Should You Paint Your Garage Door OR Replace it?
Your garage door makes up a good portion of the facade of your home. Your door will increase the value and curb appeal of your home. When garage doors get worn down with age many homeowners face the decision of fixing it or replacing it. A new coat of paint will freshen the look of your garage door but take into stock how old your door or garage door opener is, and whether or not it’s time for an update. Just like every other technology, garage doors have changed over the years. Certain safety features are now mandatory on all models. If your garage door is more than 10 years old, it is time for a change. Even if it’s been less than that, consider how well your door works and if anything has broken, dented, or been repaired over the years. If your garage door or garage door opener has needed more than one repair, it may be time to call in professionals to get it looked at
If your door is in good repair and is relatively new, you can consider painting your garage door to give it a fresh look. If you are interested in some DIY home improvement, here are some tips for painting a steel garage door:
Properly Cleaning Your Garage Door
Clean your door first. Use a soft-bristle brush, a sponge or a sprayer on a low-pressure setting. Some people chose to use a solution of low-phosphate (less than 0.5%) detergent with warm water. The ratio should be roughly 1 cup detergent to 5 gallons of water. Be sure you clean and rinse your door thoroughly and let it dry completely.
Lightly and down scratches or gouges on the surface. If there is any bare metal showing, you should sand that area lightly and paint it with a primer that is suitable to properly protect galvanized steel from the elements to prevent corrosion. Make sure to remove any dust or loose material from the surface with a soft brush or wet cloth.
High-Quality Paint
Use only high-quality latex paint that’s made for exterior use. Make sure that your paint is thoroughly mixed and apply a uniform coat over the whole door. You should paint the door within 24 hours of prepping your door to prevent any new dirt or material from getting on your door before you paint. Though the sun seems like a great help in drying your door, it can actually cause your door to dry unevenly. To minimize these effects paint your door early in the morning, or whatever time of day that your door is out of the sun.
Because you deserve the best, we don’t settle for less.
We highly recommend replacing worn-out garage doors and openers. In most cases, painting over it won’t solve the problem. For more information about your options for replacing garage door, or getting repairs or maintenance, contact us at A-1 Fleet Door Service for garage door installation, sales, and service in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Located in Derry, NH we specialize in customer service to get you the door that meets your style, schedule, and your budget. You deserve the best! Contact us today at 603.553.9797 or email us, [email protected]
