Top Tips for Keeping Your Garage Door from Fading

We’ve all experienced those hot, sweltering summer days when all we want to do is close the curtains and lie on the couch to escape the scorching rays. Sadly, your garage door cannot do the same. That solid exterior door is exposed to the elements 24/7, 365 days a year. It goes through all types of weather — wind, snow, rain, frost, and blistering sunlight.

While it’s true that garage doors are incredibly sturdy, durable, and long-lasting, overexposure to extreme weather, neglect, and poor maintenance can make them vulnerable to the effects of wear and tear. Excessive amounts of sunlight, rain, or cold can strip your wooden garage door of its natural oils, causing it to fade, crack, or warp over time. With rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions, it’s important to take suitable precautions to protect and preserve the natural beauty of your gorgeous wooden garage door.

Proper maintenance and a little TLC can protect your door from fading, cracking, and wear and tear. Here’s what you can do to keep your wooden garage door looking as good as new for years to come.

Block Direct Sunlight on Your Door

The easiest way to prevent sun damage to your door is to keep it out of the sun. By limiting the amount of sunlight your door receives, you can protect the natural wood and regulate extreme temperatures. Planting shrubs or trees near your garage door is a good way to reduce direct sunlight. Greenery provides much-needed respite during hot summer days and blocks the natural light. When choosing trees and potted plants, look for varieties that don’t grow too large and block the garage entrance.

An awning is another excellent choice to reduce the amount of direct sunlight falling on your garage door. It’s a partial roof-like structure that projects over your door. You may have seen awnings covering the areas in front of cafes and restaurants, and you can install a similar one over your garage door. They’re available in materials such as vinyl, fabric, or metal.

Apply a Protective Sealant

The heat and UV rays from sunlight and the extreme cold and humidity from snow and rain are harsh on your exterior wood. The easiest way to mitigate their effects is to apply a protective UV coating to your door. You can choose from numerous options available on the market, including sealants, varnishes, and polyurethane coatings. These add an extra layer of protection to your door and prevent UV rays from damaging the natural integrity and structure of the wood.

A word of caution — before applying the protective coating, ensure it’s suitable for your door. For example, teak oil or varnish is ideal for teak doors, whereas water-based coatings are better suited for oak doors. If you’re unsure of the type of sealant to use on your door, you can contact our garage door refinishing experts at Teak Master in Los Angeles.

Repaint Your Door

Painting your door is another option to minimize the effects of fading. The trade-off with paint is that it might not align with your design sensibilities. Paint hides the natural pattern of your wood. Depending on your home’s aesthetic, this might be a deal-breaker. However, if you don’t mind covering the natural wood grain, you can paint your door to reduce the signs of fading and sun damage. When choosing paint colors, opt for light shades, as darker colors will absorb more sunlight than lighter ones.

Install Shade Screens

Shade screens are another popular choice to protect your garage door from the sun. These screens block out the sun’s rays and prevent your door from fading. As a bonus, they help keep your garage cool. Be sure you look for sun-resistant materials such as aluminum or fiberglass. It’s also important you check the UV rating. The higher the number, the more effective the screen is in blocking out harmful UV rays. Furthermore, look for screens that are easy to remove and clean. This way, you can take them down and wash them if they get dirty.

Refinish Your Door When It Shows Signs of Wear and Tear

Refinishing is an excellent choice to give your fading door a brand-new look. If you notice signs of wear and tear, such as faded or peeling paint, cracks, or chips, it’s time to refinish your door. Refinishing not only adds to the aesthetics but also serves a practical purpose. It adds a layer of protection to your door and keeps it safe from the elements.

When refinishing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the right products. The process varies depending on your door’s material and its current condition. Generally, you’ll have to sand down rough spots, repair damage, and clean the surface thoroughly before you apply the new finish. If that feels like too much work, consider hiring a garage door refinishing professional to do the job for you.

Don’t Forget To Clean Your Door Regularly

Dust and wipe your garage door at least once weekly to prevent grime and debris from settling in and causing permanent damage to the timber. Always clean your door with mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge. Avoid using harmful chemicals or abrasive cleaning sponges, as they can scratch the door and wear down its protective coating. For stubborn stains or built-up grime and dirt, apply a few drops of liquid spirits, such as paint thinner, and rub the wood. Make sure you wipe in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.

Safeguard Your Door From the Weather

A teak garage door is elegant and timeless, and it adds to your home’s value. You can extend its life span with proper care and attention and keep it from fading or cracking due to extreme temperatures. Remember, a well-maintained garage door is aesthetically appealing and keeps you and your loved ones safe from intruders. If your door is already damaged to the point of no return, you might consider a replacement door. However, if you feel that your door can be salvaged, contact our professional garage door refinishing experts here at Teak Master in Los Angeles, California.