What type of garage door is best for coastal weather (like Orange County)?

It is crucial to select the appropriate materials for coastal environments, especially considering the unique environmental factors of surfing and boating areas. Temperature and weather changes impact garage doors almost constantly. Below are some of the issues that exist in an Orange County coastal environment.

• Salt and Humidity - The main culprits of corrosion in a harsh coastal climate. Salt air corrodes unprotected metal much faster than other environments. Garage door springs, rollers, and any exposed panels made of metal can rust and pit in no time, if you are not treating the components properly.

• UV Exposure - UV rays fade color and degrade materials quickly. You should look for paint or finishes that are UV resistant to help combat the sun's harmful rays.

• Wind Load Requirements - Many coastal building codes require wind resistant garage doors. Even in sunny Southern California, when the Pacific storms are present, we can feel strong winds. When possible high wind and wind impact on rated doors are a great idea.

• Maintenance Requirements - All doors require regular maintenance. If possible regular rinsing of doors with fresh water to wash off salt, waxing painted steel surfaces, and inspecting for wear and tear post storm is a great idea in coastal properties. Taking care of a garage door in a coastal property may seem like a hassle but will add many service years to the door system when very harsh conditions are present.

Recommended Door Materials for Coastal Environments

Most garage door experts will recommend some level of corrosion resistant material to help withstand the salt, sun, and humidity. The most common recommended options will be:

• Galvanized Steel: Generally considered the best option, quite secure, durable, and cost effective. Galvanized steel doors are commonly used in Orange County garage doors. Look for doors with coatings for rust resistant properties to help it withstand even the salt spray. Insulated steel garage doors are a good option as well, as the extra layer will add security, and energy efficiency needs. (Steel needs to be maintained with periodic cleaning and waxing, at least twice annually, to maintain the finish)

• Aluminum: Aluminum is resistant to rust and corrosion, so it is a good option for coastal settings. It is strong and lightweight: a good option if you want to limit maintenance. Aluminum doors now are often made of glass, providing a clean modern look, and nothing will rot or warp.

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are incredibly strong while still being lightweight. Fiberglass will flex a bit when under stress and will not rust. Fiberglass can withstand high winds regularly, as well as salt exposure. These doors generally come pre-finished, though over the years direct sunlight will fade any color, and occasional repainting is needed.

• Vinyl: Vinyl (PVC) garage doors do not rust, rot or corrode. Moisture and insect damage will not penetrate the smooth surface of vinyl; usually quick cleaning is all that is needed. Many coastal owners select crisp white vinyl carriage house style doors, giving the coastal setting a classic look. Vinyl will not transfer heat or cold, like fiberglass it can become brittle in extreme cold weather which is less of a concern in Orange County.

• Faux Wood/Composite: Engineered wood composites and urethane composites provide the look of wood with less disadvantages. These doors are made from wood fibers that are combined with resins, or polymers that resist moisture, warping and cracking. They act as durable plastic, so they will not swell or rot. Composite doors can be almost maintenance-free and can also be painted/stained in natural wood tones to achieve a warm coastal look.

• Avoid Solid-Wood Doors: While solid-wood doors look nice, they require heavy maintenance in beach climates. Untreated wood traps moisture, swells and warps, and need to be regularly sealed to prevent rot. Unless one is prepared to check and maintain their door regularly, solid wood is not generally recommended for continual exposure to salt air.

Additional Factors

• Insulation: Insulated doors (foam-filled or double-layer) will help to stabilize garage temperatures. Insulated doors add rigidity and can also provide energy, efficiency and comfort. In coastal regions, insulated doors are also useful during windstorms because they can help with sound attenuation.

• Style and Finishing: Light colors (white, pastels) reflect and transfer sunlight and would not allow as much heat into the garage as darker finishes would. Some coastal homes also take on carriage house style doors which have a faux-wood composite to enhance the beachy look and vibe. Frosted or tinted glass inserts can brighten modern garages without sacrificing privacy.

• Hardware: Pick powder coated or stainless-steel for the door hinges and handles versus uncoated steel hardware, as uncoated steel hardware will rust in the salt air. Some manufacturers will even provide a special corrosion-resistant hardware kit that is designed for coastal homes.

• Wind rated doors: Even if Orange County is not hurricane country, there may still be local codes dictating use of wind-rated doors for exposed areas of your home. Be aware of any required wind rating based on zones related to your home's specific wind exposure. Wind-rated doors have reinforced struts or heavier steel that allow them to resist bending.

Maintenance for Coastal Garage Doors

• Regular washing: Use fresh water (hose) every few months to rinse salt deposits from doors. You may also want to use a mild detergent to wash away moisture and grime also. Be sure to dry the door as moisture left on the surface will lead to corrosion over time.

• Frequent checks: Inspect doors and hardware regularly, after storms, or seasonally for any rust or degradation. Also, you should keep pivot points and rollers lubricated to prevent seizing. Replace any segregated weather strip to keep moisture out as well.

• Wax: For steel garage doors, cover them in automotive wax or clear plastic coating every one to two years. This sacrificial layer will help keep salt, dirt, or other pollutants from degrading the paint finish on your door.

• Service: Towards the end of the year, contact a garage door technician or specialist for maintenance and evaluation for door operation. They will inspect balance, torque, tightness of hardware, and even door opener and safety features. Taking care of your door before the summertime heat will help prevent costly repair costs and extend the life of your door.

OC Garage Door Guys has expert local knowledge of the coastal environment and door requirements of Orange County and the surrounding region. We have access to a comprehensive selection of quality, rust-resistant garage doors (galvanized steel, aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, and composites) that are built for seaside living.

Our local expertise, being a coastally based business, ensures quality performance, meeting wind-load requirements, and a satisfaction experience for customers in Orange County's communities.