Powder Coated Hardware: Extra Protection for Custom Garage Doors

When designing and building custom wood garage doors, every component is important. Whether serving as something that makes the door work or is simply there for its aesthetic appeal, you want every piece of the door to be durable, long-lasting, and beautiful. When we say every component, we mean it! This includes the hardware that operates the door itself. That’s why we’re diving into the technical world of powder coated hardware. This type of hardware, normally made of coated galvanized steel, plays a critical role in safeguarding garage doors, especially in humid and coastal climates. 

What is Powder Coated Hardware?

Powder coating is a finishing process that enhances the durability and appearance of hardware used in various applications, including custom garage doors. Unlike traditional liquid paint, powder coating involves applying a dry powder—typically a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin—to the metal surface, which is then cured under heat to form a skin-like layer. This process allows for a more uniform, durable, and high-quality finish. 

The chemistry and makeup of powder coated hardware revolve around the electrostatic application of the powder to the metal, followed by curing in an oven at high temperatures. The curing process triggers a chemical reaction that results in long molecular chains, creating a high-density, cross-linked coating. This method ensures the hardware is covered in a tough, protective layer that is resistant to scratches, chipping, fading, and corrosion. 

What is Galvanized Steel?

Galvanization is a process wherein steel is coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rusting and corrosion. The most common method, hot-dip galvanization, involves submerging the metal in a bath of molten zinc. This process creates a robust, multi-layered zinc-iron alloy coating that is exceptionally resistant to corrosion. The chemistry behind galvanization lies in zinc’s ability to act as a sacrificial anode, meaning it will corrode in place of the steel or iron, thus offering long-term protection to the base metal. 

The Benefits of Using Powder Coated Hardware

Powder coated hardware offers many advantages for custom garage doors, especially when they’re placed on homes in storm prone areas or coastal areas: 

• Enhanced Durability: Powder coating provides a barrier against environmental stressors such as UV rays, rain, and physical impacts, ensuring the hardware maintains its integrity and appearance over time. 
• Corrosion Resistance: Powder coating is especially effective in protecting metal from corrosion, making it ideal for hardware exposed to moisture and salt, particularly in coastal areas. 
• Aesthetic Flexibility: Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, powder coating allows designers and homeowners to customize hardware to complement the garage door’s design and the home’s overall aesthetic. At CAMBEK, we offer four standard powder coat colors: Shadow Black, Charlie Brown, Cinnamon Brown, and White. Custom RAL colors are also an option if the goal is to match the hardware to a specific interior finish color. 
• Environmental Sustainability: Unlike liquid paints, powder coatings emit negligible volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a more environmentally friendly option for finishing hardware. 

Protection for Garage Doors in Humid and Coastal Climates

Corrosion and wear from salt spray are common in humid and coastal climates, and the hardware used on doors in these areas needs to be able to withstand these harsh conditions. Powder coated hardware is particularly suited to these environments, offering: 

• A Barrier Against Humidity: The seamless, impermeable surface of powder coated hardware prevents moisture penetration, protecting the underlying metal from rust and corrosion that often plague humid environments. 
• Salt Spray Resistance: In coastal regions, salt spray can accelerate the corrosion process. Powder coated hardware resists salt penetration, preserving both the function and appearance of garage door components. 
• Longevity in Challenging Climates: By resisting the degrading effects of humidity and salt spray, powder coated hardware ensures that custom garage doors continue to operate smoothly and look pristine, even in the most demanding climates. 

Not only does powder coated hardware offer superior protection against environmental challenges, but it also provides architects, designers, and homeowners with the flexibility to achieve their durability without sacrificing beauty.  

Ready to Design Your New Garage or Entry Door? Get in touch with CAMBEK Today for a Free Consultation.

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