Cleaning and caring for the garage door: tips for durability
Durability is the trend. Especially when it comes to our home. After all, we want it to remain beautiful, robust and safe for as long as possible. Shortcomings such as cracks in the masonry, moisture in the rooms or a leaky cellar are therefore at the top of the list of things we want to prevent by all means. And it is not only the right measures before and during construction that play a role, but a house also wants to be looked after afterwards. It is the same with the garage door. In the best case, it will accompany the owner for many years. But to ensure that this is actually the case, a few things should be taken to heart when it comes to care. In the blog post we give tips on this.
Regular garage door maintenance has many advantages
First of all, the question arises: Why is the care of the garage door so important? Well, if you clean the garage door regularly, you kill three birds with one stone: Firstly, you ensure that dirt from wind and weather cannot become stubbornly attached in the first place. Secondly, the doors remain more resistant. Regular inspections also have the advantage that you can quickly identify defects and have them repaired immediately before more serious damage occurs. Experts recommend cleaning the garage door on average every three to six months. On the other hand, if you live by the sea and are surrounded by salty air, you should clean it a little more often. Air pollution from roads or road salt in winter are also factors that sometimes call for shorter intervals when it comes to garage door care.
Cleaning the garage door
The good news is that you don't need much at all for such cleaning. Three essential components are enough: clear water, washing-up liquid and a cleaning cloth. If you haven't cleaned in a while, you may also need a broom and a vacuum cleaner.
- Remove coarse dirt: First, remove the coarse dirt from the garage door with clear, cold water. Use a clean cleaning cloth for this - preferably made of microfiber. If, on the other hand, cobwebs or leaves have already accumulated in gaps, you should first get to work with a broom or vacuum cleaner.
- Remove stubborn dirt: If you are dealing with more stubborn stains and dirt, you should reach for warm water in combination with a simple household detergent. Wipe with it - as well as with a clean microfiber cloth. Under no circumstances should you use abrasive cleaners! This is because harder dirt or sand can leave scratches when wiping. Careful handling is important here.
Cleaning other components
The same applies to other materials around the garage door, such as glazing, door handles or stainless steel motifs: In most cases, a few tools are sufficient:
- Door handles: dirt and dust that have accumulated on them can be removed with a cloth and clear water.
- Seals & sliding areas between slats and frames: These more sensitive components can also be cleaned quickly with clear water and a cleaning cloth.
- Glazing: If glazing made of plastic is only slightly dirty, cleaning with water is sufficient here as well. However, glass surfaces that have already become cloudy must be replaced by a professional.
- Stainless steel motifs: Warm rinsing water and a cleaning cloth are the first choice for sprucing up gemstone motifs. However, if stubborn stains such as discoloration or traces of lime have set in, you can also use a household stainless steel cleaner. In any case, avoid abrasive cleaners so as not to cause scratches. Complete the cleaning process by wiping with distilled water and then rubbing the stainless steel surfaces dry.
Rely on durable garage doors
So if you want to enjoy your garage door for a long time, you can't avoid a little care. But the choice of manufacturer or product also plays a role in terms of longevity. As in the case of house construction, it is recommended to rely on renowned producers and robust doors. We at Normstahl offer you high-quality and technically superior garage doors. In addition, you benefit from competent advice and our technical know-how. Added to this is our guarantee promise: We give you a 10-year warranty on Normstahl overhead sectional doors and side sectional doors of up to two bays, including all wearing parts. An all-round package, in our opinion.
