With Atkinson’s July heat lingering into August, now’s the time to inspect your garage door before breakdowns leave you stuck outside. Keith & Russell Garage Door’s Repairs Inc. is reminding locals to tackle these five quick checks to avoid costly repairs during the dog days of summer.
Listen for Noisy Springs Near the Atkinson Rail Trail
If your garage door sounds like a freight train near the Atkinson Rail Trail, those springs may be screaming for attention. Summer heat expands metal, making worn springs snap faster—especially on older doors common in Atkinson’s 1970s neighborhoods. A quick visual check for gaps or rust on the springs (don’t touch them!) can save you from a sudden collapse. Keith & Russell offers free spring tension assessments at your doorstep. Contact us before the next heatwave hits.
Test the Auto-Reverse on Your Derry Road Driveway
Atkinson homeowners driving in from Derry Road know summer storms can knock out power, leaving garage doors stuck open. Test your auto-reverse safety feature monthly by placing a 2x4 on the driveway and closing the door—it should reverse immediately. If it doesn’t, the sensor may be misaligned from summer humidity or a critter’s nest in the track. We’ve fixed 12 sensor issues in Atkinson just this month. Schedule a free estimate if your door ignores the test.
Lubricate Hinges Before the Londonderry Heatwave
Atkinson’s late-August heat can turn squeaky hinges into seized ones overnight. Use a silicone-based lubricant (never WD-40) on the hinges, rollers, and tracks—especially if your door faces south toward Londonderry’s open fields. Skip this, and you’ll hear the telltale grind by Labor Day weekend. Keith & Russell stocks lubricant kits for Atkinson customers. See our full services or call for a quick tune-up before the kids head back to school.