August 4, 2022

When it comes to curb appeal, there’s nothing quite like a wood garage door. Natural wood doors with a new finish will make your home stand out from the street, and look great no matter what colour the rest of your home is. However, wooden garage doors require more upkeep, as they’re exposed to the elements and can rot over time if they’re not properly maintained.

In this blog, we dive into how you can ensure your wood garage doors get proper care with some simple maintenance tips. We review preventative maintenance, inspecting the surface of your door, and how to know when you need to repair or replace a part of your wood door.

Regular Refinishing

Wooden garage doors need to be regularly refinished in order to protect them from the elements such as the sun, which can dry out and crack the paint or finish of your garage door. There are several common finishes for wood garage doors, including stains, paints, and lacquers. Stain will help to preserve the natural look of the wood, but it will need to be reapplied every few years to keep it looking fresh. 

The latest coatings are designed as a “living” finish, which is much easier to maintain than the old lacquer finishes, which are vulnerable to cracks that let in dirt and moisture that lead to wood rot over time. Whatever type of finish you choose, it’s important to inspect the surface of the wood before applying the first coat. Fill any cracks with wood filler, let it dry completely, and sand it down until the surface is smooth. Then, apply your new stain, lacquer, or paint. This may seem like a hassle, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re saving money on replacement costs. 

Inspect The Weather Stripping And Door Seals

Inspecting your door’s weatherstripping and seals should be done a minimum of once a year. It’s a good idea to include this with your regular maintenance or refinishing check. If you’ve refinished your wood door, but not replaced cracked or broken weatherstripping, you’re leaving the door exposed to rot in the exact places that it most often comes into contact with moisture.

Like rot, unwanted pests can also damage a garage door’s woodwork, eventually causing the rotten surfaces to collapse. Look for small holes where pests may enter the door during your regular refinishing. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to cover small holes with wood putty or wood filler instead of replacing the doors. More extensive damage can sometimes be repaired by a professional garage door technician.

Cleaning Protects The Door

Cleaning your garage door regularly will keep it in top shape and improve the appearance of your home. If your door hasn’t been cleaned in a while, use a wet sponge and mild detergent. 

While you’re at it, make sure you sweep dirt from the threshold to prevent it from getting on the door when it comes into contact with the floor. It’s best to avoid using a pressure washer, as it could damage the door’s finish. Taking proper care of your door by keeping the door clean and dry will help to reduce maintenance and repairs down the road.

Annual Professional Tune-Ups

To protect your wooden garage door, you should have a professional tune it up annually. Garage door experts will inspect the entire door to make sure everything is working properly and adjust the torsion spring as needed. If there are any concerns with the spring or other parts which require repair or replacement, the technician can take action to prevent serious problems.

If you require regular maintenance and need a component repaired or replaced, your local garage door repair company can provide the services you need to ensure that your door is properly maintained.

Consider Purchasing A Composite Wood Door

Three beautiful wood looking garage doors on a stone home with a peaked roof

Although you may love the aesthetic of wood, you might be put off by the prospect of caring for it. While steel garage doors can have a unique look, they don’t compare to the character of wooden garage doors. If you’re torn between the look of a wooden garage door, but want the simplicity of a steel door, a composite wood door is a perfect solution. Faux wood garage doors possess the beauty of the wood, combined with the low-maintenance advantages of steel. 

If a composite garage door or preventative maintenance will help to give you the curb appeal and peace of mind you’re looking for, get in touch.