How Salt Can Damage Your Steel Entry or Security Storm Doors (And How to Stop It!)

Steel entry and storm doors are tough, but living in the Chicagoland area means that we can have salt sneak in and cause some serious problems…

So what do we need to know and how do we prevent it?

Let’s break down how salt affects your steel door and what you can do about it…

Why Is Salt Such A Big Problem For Steel Doors?

Simply put, salt can act like a magnet for rust…

It attracts moisture and when salt combines with steel and oxygen, that’s when rust forms. Little by little, salt can eat away at your door and cause pitting (tiny holes), rust, and ultimately weaken the structure of your door.

And if the paint is chipping… Watch out! The steel is already exposed and that can accelerate the damage…

How Can I Tell If Salt Is Starting To Damage My Chicago Door?

All you need to do is be on the lookout for some common signs, like…

• Rust spots or streaks (especially near the bottom of the door)
• Pitted or rough areas on the surface
• Bubbling or peeling paint

These are things to look out for and signs that salt might be doing its thing.

What’s The Best Way To Protect My Doors From Salt Damage?

1. Give It A Good Shower: After winter, or when salt buildup occurs, wash your door with a mix of warm water and mild detergent. But… Make sure you rinse thoroughly!
2. Seal It: Apply a high quality clear sealant, paint or rust-resistant primer. This creates a protective barrier between your door and salt.
3. Touch Up Scratches: If you have scratches or paint chips, get them touched up asap! Your door may have come with a bottle of touch-up paint. Use that. If not, get the closest possible color and fix those scratches.
4. Install A Storm Door: If you only have an entry door on your Chicago home, consider installing a Chicago security storm door in front of it. You’ll need to protect that from salt, but it will help protect your entry door.
5. Periodic Checks: Do a quick inspection of 2-3 months to try and catch any signs of rust early

Is There Anything Else I Can Do To Protect My Doors?

Yes… You can use sacrificial anodes (sounds fancy, right?). These are rarely used, but can technically work. They are small zinc or magnesium pieces you can place near the door. They are more active metals than steel and will corrode instead of the steel, giving your door an extra layer of protection.

What If My Door Is Already Rusting?

If it’s just surface rust, you can take care of it. Simply sand it down, apply a rust converter, and then repaint that area. This will restore both the look and the protection of your door. If the rust is deep or pitting is occurring, you may need professional help or need to consider replacing your door.

Don’t Get Salty

Salt can be sneaky, but with regular maintenance and some protective measures, you can keep your Chicago steel entry and storm doors looking great and hanging tough for years to come. And if you have more questions or need help, Defender Door is always here for you!