Exterior doors experience a lot more wear and tear than interior doors, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperatures and fluctuating weather patterns. If you do not pay attention to your exterior doors and give them the regular care that they need, it won’t take long for them to begin looking shabby and worn down. On the other hand, if you take good care of your exterior doors, you can help increase their lifespan and improve the curb appeal of your home. Here are five helpful tips for maintaining your entry door and the other exterior doors in your home:
CLEAN YOUR DOORS REGULARLY Clean any dirt or debris from your doors and hardware on a regular basis. Cleaning your doors regularly will ensure that they continue to look beautiful and function properly. Solid wood doors should ideally be wiped down with a soft cloth and Murphy Oil Soap. This will not only clean the door without leaving annoying streaks behind, but it will also polish it and help protect it from the elements. Brass hardware on your door should be cleaned with brass cleaner, and glass should be wiped down with glass cleaner and a soft, lint-free cloth.
OIL HINGES AS NEEDED If your door hinges are squeaking or simply not opening as easily as they used to, gently clean them with a damp cloth that has been dipped in a mild solution of soap and water, then apply a small amount of oil to the hinges. You may want to rub the oil around with a cotton swab to ensure that the hinges are sufficiently covered. Wipe away any excess oil with a soft, dry cloth.
REPLACE WEATHER STRIPPING REGULARLY Replacing your weather stripping any time it gets cracked and damaged will help ensure that vulnerable areas of your door are sufficiently protected from the weather. It will also help keep your cooling and heating costs down by helping to regulate the temperature inside your home. If your weather stripping is dirty, but otherwise looks intact, use a mixture of mild soap and water to clean it.
APPLY A FRESH LAYER OF PAINT, FINISH OR STAIN Have you noticed that your wood door is beginning to look faded or old? The good news is that it may just need a fresh layer of paint, finish or stain. In cases of severe wear and tear, you may need to sand the door down to get rid of its rough outer layer before applying new paint or stain.
SHOP FOR A NEW DOOR! If you have tried everything you can to improve the appearance of your old exterior doors, but they still don’t look the way you want them to, it may be time to shop for replacements. At Wood Windows and Doors corp, we will be happy to help you choose the right exterior doors from our extensive selection. We can even create custom exterior doors that are built exactly to your preferences.
For professional help, please contact Wood Windows and Doors:
510 363-3242
