Wondering what are the best garage doors for coastal areas? Working along the North Carolina coast comes with unique challenges that our inland clients never have to worry about. The combination of salty air, high humidity, and strong winds creates a tough environment for commercial and residential garage doors – whether in Southport, other seaside towns, or beachfront stilt houses.
The Rust Problem
Salt in the air speeds up corrosion on metal components. Even galvanized or painted steel isn’t immune when it’s constantly exposed. We often see:
- Pitted or flaking panels
- Rusted hinges and brackets
- Corroded springs that lose strength faster
Once rust sets in, it can weaken the door’s structure and cause moving parts to seize up.
Stronger Doors for Stronger Winds
In coastal towns like Southport, doors have to meet higher wind load standards to handle hurricane-force gusts. That means:
- Heavier doors with more internal reinforcements
- Larger springs to balance the extra weight
- Sturdier tracks and mounting hardware to hold everything in place
These components don’t just add strength – they also add weight, which makes installation and repair more labor-intensive.
Shorter Lifespans on Stilt Houses
On beachfront properties, especially stilt houses built to prevent flood damage, doors are fully exposed to the elements. In our experience, these doors often last only three to five years before needing major repairs or replacement. The constant salt exposure, wind, and sun all contribute to a shorter service life.
How We Approach Coastal Service
When working in these environments, we use:
- Heavier-gauge metal parts
- Additional corrosion-resistant hardware
- More frequent maintenance schedules
We also educate clients about realistic lifespans and the importance of preventative service to avoid emergency repairs.
Case Study: Large-Scale Commercial Installation in Southport, NC
We recently completed one of our largest installations to date in Southport, North Carolina – three 16×16 commercial garage doors outfitted with new LiftMaster trolley Maxim openers. This job took two to three days and involved a coordinated team effort between our crew members Mike, Lucas, and Jordy’s uncle. Because the project was on the coast, we had to factor in wind load requirements and use heavier springs and reinforced struts to meet local hurricane standards. The doors were installed in a large builder’s personal shop for storage of both personal and business equipment.