When you live in Texas, storm season is part of life. But if you own a home or business in a high-humidity zone like Houston or the surrounding Gulf Coast, you also need to worry about how that weather impacts your garage door system. One of the most common issues? Rust buildup on the garage door tracks.

Track rust can lead to noisy operation, premature wear, and even complete door failure if ignored. The good news is that with a few preventative steps, you can extend the life of your residential or overhead door and keep it running smoothly all year long.

Why Garage Door Tracks Rust More in Texas

Humidity and Moisture Levels
Texas experiences high humidity for much of the year, especially in coastal cities like Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, and Galveston. Moisture in the air condenses on metal surfaces, like garage door tracks, and accelerates corrosion if left unchecked.

Salt Air Near the Gulf
For homeowners and businesses near the coast, the salty air is a major factor. Salt particles settle on metal components, including your garage door hardware, and break down protective finishes. This leads to rapid oxidation and rust, particularly on uncoated steel tracks.

Flooding and Storm Runoff
Storm season often brings flash floods, and water mixed with dirt and debris can get trapped in your garage door tracks. When this moisture is not removed quickly, it creates an ideal environment for rust to develop.

Signs of Rust on Garage Door Tracks

If your garage door feels jerky when opening or closing, or if you hear grinding or scraping sounds, it might be due to rust. Other common signs include:

• Orange or brown discoloration along the metal tracks
• Uneven rolling or sudden stops
• Visible pitting or flaking of the track surface
• Increased wear on rollers or opener mechanisms

These symptoms may start subtly but often get worse without regular maintenance.

How to Prevent Garage Door Track Rust

Clean Tracks Regularly
Use a soft cloth or brush to remove dust, dirt, and salt buildup from the tracks. For coastal homes, rinsing with clean water and drying thoroughly can help prevent salt corrosion.

Apply a Silicone-Based Lubricant
Unlike oil-based lubricants that attract grime, silicone sprays are ideal for humid environments. They coat the metal with a protective barrier and help keep your door running quietly.

Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
Have a professional inspect your garage door system twice a year, ideally in the spring and late summer. An expert can spot early signs of rust, clean and treat your tracks, and make recommendations before garage door repairs are needed.

Consider Upgrading to Rust-Resistant Materials
For homes and businesses in high-humidity zones, upgrading to galvanized or stainless steel tracks can significantly improve long-term performance. These materials resist rust and hold up better during storm season.

What to Do If Rust Is Already Present

If rust is limited to surface spots, you can use a rust remover and steel wool to clean it off, followed by lubricant. However, if the corrosion is severe or causing functional issues, it’s best to contact a professional. Replacing the tracks may be necessary to ensure safe operation.

Protect Your Garage Door Investment with LGA

LGA Garage Door is proud to serve homeowners and businesses across the Houston area. We specialize in garage door maintenance and rust prevention tailored to Texas weather. Whether you need a quick tune-up or a full track replacement, our trained technicians are here to help.

We proudly serve Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, The Woodlands, and more. Don’t wait until your garage door gets stuck mid-storm. Call us today to schedule garage door maintenance in Houston. Don’t wait for storm damage to force your hand.