Summer Garage Door Maintenance Tips to Tackle Humidity
It’s no secret that New England summers are hot and humid. But did you know that humidity can harshly impact garage doors, causing wood doors to swell, metal doors to rust, paint to peel, and mildew to grow? Fortunately, with a few simple and manageable summer garage door maintenance tips brought to you by Northeast Overhead Door, you can keep your garage doors looking and functioning well.
Sealants and Paint to Keep out Moisture
A high-quality exterior-grade wood sealant keeps the moisture out. For this reason, it’s important to seal wood garage doors before the summer sweltering weather sets in. After doing so, inspecting the door for cracks and touching up as needed throughout the year is essential. Additionally, you can use a rust-resistant primer followed by high-quality exterior paint for metal doors. This creates a protective barrier against moisture and environmental elements. If you notice a rust spot appear, sand it down immediately and treat it with a rust converter before repainting the area.
A Dehumidifier Does the Trick
Keeping the garage humidity down is crucial to protecting garage doors. You can use a dehumidifier to reduce overall humidity levels. You can also install weatherstripping around the edges of windows and doors to minimize moisture entry. Alongside protecting your garage door, keeping the garage dehumidified prohibits the growth of mold and mildew. For households that use the garage as a workspace or for hobbies, preventing mold growth is especially important for good air quality when in the space.
Balancing Ventilation for Airflow
After weatherstripping, ventilation may seem counterintuitive. However, the key is to balance sealing out external elements and allowing for adequate airflow inside the garage. Proper ventilation enhances the performance of dehumidifiers by reducing condensation, which occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with cooler surfaces. You can provide adequate ventilation in your garage by:
- Installing roof vents, ridge vents, or gable vents
- Using fans such as exhaust fans or even portable fans to help circulate air
- Opening doors on dry, breezy days
Regular Cleaning to Slow Down Rusting
Dirt, grime, and salt accelerate rusting. Clean metal overhead doors regularly with mild soap and water to prevent them from rusting. When you’re finished cleaning, thoroughly dry the surface to get rid of any moisture left behind. After the cleaning, consider using a high-quality automotive or marine wax designed for metal surfaces. Apply a thin, even layer of wax to the door’s surface using a soft cloth or a foam applicator pad. Then, once the wax has dried, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface. Buffing will remove the hazy residue and leave a shiny, protective layer on the metal. Undoubtedly, incorporating wax into your regular maintenance routine extends the life of your metal overhead door.
Contact Northeast Overhead Door for Summer Repairs
Summer garage door maintenance is vital to keeping your garage doors safe from the damage humidity can cause. And remember, if any garage door problems arise this summer, we are your team for prompt and affordable repairs. We offer comprehensive services to address garage door issues, including fixing a misaligned track, replacing broken springs, or dealing with an unresponsive opener. Reach out to our team when your garage door is in need—we have the tools and knowledge to handle it all!