Being based in the Emsworth area and servicing the south coast, we are used to questions surrounding properties by the sea and how this can affect garage doors. Finding the garage door that is right for you can be determined by your location and if salt water can affect your garage.
If you live near the sea or an estuary, the destructive capabilities of salt and sand can travel significant distances inland. Some studies have shown that salt air can affect metals more than 50 miles inland, so for areas such as Portsmouth or coastal towns like Bognor Regis choosing the right garage door material can make a big difference to longevity.
What type of garage door should I choose?
We recommend selecting products that are factory finished using pre-finished steels and aluminium, rather than designed to be finished onsite. Pre-finished coatings often have multiple layers that aid longevity.
Sectional garage doors are a good choice for coastal areas, as their surfaces have fewer places to trap salts, are easy to clean and are made from pre-finished components. Many side-hinged garage doors are also made from pre-finished steel panels and powder coated aluminium frame sections.
A door to avoid could be roller garage doors, as they have surfaces that rub together as they operate and can often collect salts in between the slats which is difficult to clean effectively.
Garage doors do not just come in metal materials, you could also opt for a wooden door such as the Garador Timber Panel.
How to reduce the effects of corrosion
To mitigate and reduce the effects of marine influence, a high-frequency cleaning programme is essential. If the door is in an area prone to coastal corrosion from airborne salts and sand, the door should be cleaned monthly or immediately after a weather event.
Clean lifting gears and other metal surfaces inside the garage with a cloth soaked in a light oil, which will help protect your door from corrosion. It must be accepted that salt air is very aggressive and extra care is required.
The paint finishes and protections applied to garage door components are generally effective at delaying corrosion, but all require cleaning, irrespective of location. As a general rule, no caustic, abrasive or corrosive chemicals and substances, flood water, water runoff, or runoff from lead, copper or galvanic metal flashing should be allowed to come into contact with the door.
Looking for more advice?
If you would like more information about installing a garage door in a coastal area, contact Emsworth Garage Doors. We have plenty of experience supplying and installing garage doors in the south coast area.
