Cedar Garage Door Maintenance
As a natural material, wood evokes a unique beauty.
Cedar garage doors have become increasingly common due to their natural beauty. Most believe they look much better than conventional metal garage doors.
Is the look worth the extra effort?
The added curb appeal doesn’t come without cons. While neighbors may drool over a beautiful new cedar wood door, they have the luxury of time on their side. A cedar door does require extra maintenance, but most people find that the benefits are outweighed by the look of a new door.
Why do cedar wood doors need extra maintenance?
It may stand to reason that if a garage door is made of natural wood, the weather should not affect them; after all, they once were trees. While it may be true they are made out of the same material as a tree, there is room for trees to expand and contract in the forest. If this same process takes place in the garage, it can cause damage.
If not treated properly, wood can maintain moisture and expand more than the original size due to weather conditions. This might cause a cedar door to become jammed. Regular maintenance, including varnishing to prevent moisture absorption, is part of the deal.
Maintaining a cedar door requires these three easy steps:
Cleaning: As a natural material, wood evokes a unique beauty. Still, the cedar panels that make up a garage door are susceptible to deterioration if they aren’t cleaned properly and on a regular basis. Homeowners should clean cedar garage doors at least once a year, but sometimes it might be necessary to clean the doors more frequently than that.
How to Clean: To clean the garage doors, mix one cup of a mild household detergent in five gallons of warm water and apply the solution to the wood panels. Rinse the soapy solution away with clear water and let the garage door air dry.
Inspecting: Finishing and cleaning will protect the cedar panels on a garage door. If the damage runs deeper, it’s important to inspect garage doors every few days to make sure no cracks or scratches have damaged the cedar panels. Since garage doors open and close several times a day, fractures can appear. This can compromise the finish and leave the garage doors susceptible to water damage and pollutant infiltration.
Varnish: Cedar must be varnished on every side and edge to help preserve the wood. Avoid staining a garage door when it's windy or humid or in harsh sunlight. Stain products apply and cure best in pleasant, mild temperatures.
How to varnish: Scrub a new cedar garage door with a stiff-bristled nylon brush to remove any dirt, sawdust, loose wood fibers or other surface contaminants. Open and stir a can of oil-based penetrating exterior stain, preferably either semi-transparent or a colored one. Brush on the first layer of stain making long, flowing strokes. Work in the direction of the grain and move quickly to prevent the edges from drying before the next stroke is applied. Use generous amount of stain and wipe up run downs immediately. Apply a second coat of stain on the inside, outside and every edge of the garage door.
Keeping up with regular maintenance on garage doors can save homeowners from bigger damage with higher costs. Of course, if repair is needed, contact a professional today!
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
