Why is My Garage Door Rusting?
If your property has a metal garage door installed, then it offers a whole host of benefits.
However, while the durability, security and slick designs that metal garage doors provide are great advantages, you may also notice rust appearing over time.
If you have a rusty garage door, it’s important to understand why.
At SAA Industrial & Garage Door Specialists, we’ve outlined the reasons why your property is experiencing garage door rust and what you can do to prevent it from occurring.
Why is my garage door rusting?
There are a whole host of reasons why your garage door may be experiencing rusting. Some of the most common causes include:
- Environment
Due to their very nature, garage doors are constantly exposed to the elements. The variable weather in the UK means that even the most robust doors can sometimes be subjected to intense conditions and over time this can take its toll. Where your property is located can also play a part, with coastal properties likely to face harsher winds and saltwater damage that can result in rusting.
- Incorrect paint used
To prevent metal garage doors from rusting, manufacturers typically use paint that provides a protective coating when painting their garage doors. If you want to give your garage door a fresh lick of paint, it’s important you use paint that can offer the same effect. If you use paint that does not offer protection, rusting can occur.
- Scratches and damage
Wear and tear is normal, especially if your garage door has been in place for a number of years. However, scratches, dents or any kind of damage can break through protective paint and penetrate deep into the metal. This means that your door will be susceptible to rusting that can spread through the metal behind the paint.
- Lack of maintenance
While a lot of garage doors are low-maintenance, you shouldn’t neglect maintenance altogether. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your doors can nip any signs of garage door rust in the bud before they develop into something more serious.
How do you remove rust from a metal garage door?
If you have noticed rust on your garage door, the good news is that it’s possible to remove it.
Start by giving the door a thorough wipe-down with a cloth that has been soaked in white vinegar. Then, go over it again with a steel wool pad. It’s vital that you remove all of the rust to ensure it doesn’t continue to spread.
If the rust has caused any holes to appear, it’s important to fill them. Use a body filler to fill in the holes and wait for it to dry. Once it’s dried, use sandpaper to go over the garage door and smooth it out.
Finally, give the door a good wash to remove any dust or debris that may have formed during the process. You don’t need anything fancy for this, warm water and soap will do the trick.
How to prevent rust on my garage door
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to stopping your property from getting a rusty garage door.
Frequently cleaning your garage door is a good way to prevent debris, moisture, salt and other harmful substances from building up and causing rust.
However, the best and most hassle-free way to prevent garage door rust is to call upon the services of a professional garage door company that can offer a regular maintenance service that includes general upkeep.
At SAA Industrial & Garage Door Specialists, we offer repairs & maintenance that will always keep your doors or shutters in the very best condition, as well as an emergency out-of-hours repairs service that will be by your side when you need us most. To find out more about what we do, get in touch with our team today.
