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House Exterior
What causes corrosion outside on your doors and windows?
Every time it rains, or leaves fall from the trees, your house is at risk of corrosion of various types.
One danger is crevice corrosion, which occurs where there are crevices formed in metals and they are exposed to corrosive environments.
Rain gutters filled with leaves, window ledges covered with dirt, and exposed pipe joints all are prime spots for crevice corrosion.
You also may see stress corrosion, known as "metal fatigue," which can develop where metals are subjected to bending, pulling or twisting. Bent metal frames on outside doors or windows are common spots for stress corrosion.
It is important to keep exterior metal surfaces clean and dry. A build-up of debris or dirt around metal increases the risk of corrosion. Leaves in rain gutters, dirt under gaskets or washers, and dirt collected around aluminum or steel windows can lead to corrosion if left untreated.
Where are you most likely to see corrosion on outside doors and windows?
- Steel nails used on aluminum or copper rain gutters
- Surface of rain gutters and downspouts
- Storm doors
- Bends in metal trim work
- Where gaskets or washers are used under bolts or nuts
What can you do to control corrosion on outside doors and windows?
- Keep metal surfaces clean, dry, and coated with paint or wax
- Remove trapped water around doors, windows, and air conditioning and modify the area so that water can run off and not accumulate
- Touch up and repair coating on exterior painted structures, making sure that damaged areas are clean and that repair material overlaps existing coating
- Remove accumulated leaves, dirt, and other debris on metal surfaces
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