating smoothly for years to come. Take action today—a little maintenance now will save you a lot of hassle (and money) later.