As any wood purist will agree, wood doors add a certain element of charm to any home. When you are considering wood for your exterior door installation, you need to be aware of the extra maintenance required for a lasting look. According to This Old House, exterior doors have to be more rugged than interior doors. Maintaining wood is very different from maintaining fiberglass or steel doors. Despite exterior doors being more robust they will still require extra care. Let’s look at how to maintain your wood doors properly.

Regular Cleaning

By removing the surface dust and grime on the door, on a weekly/monthly basis, you can help maintain the finish of the wood. You should also take time to dust away cobwebs or spiderwebs. A lot of dust and spider webs contain particles that can actually be damaging to doors over time as well.

Clean Doors Annually

Cleaning your doors is a necessary maintenance chore that you can’t afford to ignore. This is especially true if you have small children or pets. You will want to deep clean the doors annually. If your doors get dirty more often, especially those with no overhangs to protect the door, then you might want to evaluate this every six months.

You should use a gentle soap and water cleaner that is safe for doors and non-abrasive. It would be best if you also avoided bleach. Harsh cleaners will damage the door. Rinse with clean water and dry the door. Also, be sure to wash handles and locks as well. If the UV coating is starting to look dull then consider refinishing the door with a new UV coat material.

Check Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is an important part of your exterior doors. Weatherstripping blocks drafts and helps to keep your home running more energy efficiently. Unfortunately, weatherstripping can wear out over time, especially on doors that are opened frequently. You will need to check the weather stripping occasionally to ensure it’s still in good shape. If the weatherstripping is wearing out, then you will need to have professionals replace it.

Clean Hinges

You will also want to clean hinges at least annually. When hinges become grimy, they may not work as well. This can lead to slow-moving, stuck, and squeaky doors. Ball-bearing hinges can avoid these issues. Hinges should be lightly oiled after cleaning as well.

If you are interested in exterior door installation, please call Divine Doors & Trim Inc. We are here for all of your door needs. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you!