National Weather Service researchers describe El Paso's year as a cool season, a rainy season from July to about mid September and a dusty season from March until mid May. Dust can collect in tracks and sensor lenses, so wipe them gently and watch for a door that sticks. Leave springs and cables to a technician.
1El Paso's three seasons
A study by National Weather Service forecasters and a University of Texas at El Paso researcher describes El Paso as having a cool season from November to February, a rainy season from July to around mid September and a characteristic dusty season from March until mid May.
The same study says the city averages 14.5 significant dust events a year, counted from airport records from 1932 through 2005, and that dust storms are most frequent in March and April. It adds that wind speeds are not excessively high, but the soil is dry and loose and the desert vegetation is sparse, so moderately strong winds can raise considerable dust.
2What each season means for the door
| Season | What the study describes | What to check on the door |
|---|---|---|
| Dusty season, March to mid May | Blowing dust, peak in March and April | Wipe sensor lenses with a soft cloth; watch for rubbing in the tracks |
| Summer, June | Average daily high of 35 degrees Celsius, about 95 Fahrenheit | Door moves smoothly by hand; opener runs without strain |
| Monsoon, July to mid September | Rainy season with thunderstorms mostly in June through September | Bottom seal and side seals for water; sensors after a storm |
| Cool season, November to February | Average daily high of 19 degrees Celsius in January | Seal not stuck to the floor before you press the button |
Use it as a seasonal habit. A technician confirms what your door needs.
3Keeping dust out of the way
Fine dust is gritty. It can collect in the tracks, on the rollers and over the safety sensor lenses at the bottom of the door frame.
Wipe the sensor lenses
Use a soft dry cloth on both lenses. A dusty lens can keep the door from closing.
Look at the tracks
With the door closed, look for grit or debris in the track. Do not bend the track.
Disconnect and lift a little
Pull the red release handle and lift the door by hand. If it sticks or feels heavy, stop and call for service.
Torsion springs and lift cables are under heavy tension. Do not adjust, wind or remove them. If one is broken, stop using the door. See spring repair and cable repair.
4Heat and the door's insulation
El Paso averages about 84 percent of possible sunshine a year, according to the same study. If you replace a door, DASMA says tested U-factor is the better guide to how an installed door handles heat, and that a lower U-factor is better. Ask for the tested figure for the whole door, not only a calculated R-value.
Our approved range for an insulated steel door, 16x7, installed, is $1,800 to $3,600. The final price is confirmed after we see the door. See new garage doors.
5Wind and storm damage
The Texas Department of Insurance says a home policy with wind and hail coverage should pay for hail damage, and advises filing as soon as you can. Photograph the damage, keep receipts for temporary repairs and get more than one repair estimate before you sign anything.
6Who to call
Emil Garage Doors repairs garage doors, springs, cables and openers and installs new doors in Texas, including El Paso, Socorro and Horizon City. See garage door repair. Call or send your details with a few photos and we book the soonest visit.
Questions people ask
When is dust season in El Paso?
A National Weather Service study describes a characteristic dusty season from March until mid May, with dust storms most frequent in March and April.
Can dust stop a garage door from closing?
A dusty safety sensor lens can. Wipe both lenses gently with a soft dry cloth. If the door still will not close, call a technician; never bypass a sensor.
How do I choose an insulated garage door?
Ask for the tested U-factor of the whole installed door. DASMA says a lower U-factor means better thermal performance.
Is a monsoon storm a risk to a garage door?
Wind and rain can tear seals and push water under the door. Check the seals and sensors after a storm and photograph any damage.
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Sources
- National Weather Service El Paso area study: A synoptic climatology of blowing dust events in El Paso, Texas, 1932-2005
- DASMA Technical Data Sheet 196: U-factor on garage doors and the thermal performance verification program
- Texas Department of Insurance: After hail or windstorms (filing a claim, documenting damage, temporary repairs, choosing a contractor)