Rust and Garage Doors: Get Answers to the Questions You May Have
If you have rust on your garage door, you will want to remove the rust quickly. If there is an extensive amount of rust present, you may need to call in a garage door repair company to remove the rust, or if there is damage present, a panel or your entire garage door may need to be replaced. When you first hear how damaging rust can be to your metal garage door, you may have many questions. Here are answers to a few of the questions you may have about rust and garage doors.
How Is Rust Damaging to Your Garage Door?
Rust can be damaging to your garage door in two different ways. First, it damages the aesthetic. Rust can eat away at the paint on your garage door and leave stains behind. This can make your garage door look dirty, old, or ugly.
Second, rust damages the structure of your garage door. Rust can eat away at many of the types of metal that garage doors can be composed of, including aluminum and steel. This can weaken the metal or even leave holes in your metal garage door.
Can You Remove Rust from a Garage Door?
If rust is in its early stages, you can remove rust from your metal garage door by using a rust-removing solution, which is sold at home improvement stores, and a soft-bristled scrubbing brush. Never use a wire brush, as it can damage your door. If rust is more advanced, a pressure washer may need to be used to remove rust.
If rust still cannot be removed, rust may need to be sanded away. This task should be left to a professional, as you can permanently damage your garage door if you do not know what you are doing.
Can You Prevent Rust on a Garage Door?
You can prevent rust on a garage door. Most garage doors come sealed. The sealant coats the metal so water is not directly in contact with the metal, helping to prevent rust formation. But as the metal is exposed to sunlight, rain, and temperature extremes, the sealant wears off. If you notice that water appears to be sitting on or seeping into your metal garage door rather than balling up and sliding off, your door needs to be coated with sealant again.
If you have rust on your garage door that you cannot remove yourself or that is extensive, you will want to call in a garage door repair company quickly. They can examine the door and determine if there is structural damage. If there is not, they can remove the rust correctly, and if there is damage, they can work with you to replace a panel on your garage door or replace the entire garage door.