Proper care and maintenance for your front entrance doors can save you money on costly replacements later on. Maintaining your front entrance doors can also keep your energy bills down by ensuring that your doors are sealed tightly for a snug home. Each type of material for front entrance doors requires a slightly different maintenance routine. Read on to learn more about maintenance for your front entrance doors.
Maintenance for Front Entrance Doors
The most common materials for front doors include wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Woods door require the most maintenance, as they are prone to fading in the sun and rotting or warping in climates with high levels of moisture. However, applying finish to the material will make it last longer and look appealing. Be sure to check your wood front entrance door regularly–a few times a year–in order to stay on top of any maintenance needs that may arise.
Steel doors are virtually maintenance-free. Any maintenance or repairs will most likely be for the door's accompanying hardware, such as the hinges or the locks. Check the hardware periodically and clean or replace any parts when needed. This will help everything from the locks to the closing mechanism to last longer.
Like steel, fiberglass doors are very durable and virtually maintenance-free. They can also be stained in the same fashion as a wood door to lengthen their lifespans. Regularly cleaning your fiberglass door with soap and warm water can help keep it in pristine condition throughout its lifetime. Additionally, you can install metal or rubber door guards at the top, bottom, or doorknob side of your door to reduce small dents and scratches to the fiberglass.
Regular maintenance can keep your front door, and your home, looking beautiful. | @ fotolia.com / Studio D
Maintenance for Screen Doors
The best way to maintain your screen door is to keep its hardware properly lubricated. It's suggested that homeowners regularly spray the hinges and locking mechanism with lubricant. To spread the lubricant evenly, open and close the door a few times. As for the screen itself, keep the frame and mesh clean with a soft rag and warm water.
Maintenance for Storm Front Entrance Doors
Storm doors provide excellent insulation and protection against the elements. As with screen doors, it’s important to keep the hardware properly oiled to keep the system running smoothly. Keeping the hinges and track clean will also ensure that the hardware lasts longer. Finally, make sure not to leave the storm doors in the open position while locked, as this might cause your storm door to be damaged in high winds.
Bottom Line: Protect Your Investments with Regular Maintenance
Because front entrance doors are such vital parts of your home, it’s essential to take good care of them. Whether your screen door system needs cleaning, or it’s time to oil the hinges on your storm doors, there are plenty of ways to keep your front entrance doors long-lasting.
