The garage door is constantly exposed to elements like rain, snow, humidity and temperature fluctuations. Eventually, these conditions can lead to rust and corrosion, ruining the appearance of your garage door as well as its performance and longevity. However, with regular maintenance and a little preventative care, you can prevent damage to your garage door and ensure years of use without issue.
Understand What Causes Rust and Corrosion: Rust commonly forms when metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen. This process is accelerated by salt — especially road salt that you scatter in winter. Corrosion can also result from extended exposure to humidity, pollutants, or chemicals. Steel or iron garage doors are especially at risk when protective finishes wear down.
Keep Your Garage Door Clean: Regular cleanings are one of the easiest and most effective methods to avoid rust. The dirt, salt, and grime hold the moisture against the metal surface- an incubator for rust.
- Wash your door every 2–3 months with warm, soapy water.
- Wash clean and dry with a soft cloth.
- Be sure to focus on the base edges and corners, where dirt can collect.
Apply a Protective Wax or Sealant: Once clean, coat the metal in wax or a corrosion inhibitor to protect it from any moisture. You can use an automotive wax or a silicone-based sealant on steel garage doors. Use it twice a year — once in preparation for winter and again in the spring — for best results.
Inspect for Early Signs of Rust: Nipping rust in the bud can spare you expensive repairs down the road. Examine your garage door regularly, particularly after wet, rainy or snowy times of year.
Look for:
- Small orange or brown spots
- Paint bubbling or flaking
- Rough patches or discoloration
If you see rust, lightly sand it away, apply a rust-inhibiting primer and paint right over the affected spot.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Rust and corrosion don’t only affect the door panels themselves — they can also cause damage to hinges, springs, rollers and tracks. Spray the moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant or garage door spray oil every couple of months to minimize friction and maintain moisture levels.
Repaint When Needed: The paint coat has an essential function as a primary anti-corrosion protection. When the paint of your door begins to peel or fade, it’s time for a touch-up.
- Sand away any peeling paint or rusty spots.
- Apply a rust-preventive primer.
- Repaint with an outdoor paint that is weather-resistant and suited for metal surfaces.
Improve Ventilation in Your Garage: Inadequate venting causes trapped humidity and speeds corrosion. If you are in a coastal or high-humidity area, put vents or get a dehumidifier to keep the moisture level low.
Schedule Professional Maintenance: A qualified garage door pro can spot problems that might go unnoticed by a casual observer. A yearly maintenance check from a reliable source, such as Peel Garage Doors, will keep your door free of rust and corrosion — and make it last for longer whilst it looks brand new.
Final Thoughts
Your garage door is a valuable investment and needs to be treated well. By cleaning, lubricating, examining, and sealing your garage door, you can effectively prevent rust and corrosion, avoiding expensive additional service calls while maintaining your home’s curb appeal.
Please don’t wait until it’s too late!
We offer reliable maintenance, inspection and repair services to ensure that your garage door is always in top condition.
