Buyer Guide

Care and Maintenance

A little upkeep goes a long way. Here's how to keep your doors looking new for decades, whether you have wood, fiberglass, or steel.

The Basics for Every Door

Wipe down monthly with a soft cloth and mild soap. Rinse and dry.
Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or ammonia based products.
Check the weatherstripping every season. Replace if compressed or torn.
Lubricate hinges and locks once a year with a silicone or graphite spray. Skip WD-40 on locks. It attracts grime.
Watch for standing water on the threshold. That's a sign of a failing seal.

Wood Doors

Wood is beautiful but demands the most attention, especially exterior wood doors in Texas sun.

Interior

Dust and wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Use furniture polish sparingly if the finish looks dry. Interior wood doors usually go 10 plus years between refinishes.

Exterior

Inspect the finish every 6 months. Look for fading, cracking, or dull spots. Refinish or reseal every 2 to 4 years depending on sun exposure. Doors facing south or west get hit hardest.

Texas heads up: A dark stained wood door on a west facing entry with no overhang will need attention every year or two. Consider a fiberglass door with a wood grain finish if you love the look but hate the upkeep.

Fiberglass Doors

Low maintenance by design. Wash with mild soap and water. That's usually it.

Refinish or repaint every 5 to 10 years if you want to freshen the color.
Fiberglass doesn't warp, crack, or rot, but check for cosmetic dings and scratches. Touch up kits are available.
Inspect the sweep and weatherstripping annually.

Steel Doors

Durable but watch for rust and dents.

Wash with mild soap and water. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
Small dents can usually be pulled or filled and repainted.
Touch up any paint chips right away. Bare metal will rust fast in humid weather.
Inspect the bottom edge annually. That's where rust starts.

Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

Spring

Wash exterior doors. Inspect finish and weatherstripping after winter. Touch up any damage.

Summer

Check wood doors on sun facing walls for fading or cracking. Refinish if needed before fall.

Fall

Replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps before cold weather. Lubricate hinges and locks.

Winter

Watch for drafts, sticking doors, or condensation. Address early before the frame swells or warps.

Signs It's Time to Replace

Visible rot or warping on wood doors.
Persistent drafts even after replacing weatherstripping.
Door won't latch, drags, or won't stay closed.
Rust that's eaten through steel.
Cracked or broken glass panels.
The door is 20 plus years old and the finish is beyond repair.

A new door pays for itself in energy savings and curb appeal faster than you'd think. When it's time, come see us.

Time for a New Door?

Stop by the showroom or give us a call. We'll help you pick a door that fits your home and your maintenance style.

Call 512.551.2904 Back to Resources