When you’re considering how to protect your home from the weather, your garage door may not be the first thing you think of. But it should be. Your garage door is one of the largest, if not the largest, exposed surfaces on your house — and it’s subject to weather 365 days a year. The combination of time and exposure to the elements leaves your home’s exterior vulnerable to all types of severe damage, particularly to your garage door panels.
Here at York Garage Door Guys, we have seen it all. This is how weather damage can wreck your garage door panels—and what you can do about it.
1. Moisture Leads to Rot, Rust, and Warping
Whether from a downpour, melting snow or high humidity, moisture is one of the major enemies of your garage door panels.
- Wooden panels can soak up water and begin to warp or rot, leading to a door that is unsafe.
- Metal surfaces are susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially when paint or any protective coating becomes chipped or damaged.
- Even composite and vinyl panels can deteriorate or become moldy over time if they are exposed to excessive moisture.
2. Sun and Heat Cause Fading and Cracking
Even that of hot summers is nearly as fatal as that of winter frosts.
- Paint and finish can fade due to UV exposure, and your panels can appear dull and worn.
- Plastic or vinyl panels can expand and contract with heat fluctuations, leaving them prone to cracking or buckling as they get older.
- Doors in dark, rich colors are especially susceptible to sun damage, particularly on south- or west-facing garages.
3. Cold Temperatures Make Materials Brittle
As with many things, when the temperature drops, garage door panels can become brittle, especially if the panels are made of vinyl or plastic. Another way small cracks can escalate into big cracks is when freezing and thawing occur.
4. Wind and Storm Debris Cause Impact Damage
Strong winds and stormy conditions can transform branches, rocks, and debris into deadly projectiles. Your garage door panel can be dented or punctured at any moment, perhaps in the middle of a pleasant summer, due to the old wear weakening it and a strong wind blowing through.
Furthermore, severe weather can blast the whole door out of the track if panels are damaged or not lined up correctly.
5. Salt and Chemicals Accelerate Deterioration
In snowy places like York, road salt and de-icing agents are tracked into garages frequently. Those corrosive chemicals can embed themselves in your lower garage door panels, creating finish-destroying havoc and encouraging rust, especially if not washed away often.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Garage Door Panels
- Check periodically for wear, decay or rust.
- Clean your door every few months to remove dirt, salt, and grime.
- Repaint or reseal your panels when necessary so the weatherproof barrier remains intact.
- Schedule routine annual service from a pro like York Garage Door Guys to catch minor problems before they become costly ones.
When It’s the Right Time for Panel Replacement
If you have already suffered some weather damage, don’t wait too long. Cracked, rusty, or otherwise spoiled panels can ruin the insulation and safety – even the security – of your garage door. Often, replacing a few panels costs less than replacing the door as a whole — as long as you address the problem promptly.
We’ll have your panels replaced fast, and they’ll be matched to what you already have to give you that added strength and new look again.
Need Help? Let’s Fix It.
If you’ve observed your garage door panels warping, rusting, pitting, dents or cracks, make the call to York Garage Door Guys today! We’ll come out, assess your damage, and give you our honest recommendation on whether you need a quick repair or a new panel.
Don’t let the weather get to your garage door. Protect it now, and you will save on costly repairs later.
