When you install a beautiful Andersen door, you might wonder what you could do to prolong the life of the door since you won't want to replace it for a long time. There are several maintenance steps you should take around springtime to prolong the life of your door.
Cleaning Your Door
Spring is the perfect time to clean your exterior door. Because the weather will be cooler, you won't be out in the beating sun as you maintain your door, but the paint will also dry faster than it would during the winter.
If you live in a coastal area, you will want to clean and inspect your door more often because of the effects that high salt and moisture levels can have on your door. Make sure to use the right type of cleaner for the door that you have chosen. With a wood door, you'll want to use a more gentle cleaner. For example, consider washing your door with diluted dish soap. Start with one area of the door and gradually work to other areas once you are satisfied with the results.
Do not allow water to pool anywhere on the door. Try to use a minimal amount of water and soak up any water you can using a cloth. One way to minimize the amount of water you use is to put water in a spray bottle. Never use a power washer or garden hose because this could potentially damage the door.
Painting Your Door
If you live in an area that has a strong sun, you'll likely see more peeling paint, especially during the summer. But as long as you keep your door painted, you won't have anything to worry about. If some of the paint peels, you might also need to sand the area before applying a coat of paint.
Replacing Hardware
Inspect the hardware to determine if anything is loose. For example, if you notice that the knob or hinges are loose, make sure to tighten them. A defective door might become a security risk and might also prevent you from getting into and out of your home.
Fixing the Weatherstripping
Check the weatherstripping to make sure that you don't feel a draft. If you do feel a draft, make sure to replace it. Each of these modifications will make your door last long, will make it more secure and will also make it more energy-efficient.
