Garage door rust doesn’t always mean your door is on its last legs. However, you do want to stop the process in its tracks by beginning to repair garage door rust you see and then implement preventative measures.
Regular maintenance of your garage door will extend its life greatly and reduce the amount of times you’ll experience inconveniences surrounding your door. That’s why everyone with garage doors in Springfield, MO and the surrounding areas should consider a garage door preventative maintenance program.
Here’s what our garage door repair experts have to say about garage door rust.
What causes garage door rust?
Rust is the naturally occurring reaction when certain metals are exposed to oxygen and water for a long time. Whenever salt is introduced, it speeds up the process because electrons move more easily in salt water than pure water.
Even though most modern garage doors are resistant to rust, older steel garage doors may eventually corrode. Further, rusting is common around the bottom of a garage door if rain, snow, and road salt collects and sits for some time.
So, if you live in an area next to the ocean or if your department of transportation salts the roads when they become iced over, it’s not uncommon for your garage door to rust.
Other factors that cause garage door rust are the quality of metal your door is made of and not regularly cleaning your doors.
How to repair garage door rust?
If you see garage door rust, deal with it right away so it does not spread and begin to eat holes in your door. Follow these steps to repair garage door rust:
- Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wipe down the rusted areas to dissolve the rust
- Scrub off ALL of the rust with a steel-wool pad
- Use auto body filler or another filler designed for metal and fill in any holes
- Sand the entire door with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe off any dust
- Wash the door with a solution of warm water and trisodium phosphate
- Rinse the door thoroughly and allow it to dry completely
- Prime and re-paint your garage door using products that are rust-resistant and designed for a metal garage door
When to use professional garage door repair
If you have a newer garage door that you believe is still under warranty, do NOT try to remove the rust yourself. Contact a local garage door repair professional such as Garage Door Guy so you do not void your warranty.
Keep in mind that some warranties require your door to be serviced at least once a year by an accredited professional company. Another reason to consider our planned maintenance program.
Of course, if you do not feel handy enough to accomplish the above steps to remove the rust fully, you should call a professional. Leaving behind any trace of rust will allow it to come back quicker.
Springfield MO garage door rust repair and replacement
If you live in the Springfield, MO area and have a rusty garage door that you need someone to take a look at, call Garage Door Guy!
Whether you need it cleaned up and repaired or need a new door completely, we are the last call you need to make.
