Living near the coast? How to stop salt air eating your garage door
If you're at Old Bar, Harrington, Manning Point or anywhere close to the water, salt in the air settles on everything, including your garage door. Left alone, it speeds up corrosion on the door, the tracks and the fittings, and can shorten the life of your opener.
Wash it regularly
Hose the door down with fresh water and wipe it with a soft cloth and mild soapy water every few months. Closer to the beach, aim for more often. Don't use a pressure washer, harsh cleaners or anything abrasive, because they can damage the paint finish.
Don't forget the bottom
The bottom rail and seal sit closest to the ground and collect sand and salt. Give them a rinse when you wash the door.
Keep an eye on the hardware
Check screws, brackets and hinges for rust spots. Catching surface rust early is much easier than replacing parts later.
Choose the right door to begin with
If you're building or replacing a door near the coast, ask about finishes and fittings suited to coastal conditions. It's worth checking the manufacturer's warranty conditions too, since some depend on the door being cleaned regularly in coastal areas.
Book a service
A technician can check the springs, cables and opener for corrosion you can't easily see.
If your door is already showing rust or getting harder to move, get in touch and we'll take a look.