Do steel garage doors dent, warp or rust? Key concerns answered.

In this article, we look at how to ensure your steel garage door is best protected from accidental damage, corrosion and extreme weather so that you know what to look for when choosing the best garage door materials for your home.

Why homeowners choose steel garage doors

Many people choose steel garage doors due to the material's strength, low maintenance requirements and affordability.

Steel garage doors are more impact-resistant than aluminium doors and require less upkeep than timber doors, making them a practical choice for many Australian homeowners. Where aluminium garage doors are more easily dented by summer hail storms and stray cricket balls, steel doors can withstand light knocks without any damage.

Because it's a heavier material, insulated steel doors also help keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter than aluminium, vinyl doors and timber options. Best of all, these sturdy metal doors are available in a huge range of finishes, including DecoWood®, for the aesthetic appeal of timber without the regular maintenance and Colorbond®, for a hue to complement your home's style.

Do steel garage doors dent easily?

While thinner-gauge steel doors on the market may dent under impact, Steel-Line uses thicker-gauge steel to better withstand everyday knocks and bumps, whether from summer hail or a stray cricket ball.

If a violent summer storm sends a branch flying into your garage door or you accidentally back your car into it, a steel door may become dented. However, in many cases, these dents can be repaired by a professional. To prevent accidental dents, invest in a high-quality door made of thick-gauge steel.

Can steel garage doors warp in Australian weather?

While it's rare, a steel garage door can warp if exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. In saying this, it's much more common to see this kind of damage in wooden garage doors.

If your garage door is of high structural integrity with the correct amount of bracing, it's less likely to warp due to extreme heat or cold. Insulating metal garage doors can also prevent the door from being severely affected by harsh weather, such as intense sunlight or snow.

Do steel garage doors rust in Australian climates?

When choosing the right garage door material for your home, it's crucial to consider your climate. While steel is a durable material, it is not as rust-resistant as an aluminium garage door, which has natural weather resistance.

Steel-Line Garage Doors are manufactured with advanced protective coatings, including galvanised zinc and Colorbond® finishes, to resist rust from humidity and salty coastal air. Regular cleaning helps keep your door looking new for years. Galvanised zinc coatings, powder-coated finishes, paint and other rust-resistant materials like sealants can protect the metal and create a barrier against corrosion, as long as the door is properly coated and maintained.

Regular cleaning is especially vital in coastal areas, where salt air can quickly cause rust, even on galvanised steel. If the coating that prevents rust is compromised, it's best to apply touch-up paint as soon as possible to prevent costly repairs or having to replace the door completely.

Maintenance tips to extend the life of your steel garage door

The best way to extend the life of your garage door is with cleaning, inspections and maintenance. Check over all metal surfaces for signs of rust, including looking carefully at the door panels or curtain for chips in the protective coating. Wash the door with mild detergent and a soft cloth to ensure you don't scratch or damage the coating and have your garage door and garage door opener regularly serviced.

If you do notice any early signs of rust or breaks in the coating of your garage door, contact the manufacturer to establish the best course of action.

When to consider replacing your garage door

Minor dents and rust spots in a steel garage door can often be repaired. However, if your steel door has more severe corrosion, panel damage or is bowing, you will need to weigh the cost of repairs against the cost to replace your door completely.

Modern steel garage doors typically offer quiet and smooth operation and better energy efficiency. Advances in technology mean they also offer superior coatings that can enhance their durability and longevity.

As true as steel with over 45 years' experience

While steel garage doors can suffer from problems such as dents, warping and rust, many people, particularly coastal homeowners, find that when weighing its positive attributes against possible issues, it's the right material for their home.

While steel can rust more easily than aluminium, it doesn't dent as easily. It doesn't require the constant maintenance that wooden garage doors do and it won't fade in intense sunlight like composite materials often do.

At Steel-Line Garage Doors, we make garage doors that last. We use the latest technology in all of our steel garage doors to ensure they don't just look great, but they can also withstand Australia's varied and challenging weather conditions.  Explore our full range of durable steel garage doors, from Colorbond® to DecoWood® finishes, and book your free measure and quote with Steel-Line today.

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