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The warmer months are the best time to inspect your residential garage door for wear and tear. Look for signs of corrosion, weather stains, and cracks to ensure it continues to look its best for the rest of the year. Below are a few do’s and don’ts that will help you through the cleaning process.

Do:

Use mild cleaning agents.

residential garage doorResidential garage door materials stand up well to mild cleansers, such as gentle dishwasher soap mixed with at least five gallons of warm water. Harsh products that contain bleach are more likely to affect the integrity of the surface or cause discoloration that is difficult to resolve. If you’re worried about stains, tackle each spot with a white vinegar and water solution. Always rinse thoroughly after treating these areas.

Clean the weather stripping.

Weather stripping is designed to close the gaps on the top, bottom, and sides of the door. It effectively locks out moisture and maintains an even temperature inside the garage. However, this material is susceptible to damage over time, especially if it isn’t maintained properly. You can protect it by cleaning it gently as you wipe down the rest of the door.

Don’t:

Scrub too harshly.

Avoid using anything abrasive on the door, such as a wire brush. You might end up with surface scratches that require extensive garage door repairs, particularly if you attempt to roughly slough away an imperfection or a stubborn mark. It’s always best to leave it as it is and call a residential garage door specialist to inspect the mark for a repair. 

Use a pressure washer.

Garage doors simply aren’t designed to withstand the pressure exerted by a power washing machine. While they might eradicate dirt and debris effectively, these machines are usually too harsh and can damage some garage door materials such as wood and vinyl. You might not notice any visible issues right away, but weakening the integrity of the door is an easy way to reduce its longevity.

 

 

If your residential garage door needs a repair, turn to the team at Automatic Door Company in Milford and Orange, CT. The garage door repair and installation company offers an extensive range of services, including single-section replacements and inspections for all major brands. Visit the garage door service online for more information, or give them a call at (203) 795-3577 for a free estimate.

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