Why WD-40 Should Not Be Used As A Lubricant On Hurricane Shutters

WD 40 is the short form of the term, “Water Displacement.” The number “40” stands for the amount of attempts that were made to make this product. Therefore, the number 40 has been aptly added to its name. Heavy hydrocarbons are the main components of this spray. The primary use of WD-40 is to prevent objects from dust as well as to stop the process of rusting for metals.

Best uses for WD-40

WD-40 is a handy product for many industries. Large or small scale industries use it extensively, and it has a very high production rate per annum. Spraying WD-40 on shovels or garden hoes is a common thing that farmers and workers do. This increases lubrication, and the soil does not stick to the shovel while digging. A few sprays of this product can easily remove stains from paints, nail polish or cosmetics spilled on tiles.

Regarding floor tile, it can profoundly removes the stains if washed with lukewarm water; your tile will look fresh and new. It is also beneficial in removing gum or stickers on cupboards or even carpet. Lastly, it can also erase crayons from furniture, walls or flooring. Evidently, this is a great product not only for industries but, also for regular household usage.

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What are Hurricane Shutters?

Accordion shutters, roll-up shutter, roll-down shutters, and panels are other terms for hurricane shutters. They protect houses or properties from damages caused by heavy storms. Another application of hurricane shutters is that of preventing windows from breakage during heavy winds. Industries mostly use aluminum or steel to make these shutters, while some people use plywood to make them homemade during last minute preparation (which is not a very reliable source.)

Hurricane Shutters are in massive demand in South Florida especially Miami. They generally are efficient and deliver the job much faster than people think. Hurricane shutters come in two forms, manual and motorized. For sure the manual shutters are a much more cost-effective approach but may take a tad bit longer to setup. There are many quality service providers in Miami for hurricane shutters but before you consult one, you should investigate the effects of WD-40 as a lubricant on hurricane shutters.

It’s true that WD-40 is efficient and one of the best products when it comes to providing a momentary lubrication or rust protector. However, hurricane shutters is not the item you should spray WD-40 on. This is because WD-40 is hygroscopic and may attract unwanted moisture to hurricane shutters.

Also, WD-40 doesn’t have enough lubrication effects to be useful on any kind of gearings. Yes, it can lubricate small gears, but hurricane shutters are different machinery and therefore, you should only use specialized gear lubricants on them.

WD-40 also attracts dirt and dust. It can make the hurricane shutters discolored due to the accumulation of dirt. This will significantly reduce their performance. It can also ruin the components which might or might not be present inside the hurricane shutters. The best policy is to use another lubricant and stay away from WD-40 for hurricane shutters.

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What Is The Right Way To Lubricate Hurricane Shutters?

Silicone lubricants are one of many solution for shutters. Special oil lubricants perform best for accordion shutters maintenance. It doesn’t harm the plastic bushing that are install in the accordion shutters. Spray it on the strip of the shutters, and this will provide lubrication for the insides of the tracks to slide open or shut.

You need to spray your lubricant on the split bracket bearing in case the shutter gets motorized. This bearing holds the reel’s weight that controls the slat movement, and is normally found on one of the ends of the track. Also, remember to apply using lithium grease.

Why Is WD-40 Not Ideal For Corrosive Environments?

The WD-40 manufacturers claim their product to be a de-watering fluid, intended for copper alloys; and these claims are backed by the assumption that it contains BTA (benzotriazole), a chemical to prevent staining.

De-watering fluids are not anti-corrosive because they are water soluble. The solvent base of WD-40 dries off and what remains is a thin layer of mineral oil and coupling agents. As much as we want WD-40 to work for everything, your hurricane shutters should stay away it.