While installing a new front door on your home can help you spruce up the look of your house, it’s also essential to know how to care for that door to ensure it lasts for many years. This guide will walk you through what you need to know about caring for your new doors, from cleaning them to maintaining them and making repairs when needed. Before you know it, your beautiful new doors will be just as pristine as they were the day they were installed!
Regular Door Cleaning
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning new doors. Regular cleaning will keep your door looking great and help it last longer. The best way to clean a door is with warm water and a mild detergent (like dish soap). Then rinse the detergent with plenty of warm water and dry the door thoroughly with a soft cloth or chamois. Wipe any greasy smudges from metal fittings with a paper towel dipped in water with the mild detergent, then polish metal surfaces using metal polish on a cloth or sponge applicator.
Do a Routine Check
When caring for your new door, it is crucial to do a routine check. These checks can include checking the hinges and frame for cracks or damage. In addition, you should look at the hardware and ensure that it is not loose or missing any screws. Check the threshold and threshold extension to ensure no issues with water pooling. Observe your timber frames as they need care as well. Ensure that the wood is not peeling away from nails or chipping off the ends of boards. If this happens, you will need to replace those boards and re-nail them down securely. You also want to make sure that none of the wood is moldy because if this happens, we suggest using a bleach solution on it as soon as possible before mold begins growing on other parts of your home.
Periodic Lubrication of Hinges, Rollers, and Tracks
To ensure a door that can last, periodic lubrication of hinges, rollers, and tracks are essential. Many types of oil can be used for this purpose. The type of oil you use will depend on your doors’ materials. You should also always consult with your local hardware store before beginning. The best time to lubricate hinges is when they are clean and dry so as not to create an additional mess or leave oily residue behind. Rollers can be serviced by spraying a light coat onto them using an old rag or paper towel.
Recoat Finishing
Finishing is an essential part of a door’s longevity. The least expensive way to protect your new doors is with a clear coat of stain or varnish applied every six months to one year. You should seal the edges, nail holes, and seams where two panels meet with a matching finish. Apply only enough product to cover the area you are working on; heavy coats can create runs and bubbles in the coating. Lastly, apply it in thin coats, so each layer has time to dry before applying another.