How and Why Garage Door Rust Forms
It’s a scientific inevitability that metal rusts. The metal of your door exposed to air, and the moisture in that air, will rust over time. This presents you, the homeowner, with two main problems. First is appearance. Your garage door is one of the more noticeable features of your home. Rust forming on your garage door presents an unseemly eyesore to the neighborhood. Not only does rust affect the look of your garage door, it can affect function as well. Allowing too much rust to accumulate can impact your garage door’s ability to open and close. Such a simple issue can involve costly repairs if left to get out of hand. Here are some tips to preventing garage door rust.
Removing and Preventing Rust
Garage door rust can be removed, and future rust inhibited, through a series of easy-to-do steps.
1. Cleaning Away the Rust
Rust repair and removal can be accomplished through a simple process.
- Take a cloth soaked in white vinegar and wipe down the affected areas
- Once the rust is thoroughly doused with the vinegar, scrub the rust with steel-wool
- Repeat this process until all the rust is removed
2. Repair Any Holes
It’s likely that the rust created holes in the door. This problem is easier to fix than you might think. Some bonding agent and sandpaper can make your door look almost good as new.
Depending on how extensive the damage is, it may be more time or cost effective to replacement rather than repair. The whole door, or only the afflicted sections, can be replaced.
3. Preparing for Rust Prevention
Prepping the garage for rust prevention is as simple as a washing and a fresh coat of paint. But remember, always consult your warranty before doing any household work. Performing any unauthorized work can void your warranty.
Giving your garage door a thorough wash will keep any dirt or debris from interfering with the paint. The paint is what’s going to help keep away any rust in the future. A fresh paint job, with some rust-resistant primer, will keep your garage door looking great and rust free.
For any help with garage door needs, Top Choice Garage Door is here for you.
