A new front door from Glacier Glass is built to last for decades, but even the highest quality door needs a little bit of care to stay in top shape. From our freezing winters to our hot summers, a door in Regina works hard every day to protect your home.
This simple guide will walk you through a quick, easy maintenance routine that can prevent common issues, extend your door’s lifespan, and keep it looking and functioning like new.
1. The Annual Inspection: A Quick Check-Up
Once a year, we recommend doing this in the fall before winter hits. Take 15 minutes to give your door a thorough inspection. A proactive approach is always better than waiting for a problem to arise.
- Check the Weatherstripping: Is there a draft coming through? Run your hand along the sides and bottom of the door when it’s closed. Check for cracks, tears, or signs of wear. Worn-out weatherstripping can lead to significant heat loss and will need to be replaced.
- Inspect the Door’s Surface: Look for any chips, scratches, or peeling paint. Catching a small issue early can prevent it from turning into a major one, like a rust spot on a steel door or a moisture problem in a wood or fiberglass door.
- Test the Hardware: Check the doorknob, handle, and lock. Do they feel loose? Tighten any loose screws on the hinges and hardware. A misaligned door can be a sign that the hinges need attention.
2. Keeping it Clean: A Simple Wash
Your door faces a lot of dirt, dust, and grime from rain, wind, and daily use. A simple annual or bi-annual cleaning can make a huge difference.
- The Go-To Solution: For almost any door material, steel, fiberglass, or painted wood, all you need is a mild solution of warm water and a little bit of dish soap.
- The Process: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a sponge to gently wipe down the entire door, from top to bottom. For stubborn spots, a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar can work well.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the door thoroughly with a hose (at a low pressure!) to remove all soap residue, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.
- A Word of Warning: Never use a power washer on your door, as the high pressure can damage the finish, ruin the seal around glass inserts, or force water into gaps.
3. Silence is Golden: Lubricating Hinges and Locks
A squeaky door is not only annoying, but it’s also a sign of friction and wear. Lubricating the moving parts of your door is a simple task that can extend the life of your hardware and keep things running smoothly.
- For the Hinges: Use a silicone or lithium grease spray. These are the best options because they are “dry” lubricants that won’t attract dust and dirt. Simply spray a small amount into the hinge joints. You may need to remove the hinge pin for a more thorough application, but a quick spray is often enough to solve the problem.
- For the Locks: Locks can become sticky over time due to dirt buildup. Use a graphite spray lubricant, a dry powder specifically designed for lock mechanisms. Insert the straw into the lock, give it a quick spray, and then work the key in and out a few times to distribute the lubricant.
- What to Avoid: Stay away from products like WD-40, as they are penetrating oils, not long-term lubricants. They can attract more dirt and dust, making the problem worse over time.
4. Material-Specific Care Tips
While the above tips apply to most doors, here are a few specific points for steel and fiberglass, the two most popular choices in our climate.
- Steel Doors: If you notice a scratch, address it quickly. Scratches that expose the steel can rust, which can be difficult to fix. You may need to touch up the spot with a rust-inhibiting primer and paint.
- Fiberglass Doors: These are incredibly low-maintenance but still need protection from the sun. If your door is in direct, constant sunlight without a protective overhang, consider applying a UV-protective topcoat every few years to prevent color fading.
Your Door is a Valuable Investment
By spending a little time each year on these simple maintenance steps, you can ensure your door continues to provide the security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal you expect. A well-cared-for door isn’t just a functional entryway, it’s a testament to a well-maintained, comfortable home.
If you have a door that is beyond simple maintenance and repair, or if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-performance upgrade, contact Glacier Glass today. We’re here to help you find a door that will serve your home for decades to come