Practical Guidelines For The Maintenance Of Entry Doors

Here is an ultimate guide for the maintenance of entry doors and how to prolong their life span

Since entry doors are one of the first features of the house that visitors notice, they must make a good impression. Like any other structure inside or outside your home, entry doors last longer and look their best when they are properly maintained. Here are some guidelines for the maintenance of entry doors.

 Maintenance According To Door Material

• The material used for the manufacturing of entry doors plays a significant role in determining its maintenance needs. Wood doors need more attention and care every season. They require sanding and painting every few years to look good. Fiberglass and metal doors on the other hand do not require additional improvements.

They usually require annual cleaning only. In addition to wood, fiberglass, and metal doors, your home may also have glass doors that require proper care. Regardless of the material or style, all exterior doors must undergo yearly inspections to detect any signs of damage or weathering.

Schedule Annual Inspections

• Painted doors such as wood doors will become chalky, undergo peeling, or develop cracks in the paint surface. Sanding and painting as soon as you detect paint damage can go a long way in preventing the wood from warping, rotting, and discoloration. Metal doors do not require regular painting as often as wood doors. But as time passes they begin to show signs of aging in the form of pits and rust spots.

If that is the case, painting the metal door with metal-compatible paint can keep the metal intact by preserving the finish. Annual inspections can help you a great deal in spotting the signs of damage and preventing further damage.

Fixing Broken Glass Panes

• When performing inspections it is important to give hinges a check. Look carefully for loose, rattling, or broken panes of glass. Loose or cracked glass panes are a security threat as they make it easier for burglars to break in and so do the loose or sticking hinges.

These issues need immediate attention and replacement. If you notice any of these problems during your annual door inspections and you have no idea what to do, call in the pros. Expert professionals will uncover the issues for you and provide solutions for dealing with those issues.

Cleaning Entry Doors

• Although entry doors receive the most attention in a home their maintenance is often overlooked. This can negatively impact their lifespan and curb appeal. However, spring is the perfect time to thoroughly clean your doors on both sides.

Follow the below-mentioned tips to remove dirt and clean your doors.

• Choose a gentle cleaner such as diluted dish soap, or a mild door cleaner for steel, fiberglass, and wood doors.
• For doors made of wrought iron, wipe thoroughly with a mixture of oil soap cleaner, and water.
• Do not use abrasive tools that can scratch the doors, leave marks, or peel the protective coatings. Always use a lint-free cloth or sponge for cleaning.
• Clean one side of the door at a time and do not scour the door.
• Use only a small amount of water for cleaning and prevent water from pooling on the door. Use a spare piece of cloth or sponge to absorb excess water.
• Using a power washer or garden hose can cause the water to enter your home so do not use them.
• For a glass panel use a glass cleaner or a vinegar and water mixture and wipe properly for a streak-free finish.
• If there are oil or grease marks use a mixture of baking soda and water for ideal cleaning.
• Put water in a spray bottle and use this water for cleaning. This helps reduce the overall usage of liquid for cleaning.
• Follow these tips for cleaning all the exterior doors of your home whether it’s the front door or patio entryway.

If you’re ready to update your home with a new entry door, contact Simple Home Improvements today. We’ll explain all your options and provide a free estimate to help you get started. For more information, call 866-849-2599 or visit us in Totowa, NJ.