Is your entry door faded or warped from the sun? Is your stain or finish cracking and looking less vibrant? There are multiple factors that can cause your door finish to dull, and some changes can be made to help preserve your finish.
Weather: Outdoor elements can be harsh for your door. Excessive heat, cold or moisture can cause cracking, fading, warping and an uneven tone. Wood doors tend to have the most issues. Keeping a fresh stain and protectant on your door will help with the longevity of your finish. Consider upgrading to a fiberglass door, which can withstand dramatic weather with less maintenance.
Storm Doors: Storm doors can be a solution and a problem. A storm door is an effective way to protect your entry door’s finish if it’s not getting direct sunlight for the majority of the day. Your storm door will help keep moisture and harsh elements away from your entry door. If your entry door gets direct sunlight and you have a storm door, this can cause a heat buildup which can quickly cause damage to your door, especially stain finishes. One solution can be to purchase a vented storm door. During warmer weather, make sure your storm door has a retractable screen to help hot air escape. Just cracking the screen a few inches will make a huge difference.
Cleaning and Care: Most doors should only be cleaned with a mild dish soap, warm water and a clean washcloth. Using harsh detergents can cause damage to your door and remove the protective finish. Also, only clean your door and its glass when the door is cool to the touch. Applying a protectant to the door once a year can help preserve its finish. If repairs or refinishing is needed on a painted door, it should be completed with exterior grade latex paint. Stain finishes should be periodically refinished with a clear urethane coating.
Best Type of Door: The best type of door is a Fiberglass door. These doors require the least amount of maintenance and contain the best material for stains and paints. Wood requires constant maintenance and care to sustain its finish. Steel doors conduct hot and cold, so finishes on steel doors are not as reliable as Fiberglass doors.
Upgrade: Upgrading your door to a better material or finish will give you a head start on maintenance. Ask your contractor what the best materials, storm doors and finishes are for your situation. Depending on where you live, along with the amount of sun exposure and moisture your door is exposed to, an upgrade can make a big difference on what works best for your home.