Installing a real wood garage door will give your home a natural, rustic look. The warm, golden color of the wood will blend with a variety of exterior home shades, from white to blue. Although natural wood garage doors may cost a little more than their vinyl, composite wood and steel counterparts, they can add value to your house and property.
It's important to maintain and clean your garage door on a regular basis to keep it looking its best. How much you'll need to clean it depends on climate and environmental factors. If you live in a humid area or a city with a high particulate level in the air, you may need to wash the door more often to avoid mold, mildew and debris build-up.
Here are some tips for taking care of a wood garage door:
1. Keep it Clean
At least once a month or more as needed, wash the door down with a mixture of warm water and a gentle soap, such as dishwashing liquid. Add 1/2 cup of soap to 2 gallons of water and mix. Dip a clean, soft sponge or cloth into the soapy solution and wipe it all of the garage door, focuses on particularly dirty areas. If there is a lot of dry debris on the door, such as hardened mud, you may need to sweep it off with a broom before cleaning it.
This method should remove most types of grime, such as build-up from pollution, exhaust and dirt. You can use a soft-bristled scrub brush to work the soap into any hard-to-remove spots. Rinse the clean door down with water from your yard hose and allow it to air dry.
2. Remove Mold or Mildew
If the general cleaning didn't remove mold and mildew on the door, fight it with a distilled white vinegar mixture. Fill a plastic spray bottle with half water and half vinegar, and spray it directly onto the problem areas. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it down with a soapy cloth following with a clear water rinse.
If the mold or mildew still remains, you may have to spray it with a disinfectant that is safe for use on wood.
3. Stain the Wood
About every two years, you may need to apply a new coat of wood stain to the doors. This stain acts as a sealant, protecting the wood from natural elements, such as moisture, insects and sunlight. It will also renew the wood door's warm, natural appearance.
For more door care tips, contact a company like Norman's Overhead Doors Inc.
Share29 August 2016
Hello, my name is Isaiah. Welcome to my site about garage door installation and repair. When you want to upgrade your home, the best way to accomplish that feat is by replacing your garage door. A new garage door greatly improves the curb appeal of your property in an instant. After picking your garage door, you must have it professionally installed to keep it working efficiently over the years. If your garage door malfunctions, a professional can help you repair the system to ensure it returns to full operation and that no one gets hurt while coming and going through the garage.
