The Ultimate Guide To Front Door Maintenance

Your front door is not only the focal point of your home's exterior, but also the first line of defence against intruders and the elements. Choosing the right front door and proper door maintenance is crucial to ensuring your entryway remains both attractive and functional. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the essential steps for maintaining various types of front doors, including specific tips for bifold door maintenance.

General door maintenance tips

Regardless of the type of front door you have, there are some basic door maintenance tasks that apply to all doors. These tasks will help prolong the life of your door and keep it functioning smoothly.

Regular cleaning

A clean door not only looks great but also helps prevent long-term damage. Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on your door over time, potentially causing scratches or fading. 

To maintain your door's appearance and prevent damage, clean its surface with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent at least once every three months. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth to avoid water spots or streaks.

Lubricate hinges and locks

Proper lubrication of your door's hinges and locks is essential to prevent squeaking, sticking, and rusting. At least twice a year, apply a silicone spray or graphite lubricant to these areas. When lubricating hinges, open and close the door several times to ensure the lubricant is distributed evenly. 

 For locks, apply the lubricant to the key and insert it into the lock, turning it several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.

Check weather stripping 

Weather stripping creates a seal around your door, preventing drafts, moisture, and dust from entering your home. Over time, weather stripping can wear down or become damaged, reducing its effectiveness. 

Inspect the weather stripping around your door at least twice a year for any signs of wear or damage. Replace it if necessary to maintain a proper seal and prevent drafts, which can lead to increased energy costs.

Inspect hardware

Door hardware, such as handles and locks, can become worn or damaged over time, compromising your door's functionality and security. Regularly inspect the door's hardware for any signs of wear or damage, and replace any faulty components as needed. This will help ensure your door operates smoothly and remains secure.

Adjust door alignment

Over time, doors may begin to sag or stick due to changes in temperature, humidity, and settling of your home's foundation. This can lead to difficulties in opening or closing the door, as well as potential damage to the door or frame. 

To adjust your door's alignment, try tightening or loosening the hinge screws as needed. If this does not resolve the issue, you may need to consult a professional to determine if other adjustments or repairs are necessary.

uPVC door maintenance

uPVC front doors are popular for their durability and low maintenance requirements. However, there are still some steps you should take to keep them in optimal condition.

Clean the frame

A clean frame not only improves the appearance of your uPVC door but also helps prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, which can lead to damage over time. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to gently clean the door frame. 

Be sure to pay attention to any crevices or areas where dirt may accumulate. If the frame has stubborn stains, you can use a gentle uPVC cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the surface of the frame.

Check the gaskets

Gaskets are rubber seals that help create a tight seal between the door and the frame, preventing drafts, moisture, and noise from entering your home. Over time, gaskets can become worn, damaged, or lose their elasticity, reducing their effectiveness.

Inspect the rubber gaskets around your uPVC door at least twice a year for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, replace the gaskets to maintain a proper seal and ensure your door remains energy-efficient.

Lubricate moving parts

To keep your uPVC door operating smoothly and prevent wear, it's essential to lubricate the moving parts, including hinges, locks, and rollers. Apply a silicone spray or a specialist uPVC lubricant to these areas at least twice a year. When lubricating hinges, open and close the door several times to ensure the lubricant is distributed evenly.

For locks, apply the lubricant to the key and insert it into the lock, turning it several times to distribute the lubricant evenly. For rollers, apply the lubricant to the tracks and rollers, ensuring they are well-coated to reduce friction and wear.

Composite door maintenance

Composite doors offer the beauty of wood with the durability of uPVC. Whilst they are not made of actual wood, composite doors can have a realistic wood grain appearance that looks authentic, whilst being more durable and resistant to wood rot.

When it comes to composite doors, they require very minimal maintenance as they are so strong, but to maintain their appearance and functionality, follow these simple steps:

Clean the surface 

Keeping your composite door clean not only enhances its appearance but also helps prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, which can lead to long-term damage. To clean the door's surface, use a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent.

Gently wipe the door, removing any dirt or grime, and rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the surface or finish of the door.

Touch up scratches 

Although composite doors are designed to be resistant to scratches and scuffs, accidents can happen. If you notice any scratches on your composite door, it's essential to address them promptly to maintain the door's appearance and prevent further damage.

Use a touch-up paint or repair kit specifically designed for composite doors to fix the issue. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results, ensuring the repair blends seamlessly with the surrounding area.

Maintain hardware

As with any door, it's crucial to inspect and maintain the hardware to ensure smooth operation and prevent potential security issues. Regularly check the door's hinges, handles, and locks for signs of wear or damage. 

Lubricate these components with a silicone spray or graphite lubricant at least twice a year to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust. If you notice any faulty or damaged hardware, replace it promptly to maintain your door's functionality and security.

Choose low maintenance with Flying Doors

At Flying Doors, we only use the finest quality materials to keep your doors as low maintenance as possible. Our realistic, composite wood grain makes for a super easy clean, and our lightweight uPVC means that your bifold door maintenance will be a piece of cake.

Get in touch with us today on 01246 917 914 to arrange a quote.