Commercial establishments, residential buildings – your own home: All of them just gotta have doors! Doors are such an integral part of our living spaces that we rarely ponder on the value that they bring. If you are a new homeowner, you’ll quickly find that doors, which we so easily take for granted, can (and do) cost a pretty penny. In fact, when you start adding up the tab for the “necessary” home improvement items that have to be installed in the home, doors can take up a significant chunk of your budget – especially because, mind you, you’re unlikely to need just ONE.
Because investing in a good door can be costly, and a home will typically need more than one door, it’ll pay to take good care of your doors and avoid spending even more money to have them constantly replaced. Fortunately, it is possible – with very little effort – to take good care of your doors and make them outlast the lifespan of your home. Here are some tips on how to take care of the most common door varieties:
Check the finish periodically
Periodically inspect the paint or varnish, and if you notice slight chipping, touch it up. If large areas of the finishing have already been damaged, you can either refinish the entire door or hire a professional to do it for you. A door’s finish not only makes it look good, but also protects it from the elements. Taking care of the finish will ensure that your door lasts longer and that it remains protected against common causes of rot and damage.
Make sure that the hinges aren’t loose
Check the door hinges – if they are loose, the door can come out of alignment. When this happens, the hinges will loosen even further and, eventually, the door’s operation and overall condition will be affected.
Check the glass fittings
If your doors are fitted with glass, you should check for cracks and condensation. These are signs that you’ll need to replace the glass soon. If the glass if fine, all you’ll need to do is to wipe it clean regularly using a recommended cleaning solution to remove grime and loose dirt. Doing so will help keep the door intact with its original glass longer.
Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the door
Solvents, mineral spirits, and petroleum-based cleaning solutions can damage the door’s finish and weatherstrip, if you have one installed. The best cleaning products are the ones that are water-soluble, such as denatured alcohol which, when mixed water, can effectively remove grime and dirt without harming the finish. However, you need to test it on a small area before you begin cleaning the entire door.
Repaint the door with caution
Most doors have factory finishes that are meant to withstand years of wear and tear. If you need to repaint your doors, you’ll likely need to sand off the factory finish so that the new paint will adhere to the door’s surface. Before you do so, make sure that you’re using the right type of paint. If you’re not sure about a product, it’s best you consult a professional to avoid damaging the door.
Maintaining your doors on a regular basis will help them last for years, allowing you to make the most of them. If you should place your home on the market, you’ll be able to fetch a decent price because buyers will be able to tell that your home has been well maintained – yes – just by looking at your doors.
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About the Author:
Samuel Carter is the operations manager of Renewal by Andersen of Northern Virginia and DC. He enjoys being in a dynamic environment, something that his job constantly provides. He is committed to making clients happy, no matter how small or large the project is. Samuel also finds joy in writing, which allows him to share his home improvement knowledge and experiences.
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