Have you ever noticed green, slippery mildew growing on your driveway during the summer? We actually had it growing on our garage door! Summer brings beautiful flora, but the hot temperatures and rain are the perfect ingredients for mildew and mold growth. Instead of battling the mold after it has already taken hold of your garage door, consider some preventative maintenance. What are some ways to keep your garage door clean during these hot, summer months? Here are a few suggestions:
Be Consistent About Cleaning
Obviously, the first way to maintain your garage door is to clean it thoroughly. Aaron Overhead Doors uses Purple Power Degreaser that can be purchased at an auto parts shop like Advanced Auto. Ryan Lucia, the owner of AOD, specifically suggests, “You can also use a hose to spray the front. As for the windows, use normal window cleaner or water and soap. It’s probably a good idea while you are doing this to also include cleaning off any debris on or around the safety eyes (the sensors near the bottom of the door).”
Steel garage doors are easy to clean because of their durable surface. HGTV suggests applying car wax to your garage door finish to repel dirt and moisture. They also suggest that the door should be wiped down with a soft cloth twice a year. This prevents damage, such as rusting caused by dirt and debris that stick to the door. You could also use a mild detergent diluted with water for those problem stains.
Wooden garage doors require a slightly different cleaning process because wood is more porous. It doesn’t handle weather conditions as well as steel, so sealing it from the sun is best. We suggest doing that by sanding, painting, and sealing the front of the garage door. Applying a coat of fresh paint every year can assure to maintain the life of your wooden garage door. This also helps protect the wood from moisture damage like rot or mold which can cause warping over time.
Glass and aluminum-constructed garage doors tend to follow a similar cleaning process as steel doors. However, you need to be sure to use a soft cloth so you don’t scrape the surface of the glass. Like steel doors, a diluted detergent or water does the job to clean dirt and dust from the glass, leaving it looking new.
Prioritize Summer Maintenance
Summer is a great time to have a garage door company come out and perform a tune-up. During a standard maintenance check, your garage door company should complete the following:
- Check the bottom seal
- Balance of the door (springs)
- Lube and tighten moving parts (do not use WD40)
- Apply grease (not spray) to the motor rail
- Make proper adjustments to the garage door opener
Each of these steps helps to ensure that your garage door and opener can operate at their best long term.
Perform a Regular Safety Check
It’s always a good idea to check the automatic door operators. These can cause serious injury if they are not maintained correctly. HGTV suggests testing the operator’s safety reverse mechanism once a month. Doors equipped with automatic door operators can cause serious injury or death if not properly adjusted and operated. You can check this mechanism by waving a broom or rake in front of the sensors when the door is closing. If the eyes are functioning correctly, the door should automatically reverse. If not, you need to adjust them or call a technician to complete a full safety check.
Garage Door Maintenance Near You
Our team offers excellent garage door tune-ups that will keep your garage door in great condition. We recommend scheduling at least one tune-up a year to ensure your garage door functions smoothly. Contact us today or make an appointment online! We are happy to serve our community with garage door maintenance. Remember to keep your garage door clean to increase its longevity and ensure it’s a safe environment for your family.
