Here’s a list of some basic summer garage door maintenance tasks that don’t require a professional.

Wash Away Seasonal Grime on Door and Windows to Prevent Rust

Wash steel and aluminum door surfaces with a mild household detergent and rinse with water.  In harsh or coastal environments, apply a quality car wax to the front side of a steel door surface twice a year, immediately after cleaning, to help maintain the finish.
Clean windows with a mild solution of dishwashing detergent and a soft cloth. Do not use amoniated, abrasive or solvent- based cleaners of any kind.

Remove Rust

Visible rust or flaking paint on a steel door indicates that moisture is taking its toll. Sand the rust, apply a zinc-rich primer, and paint with a quality exterior latex.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

A steel garage door can be painted with a high-quality 100% acrylic latex exterior grade paint. Before painting the surface must be free of dirt, oil, caulk, waxes and mildew. Do not use any type of oil based paint or Alkyd modified acrylic latex paint. Window frames and inserts can also be painted with exterior acrylic latex. For optimal results, sand the plastic first to remove any surface gloss.

Keep the Heat Out

Garage door insulation isn’t just for the cold winter months. Today’s insulated garage doors can help keep an unconditioned garage comfortable on a sizzling summer day as well as help manage temperatures in living spaces above the garage. Purchase a qualifying energy efficient garage door by December 31, 2010 and you may be entitled to a $1,500 federal energy tax credit.