Prevent Your Garage Door From Rusting Due To Salt

Rust is inconvenient, but it does happen. Even newer doors can develop rust, making you wonder why you spent so much money on that extra layer of high-quality paint in the first place. Of course, there are a variety of reasons why your garage door may be rusting, regardless of its age. One of the prime reasons behind garage door rusting is sodium chloride rock salt. You must understand how to prevent or ease this problem.

What Is The Definition Of Rust?

The oxidation of metal or iron sheets, or in this case, garage doors, cause rust. It shows as a dusty brown or reddish stain on various door components, such as hinges, knobs, locks, and even tracks. 

The majority of individuals are concerned about the effects of rust on paint jobs. But that’s not the worst of it. Rust will begin to chip away at the metal’s surface over time. It will become weak and less durable as a result of this.

How To Avoid Rusting Of Your Garage Door?

1- Using a salt-free ice melt

Salt and water are the most dangerous enemy of metal. Most of the ice melts available in the market have sodium chloride rock salt as the main component. Sodium chloride rock salt is highly corrosive and can damage your surfaces and metals. While buying ice melt for pavers, concrete or asphalt, avoid corrosive chlorides and use safe, salt-free ice melt. 

2- Washing regularly 

Keep your garage door clean at all times. It can be accomplished by hand-washing it at least twice a year. It is significant because it collects dirt, dust, and moisture. 

Garage doors should be cleaned with a moist cloth regularly. Be careful not to scrape the protective covering off your garage door when cleaning it. These rust-resistant coatings are available on some metal doors. If you scrape too vigorously, you risk peeling it off and causing further damage. 

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3- High-quality paint

Painting doors add color and beauty. It also keeps things from rusting. You must, however, utilize postings that are specifically built for that function and are compatible with your garage door opener.

Rust Prevention: Essential Winter Car Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and applying protective wax and sealants can go a long way in rust prevention.

1. Understanding The Role Of Salt In Rust Formation

Road salt, while essential for melting ice, is one of the biggest culprits in vehicle rust. When mixed with water, salt accelerates the oxidation process, which causes rust on metal surfaces. This makes rust prevention especially critical in the colder months when salt is frequently used on roads.

2. Start With Regular Car Cleaning

The first step in rust prevention is regular car cleaning. Salt can build up in hard-to-reach places, especially on the undercarriage. Rinsing your vehicle frequently helps remove salt, keeping it from settling into metal surfaces and triggering corrosion. Pay attention to spots like wheel wells, which often get the heaviest salt exposure.

• Undercarriage Cleaning: Consider using a power washer or visiting a car wash that includes an undercarriage wash. This ensures all salt is removed, even from hard-to-reach areas.
• Interior Maintenance: Cleaning salt residue off mats is also crucial to prevent moisture from reaching metal parts inside the car.

3. Wax As A Barrier Against Salt And Moisture

Applying a good coat of wax before winter creates a protective layer on your car’s surface. Wax repels water, keeping moisture and salt from clinging directly to the metal. Opt for high-quality automotive wax that can endure harsh winter conditions for best results.

• Pre-Winter Waxing: Apply wax before the first snow, focusing on areas like door edges and the undercarriage. Wax acts as an additional layer of protection, ensuring that salt and moisture stay away from your car’s vulnerable areas.
• Reapplying as Needed: Consider reapplying wax every few months, depending on your vehicle’s exposure to road salt.

4. Sealants For Long-Lasting Protection

Sealants can offer longer-lasting protection than wax alone. While wax may wash off after multiple cleanings, a quality sealant creates a semi-permanent barrier against moisture and salt. Some sealants are specifically designed for rust prevention, making them an excellent choice for winter preparation.

• Paint Sealants: These are often applied after waxing to enhance protection. They form a protective layer, keeping contaminants away from the paint.
• Undercarriage Sealants: Consider applying a rust-resistant sealant to your undercarriage. This type of coating can protect vulnerable areas exposed to salt, snow, and slush.

5. Anti-Rust Treatments And Coatings

For the best rust prevention, anti-rust coatings are highly effective. These treatments are typically applied by professionals and form a resilient barrier against corrosion. Unlike wax or sealants, these coatings are designed to last for years and protect the metal from rust, even in harsh winter conditions.

• Rustproofing Spray: Anti-rust sprays are great for treating smaller areas prone to rust, like fenders or door edges. Spray treatments are affordable and easy to reapply each season.
• Electrochemical Treatments: Some service centers offer electrochemical rust prevention, a newer method that uses electric charges to inhibit rust. Although more expensive, it can provide robust protection for high-salt environments.

6. Routine Maintenance Is Key

Keep an eye on your car throughout the winter. Regular cleaning and inspections can help spot signs of rust early, allowing you to address it before it spreads. Apply additional wax or sealant as needed and check areas prone to salt buildup.

Final Tips For Rust Prevention:

• Clean off salt as soon as possible, especially after driving on recently salted roads.
• Apply wax and sealant for extra protection against salt.
• Consider investing in professional anti-rust coatings for long-term durability.

With these rust prevention methods, you can protect your vehicle from salt and moisture all winter, ensuring it stays in top shape year after year.

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What To Do When Your Garage Door Is Rusted?

Call a garage door repair firm for a comprehensive inspection if you notice rust on your garage door or suspect rust on your tracks. They will be able to assist in removing the rust or provide helpful advice on how to proceed with fixing the garage door damage. 

Smaller rust spots can sometimes be cleaned with soap and water if found early. If you have white vinegar on hand, you can dip a steel wool pad in it and wipe the rust away until it is completely gone. If you want to get rid of the rust stains, don’t use cider or spiced vinegar.

Conclusion

Rust may harm practically any metal, which is unfortunate. As a result, you might not be able to find a metal door that comes with an indefinite rust-proof guarantee. But by using a non-corrosive ice melt for pavers and concrete, you can give a long life to your metal doors.

Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.

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