Seasonal Overhaul: A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning and Prepping Your Garage Door for Spring Tune-Ups 

From panels to paint

As the winter season begins its initial final stages, it's time to consider looking ahead to the vibrant spring season with pre-season prepping. Taking some time now will save a rush later on, give your wallet a break, and take advantage of "last year's" overstock where applicable. One of the most overlooked aspects of spring cleaning is the garage door. After enduring harsh winter conditions, your garage door deserves a thorough spring overhaul.

This blog will guide you through the process of cleaning, preparing, and maintaining your garage door, ensuring it's in top shape for the rest of the year by applying the three main season-ending all-purpose spruce-ups:

• Removing Salt Stains

Winter often leaves behind unsightly salt stains on your garage door. These stains not only mar the appearance of your door but can also cause corrosion over time. To remove these stains, mix warm water with a mild detergent and gently scrub the affected areas using a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap residue is left behind.

• Panel Adjusting 

Winter weather can cause your garage door panels to shift or warp. Check each panel for alignment and adjust as necessary. If you notice significant warping or damage, it may be time to consider replacing the affected panels.

• Rejuvenate with Paint, Style, and Insulation updates

Are you tired of faded and old-school colors and don't want the hassles of budgeting to make a bold or bright impression? Consider turning your garage into a home-run service business or having to adhere to mandatory city, county, or HOA guidelines. Painting can be a viable option, even in winter.

Washing and painting 

A thorough wash can restore the shine to your garage door. Avoiding power washing your garage door is crucial for several reasons. Power washing, while effective at removing dirt and grime, can be too harsh for the delicate surfaces of a garage door. The high pressure can cause damage to the paint, dent the surface, and even compromise the integrity of the door's material, whether it's wood, steel, or aluminum. Using a softer touch is a better approach when cleaning your garage door.

This method is gentler on the door's surface and allows you to pay closer attention to detail, ensuring a thorough clean without causing any damage. A soft brush or cloth, combined with a bucket of warm water and a mild detergent, is usually all you need to clean your garage door effectively.

When choosing a home washing liquid as your door cleaner, opting for a mild, non-abrasive detergent is best. Dish or car wash soap can be a good choice as they are designed to remove dirt and grime without damaging the surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can strip the paint or cause other types of damage to the door's surface. While waxing is often recommended for maintaining the shine and luster of a garage door, it's not a necessity. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent is usually sufficient to keep your garage door looking its best.

Lastly, it's important to consider the warranty coverage of your garage door's paint. Most manufacturers offer a warranty covering paint defects, such as peeling, cracking, or fading. However, this warranty may be voided if the door is damaged due to improper cleaning methods, such as power washing. Therefore, it's always best to check the warranty terms and conditions and to use a gentle cleaning method to ensure the longevity of your garage door's paint.

Brush up and bring new life to the dull and weather-worn look

Once the door is clean and dry, a cost-saving alternative to purchasing new doors and hardware, consider a fresh coat of paint to make a statement to your home, business, or work shed.

Painting your garage door can be a great way to enhance your home's curb appeal. The frequency of painting your garage door largely depends on the type of paint used, the climate in your area, and the condition of the door. On average, it's recommended to repaint your garage door every 3-5 years. However, if you notice the paint is chipping, peeling, or fading, it may need to be done sooner.

When it comes to color selection, it's mostly a matter of personal preference. However, avoiding very dark colors is advisable if your garage door is in direct sunlight most of the day. Dark colors absorb more heat and can cause the door to warp over time.

By being selective, you'll want to make a positive impression, so it's also important to consider the color scheme of your house and surrounding neighbors and choose a tint, trim, hue, or shade that can suit your choice while not offending anyone. If necessary or applicable, remember, as noted above, to check with any HOA or county guidelines regarding this home improvement task.

If you're thinking about painting now before the winter is over, make sure that you keep an eye on the thermometer and keep an advanced look at the weather forecast. Don't attempt to paint on a day below 50 degrees and remember that a good drying time is a must as well. Shorter daylight will be the timer for you to pay strict attention to, so when the sun begins to sink down around mid to late afternoon, you'll know it's time to stop for the day.

The best weather for painting a garage door is typically in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, ideally between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also best to paint on a dry day with low humidity, as high humidity can cause the paint to take longer to dry and potentially not adhere properly. Painting a garage door can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the size of the door and the number of coats needed. This doesn't include preparation time, which involves cleaning the door, removing old paint, and priming if necessary.

As for painting the garage door's interior, it's not typically necessary unless you want to change the color or the current paint is in poor condition. The interior isn't exposed to the elements like the exterior, so it doesn't require as much maintenance. However, if you decide to paint the interior, make sure to use paint that's suitable for the material of your door and can withstand the conditions inside your garage.

Don't forget the frame

When updating, washing, and painting your garage door, it's in your best interest to inspect the frames around your garage door for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, rot, or other signs of wear and tear. Termites, wood and warmth-seeking burrowing insects, dampening-caused mold spores, misaligned door friction, and simple aging and settling, can afflict the inset frame, which will lead to wider gaps, weakening in the structure, and warp doors and panels, rendering safe usage a distinct possibility if you find any damage, repair or replace the affected areas as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.

Insulating your garage door 

Insulating your garage door can help maintain a consistent temperature inside your garage, reducing energy costs and improving comfort. Add weather stripping around the door and a door sweep at the bottom to seal any gaps. These additions will prevent drafts and keep out pests.

Bring your garage out of hibernation

A spring overhaul of your garage door enhances its appearance and extends its lifespan. By removing salt stains, adjusting panels, washing and painting, checking for damage, and insulating, you can ensure your garage door is ready for the year ahead. These exterior changes might also instill a bonus desire to clean, brighten, and re-organize your garage interior as well.

Remember, regular DIY maintenance, along with professional servicing appointments, are key components for keeping your garage door in optimal condition.