Is Your Garage Door Letting In Heat and Pests? Here’s What to Check, According to Meadows Garage Doors

With summer in full swing, North Texas homeowners are dealing with the annoyances that arrive with the season: extreme heat, higher energy bills, and more unwanted pests looking for shelter.

We sat down with Jason Meadows of Meadows Garage Doors to discuss two ways homeowners can make their garages more comfortable during the summer: insulation and weather stripping.

“The biggest issues many homeowners face as we head into summer are bugs and heat,” said Jason. “Especially with the warmer, wetter weather we’ve seen recently, the pests are particularly bad this year. But there are a few things you can do to protect your home.”

Energy Savings by the Numbers

One of the best protections from the summer heat is proper garage door insulation. Since an uninsulated garage can get substantially hotter than external temperatures, these breaches severely impact energy consumption.

“An insulated garage door can reduce energy costs by about 20%,” said Meadows. “By preventing heat transfer through the internal door up to 90%, Texas homeowners could see HVAC savings between $100 and $400 annually.”

Preventing a Summer Pest Invasion

In the one-two punch of summer frustrations, pests are the other part of the equation. As temperatures elevate, insects, rodents, and reptiles exploit structural vulnerabilities for seasonal shelter.

“You don’t need a large gap for pests to enter your garage,” said Meadows.  “Just a little space under or around the door is enough. Mice, scorpions, spiders, and snakes often slip in unnoticed through cracks near the frame or base. Once inside, they nest behind boxes, chew through wiring, and leave behind waste.”

Thankfully, one of the best defenses against heat can also help keep pests outside.

“Weather stripping works wonders against pests and heat,” said Meadows. “By sealing off the main entry points, it blocks most insects and small animals from entering when installed properly.”

Besides keeping your garage cooler and clear of unwanted pests, insulation and weather stripping are great upgrades to enhance the overall livability of your garage spaces. They can help reduce noise, protect from the weather, and allow you to use that huge swath of square footage for more than just a carport.

If your garage becomes unbearably hot or daylight is visible around the closed door, it may be time to inspect its insulation and weather stripping. Meadows Garage Doors can evaluate the existing door and recommend upgrades for year-round comfort.