At our factory where we produce steel modern doors day in and day out, we know rust prevention isn't just about appearances—it's about preserving your door's structural integrity and security. After decades of manufacturing steel main door units and metal clad exterior doors, we've greated methods to combat corrosion, especially for high-traffic applications where wear is inevitable.
Start with the Right Steel
Not all steel is created equal when it comes to rust resistance. For our premium steel modern doors, we use:
- Galvanized steel coated with zinc for inherent corrosion protection
- Stainless steel components for hardware and high-moisture areas
- Cold-rolled steel with tighter grain structure for exterior applications
This material selection means our steel main door products start with better natural resistance than cheaper alternatives before we even apply protective finishes.
Powder Coating: Line of Defense
The powder coating process we use on metal clad exterior doors creates a much more durable barrier than traditional paint:
1. Electrostatic application ensures even coverage on all surfaces
2. Cured at 400°F to form a chemical bond with the steel
3. Available in 200+ colors with 15+ year warranties against fading/chipping
For high-traffic steel modern doors, we often recommend textured powder coats that hide minor scratches better than smooth finishes.
Critical Design Features That Prevent Moisture Traps
Through years of manufacturing steel main door systems, we've learned to eliminate corrosion-prone designs:
- Drip edges that channel water away from vulnerable areas
- Seamless welds that prevent water infiltration at joints
- Sloped thresholds that don't allow puddling
- Vented bottom rails that allow moisture escape
These features are standard on our metal clad exterior doors because we know standing water is rust's best friend.
Hardware That Won't Compromise Your Door
Even the best-protected steel modern doors can develop rust if inferior hardware is used. That's why we specify:
- 316 marine-grade stainless steel for all exposed fasteners
- Brass or bronze for decorative elements in coastal areas
- Nylon-coated internal mechanisms for smooth operation
On our commercial-grade steel main door products, we often use fully concealed hinges that eliminate exposed pivot points where corrosion starts.
Installation Practices That Preserve Protection
As manufacturers, we see too many good metal clad exterior doors compromised by poor installation:
- Never install directly against concrete (use non-corrosive shims)
- Always seal the frame-to-building interface with urethane caulk
- Ensure proper weatherstripping to prevent wind-driven rain intrusion
Our installation manuals for steel modern doors include specific anti-corrosion steps many contractors overlook.
Maintenance That Actually Works
For owners of our steel main door products, we recommend this simple routine:
1. Quarterly: Clean with pH-neutral soap and soft brush
2. Biannually: Inspect and touch up any chips with provided touch-up paint
3. Annually: Lubricate all moving parts with silicone-based lubricant
4. As needed: Re-caulk perimeter seals if gaps appear
Avoid common but harmful practices like pressure washing or using abrasive cleaners on metal clad exterior doors—these can damage protective coatings.
Climate-Specific Solutions
We customize our metal clad exterior doors for different environments:
- Coastal areas: Extra-thick powder coats + stainless steel everything
- Industrial zones: Chemical-resistant topcoats
- Northern climates: Heated threshold options to prevent ice damage
Why Our Methods Work
The proof is in our 25-year-old test steel modern doors still standing rust-free at our factory—exposed to Ohio's harsh winters and humid summers. By combining:
- Premium materials
- Smart engineering
- Proper installation
- Simple maintenance
Our steel main door systems deliver decades of reliable service without succumbing to the corrosion that plagues inferior products.
For building owners tired of replacing rusted doors every few years, investing in properly manufactured and maintained metal clad exterior doors isn't just an upgrade—it's a long-term solution that pays for itself in extended service life and preserved security.