At On The Spot Window Cleaning, we take pride in helping San Luis Obispo County homeowners keep their windows spotless and their views spectacular. However, when it comes to cleaning garage door windows, there’s an important topic we need to discuss: the risks associated with atmospheric salt and UV damage causing oxidation to the surface of metal garage doors.
Many homeowners don’t realize that garage doors—especially those near the coast—can develop streaking or discoloration due to long-term exposure to the elements. In the image below, a metal garage door with a clear coat and a faux wood grain print below the surface is shown. The garage windows had been cleaned and the door rinsed down with the same method (purified water clean and rinse) for ten years with a total of 18 services. On the 19th service, the clearcoat surface of the door was no longer stable and streaked while nothing but water was being used. The damage was not because of the cleaning process itself, but due to long-term exposure to the elements. In this post, we’ll break down what causes this issue, why it happens, and what you can do to protect your garage door’s appearance for as long as possible.
Garage doors are constantly exposed to the sun, wind, moisture, and, at the coast, salt. Over time, these elements cause a process called oxidation, where the surface begins to break down. This happens to various degrees and may lead to fading, streaking, clouding, or having a chalky residue or texture.
If a garage door or any other surface has developed oxidation, even the purest water—like the kind we use for window cleaning—can react to the damaged surface. Ironically, using a mild detergent and a pure water rinse is what garage door manufacturers recommend using to maintain their doors.
Common causes of oxidation and streaking include:
Did you know that most garage door manufacturers require regular cleaning and waxing to maintain the door’s warranty?
Unfortunately, many homeowners aren’t aware of these maintenance requirements, and over time, their garage doors begin to show signs of premature surface damage.
Notice how proactive the manufacturer of the Unique Garage Door Brand requires owners to be about the maintenance of their doors and how limited the warranty is due to the assumed risk of living near the ocean:
"If your AMGDF Door is located less than 1.5 miles from salt atmospheres, the limited warranty for paint finish color change and chalking is only covered for (1) year from the date of purchase by the original owner. This is because of salt atmospheres (salt air). For doors in non-salt atmospheres, door finish is warranted (limited lifetime original owner) if the door is washed and hand waxed. Washed a minimum of 4 times a year and hand waxed 2 times a year."
At On The Spot Window Cleaning, we use a proven, gentle process that we’ve successfully applied to hundreds of thousands of windows across San Luis Obispo County. We purposefully do not use harsh chemicals or overly aggressive mechanical processes in order to prolong the life and beauty of your home. However, when it comes to garage doors or other surfaces subject to unusual wear from the coastal elements, there are certain risks we cannot control:
✅ Oxidation and UV damage are caused by environmental exposure, not by cleaning.
✅ If maintenance hasn’t been followed, streaking or discoloration may become visible after cleaning.
✅ We cannot be held liable for pre-existing damage that is revealed or even exposed due to standard and industry-accepted cleaning processes.
We believe in transparency and always want to educate our customers on potential risks before performing any service. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about your home’s care.
If you’ve noticed streaking, chalky residue, or fading on your garage door, you may not need to repaint it just yet. Although we do not currently offer these services, many local painting and pressure washing companies do. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
Some homeowners choose to have oxidation removed by a professional, which can restore the surface’s appearance. However, this process comes with risks—depending on the severity of the oxidation, the surface may not return to its original condition. If you choose this route, it should be done at your own discretion.
After oxidation removal (or even before significant damage occurs), a high-quality UV-protectant wax should be applied to the garage door to protect it from further breakdown. Regular waxing can extend the life of your garage door and keep it looking new.
If oxidation removal doesn’t provide the desired results, repainting or refinishing may be the best long-term solution. Be sure to use a paint or coating recommended by your garage door manufacturer.
Some have used products like Everbrite Coatings with success. We have not used these products so we cannot say exactly how well they work. Here is a photo taken from their website showing how much better a door can look when restored:
To keep your garage door looking its best and to avoid unsightly issues like streaking and fading, we recommend following the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific door. This may include:
✔️ Following a maintenance schedule (some manufacturers recommend as much as monthly services for coastal homes).
✔️ Using a UV-protectant wax; providing extra protection from the sun and salty atmosphere.
✔️ Inspecting your door regularly to identify oxidation early so it can be treated as needed.
If you have any questions about how to care for your garage door or would like recommendations on safe cleaning and maintenance practices, please refer to your garage door manufacturer or qualified agent.
At On The Spot Window Cleaning, we are committed to providing the highest quality service while being upfront about the risks that come with dealing with certain materials. While we always strive for the best possible results and to exceed customer expectations, oxidation and UV damage are factors beyond our control. Because of this, we cannot be held liable for streaking or discoloration that may appear after cleaning windows installed in garage doors or from cleaning the door with a mild detergent solution or even just pure water. However, we will be happy to discuss the best options for you in advance so that we can provide the service you deserve while protecting your home in every way we know how.
By staying informed and following manufacturer-recommended maintenance, you can keep your garage door looking great for years to come.
