You’ve put great effort and time into choosing the perfect entry door for your home. But, like most all aspects of your home, it will require some simple, periodic maintenance to keep it looking great and provide proper protection against the elements. Here are 4 things you should do now to make sure your entry system lasts for years to come.
1. Provide a Proper Finish
Make sure that you are properly finishing your doors. Your entry system is a major investment, proper finishing will protect that investment for years to come – it’s worth having a professional (who has the right type of finish and the right equipment) do it the first time
2. Clean Your Doors
Dirt and watermarks can build up on the surface of your door over time. Extend the life of the stain, paint, and top-coat by cleaning the door several times a year
Clean with warm soapy water, rinse, and towel dry
3. Inspect Finish Regularly
Inspect your Entry door on a regular basis. Twice a year is a good rule of thumb, once in the spring and once in the fall. Here are some signs to watch for that indicate it’s time for re-finishing:
Hairline cracks in the top coat of the finish
Changes in the color of the finish
Changes in the texture of the finish, such as flaking or scaling
Dullness or chalkiness in the finish
4. Reseal Your Door
When initially finished a minimum of two coats of top-coat are required for complete door protection
Your door system should be resealed every 1 to 7 years depending upon weather exposure and type of door (wood, fiberglass, or steel). Wood doors will typically require more maintenance than fiberglass or steel
5. Check the weatherstrip and sweep
Replace torn or worn out weatherstrip
Replace worn door sweeps and adjust the sill riser if necessary
Replace damaged or missing corner pads