Even if your garage door is protected with high-quality paint, you may still find a rust spot or two after a few years. While it can be disappointing, there are a few things you can do to get rid of the spots and protect your door from gathering more in the future.
To help you better understand the causes of rust, you can read on as we have outlined the information below.
Rust and geography
One factor that can determine the amount of rust you are likely to find on your garage door is your geographical location. Those with homes that are built in coastal areas may find that the salty air is very damaging to your garage door. Those people who live in an industrial zone may find raw materials and chemicals in the air are corroding their door. Plus, those that live in colder climates with lots of ice and snow will find the de-icing chemicals are tough on the garage door, as well.
Extreme weather is not the only thing that can cause rust and other issues. Our garage door specialists encounter all types of issues that can lead to rust, and they are always helping customers find a way to protect their property. Plus, there are factors like excessive pollen that can make a door look rusty even though it may simply be stained with the orangish streaks of pollen floating off of nearby trees like yellow birches.
Rust and paint
The paint and other sealing materials on your garage door also play an important factor in the rust-resistance of your door. In North America, the majority of garage door manufacturers use a special primer and a baked-on coat of paint. In addition to the tough paints that are used, the doors are constructed of a steel and zinc alloy that is called galvanized steel which also protects it against rust.
If you or the previous owner of your home has done a DIY paint job on your garage door, you may not have the same protections against rust as the paints that come from the manufacturer. Plus, there are things like pierces, punctures, and scrapes that can affect the integrity of the door’s rust-resistance. Anytime there is raw metal exposed, there will be a chance for the rust to take hold. it is important to have a garage door specialist take a look at any issues you have noticed before they turn into big problems.
Rust and cleanliness
It is also important to give your garage door a regular scrubbing to keep it clean. Regular washing gets rid of all the dust, dirt, and grime that has accumulated on the door’s surface. It can also wash off any grease or oil that may be on the door before it has a chance to set in and stain. There are times when you may drip a little grease after you have lubricated the drive chain, and that will need to be washed off as well.
Washing your garage door isn’t much different than washing your car. You can actually use the same type of soap, and if you don’t have any carwash soap, regular dish detergent will work just as well. If you have a lot of grease on your door, the dish soap may even be the best choice because it contains a degreaser.
It usually isn’t a good idea to pressure wash your garage door because the powerful jet of water can take off the protective layer of paint. This will defeat the purpose of washing and just open the door up for rust. The water from your garden hose will be a much better choice because then you won’t risk taking off your paint.
You should try to wash your garage door at least twice per year, but if you live in areas where there is likely to be a lot of corrosion, more often may be necessary. You can add it to your home maintenance calendar so that it doesn’t get forgotten, or you can simply give it a scrub every time you wash your car.
You can follow the recommendations in Garaga’s maintenance guide. It may take a little more time, but you’ll be proud of the results.
What if rust has already set in?
If you are trying to check your door for rust spots, you should look for very small dots that are either red or brown in color. Start your search on the lower half of your door because that is where the corrosive materials like street salt tend to accumulate first, and where the rust is most often found.
Should you find any small, surface rust spots, you can clean them off with this step by step process:
- Find a mild cleaning product or use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water.
- Spray the affected portion of door thoroughly.
- Wipe the area down with a clean, soft cloth.
If this doesn’t take care of the issue, you can try making a paste out of baking soda and water and applying it to the rust. Give the solution around 30 minutes to deep clean the spots, and then you can rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.
Some people have even had good results using a mildew bathroom cleaner.
Too much rust? It might be time for an upgrade
Those with rusty garage doors near Fredericton, can stop by our showroom or a contact us now at 506-450-3031. We can help you upgrade your garage door to a rust-free beauty that will amp up your curb appeal.
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