Your exterior doors welcome guests into your home and make a first impression. They also play a large role in protecting your most valuable belongings from intruders, harsh weather, and other environmental factors. Though they can be easy to overlook, exterior doors are crucial to the health of your home and should be regularly cared for. If you want to keep your doors in great shape long-term, follow this maintenance checklist:

Clean Regularly

Exterior doors are used frequently, and that means dirt, grime, and bacteria can build up on it. To keep it clean, regularly sanitize the inside and outside handles. Then use a gentle cleaning product and a soft cloth to wipe down dirt, fingerprints, or other dirt that has accumulated on the exterior. Rinse it with water, let it air dry, then sit back and enjoy the fresh, clean look!

Prepare for Harsh Weather

If you have exterior doors made of wood, keep in mind that these are prone to a bit of shrinkage during the colder months of fall and winter. Meanwhile, they will expand slightly during hot summer days. To keep your doors properly sealed and protected from the outside world, it’s important to ensure your weather stripping is always intact. You will also want to keep the door painted with products that combat moisture to prevent warping, rotting, or other water damage.

Repair Damage

Your exterior doors make your home look great, and they also provide an extra level of safety for your home. If the door is damaged in a way that prevents it from doing its job, don’t ignore it. For example, if there is damage to the frame or you notice peeling paint, get repairs as soon as possible. Even small problems could build over time and lead to malfunctions or damage to areas around the door, like the siding.

Replace If Necessary

If your doors are beyond repair, or they simply haven’t been replaced in decades, it’s a good idea to replace them before the coldest days of the year arrive. New doors are energy efficient, helping seal warm inside air in place. They also help keep external noise at bay and will add value and curb appeal to your house.

Your Local Exterior Door Experts

Want to keep your exterior door in great shape? Turn to the experts at Lifetime Windows & Doors! Our highly trained technicians have been installing doors for more than two decades, and we have an incredible number of quality options to choose from. Whether you want a custom door, a patio replacement, or a simple entry door for the front of your home, we have dozens of style options for you to choose from! Our team can also walk you through care and maintenance, so you can keep your door like new for years to come. Just call us today to get your free quote!