Why do you have rust on your garage door?

If you have a garage door that only happens to be a few years old, it can be frustrating if you start to see rust developing. You probably thought that the paint on the door should have been able to keep it safe. However, you do need to stop and think about the environment first. Is there anything in the area, or that has happened to the garage door, that might have caused the rust? When you have a better idea of what could be creating the rust, you will have a better idea of what you can do to stop it from happening.

What’s happening in the surroundings?

Where do you live? Those who live along the coast have to contend with a substantial amount of salt in the air. Maybe you live in an area where it snows, and salt is a safety measure, which means your garage door will be exposed. These are just some of the potential reasons garage door specialists have seen what could cause a garage door to rust prematurely.

In some cases, it might even be mistaken identity. For example, pollen from certain types of trees, such as white and yellow birch, can land on the garage, where it could take on an orange and streaked appearance. In those cases, you might need to wash your garage door.

Your garage door paint

Of course, you also have to think about the possibility of there being a problem with the paint if you did not buy a quality door. Most companies that manufacture garage doors today utilize a primer coat and then add a baked-on coat of paint. They will also use steel that includes zinc, which helps to protect from rusting. Some guidelines issued by the Association of North American Garage Door Manufacturers provide the thickness of the zinc coatings to protect steel from rusting.

Think about the history of the door, too. Did another company previously repaint it? If it was, do you know what type of paint they used and how they painted the garage door? If you bought a home a year or so ago, you might not have been the one who purchased the garage door. The last homeowner might not have taken proper care of it.

Also, you will want to look at your door closely. If there is an area that has even a small puncture that goes through the paint, it will expose the door’s metal to the environment. If you do not repair it quickly, there is a chance that it could start to rust.

Wash the door

How often do you wash your garage door? You might be surprised, but many people will answer that they hardly ever do. They only wash it if it looks visibly filthy, and even then, they might only spray it with a hose. However, washing is essential. It can help to remove grime and dust, you can look for issues, and you can remove any oil spots that could have developed when you lubricated the chain drive.

When you wash the door, you will want to use the same soap that you would use for your car. You could also use liquid dishwashing detergent for the door. Some of these will even have a degreaser. You can wash the garage door by hand and with a garden hose set to a medium setting. You will not want to use a pressure washer on the door, though, because it can cause damage.

What if you find rust?

Sometimes, the washing will reveal that you have rust spots on the door. They might be small, and they will typically be shaped like a spot. However, they could be more significant and more problematic if you have not taken good care of your garage door.

If the stains are on the surface, you can remove them by using a plastic spray bottle with water and vinegar in equal proportions. Spray it on and then wipe it away with a clean cloth. Doing so can help to get rid of some mild rust issues. If this does not work, you can create a baking soda and water paste in a small bowl. You will then spread it onto the door and let it sit for about half an hour. Then, you will remove it with a cloth and rinse it away. Tile cleaner, such as that you might use in the bathroom, could be used, as well. Again, you will want to spray it, allow it to set and do its work before you wipe it away.

Keep it clean

You should make sure that you are washing your garage door two times per year at least. If you live in an area where air pollution is harmful or there is salt in the area, you will want to double that to four times per year. You can follow the recommendations in Garaga’s maintenance guide, as well, for great results. It might take longer, but it will be worth it.

Do you need a new door?

In some cases, you might find that your current garage door is not able to be saved. You might need to have a new garage door entirely. If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding area, you should check out some of the options available to you. If you want the best garage door, and the best installation for the door, be sure to contact us now at 616-453-0164. We want to make sure that you have the perfect garage door, and that you know how to take care of it properly.