Interior & Exterior Doors
Proper care extends the life of your doors, keeps them operating smoothly, and preserves their appearance. Follow these tips to protect your investment.
General Maintenance (All Doors)
Cleaning
- Dust or wipe down doors regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
- For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution — avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can damage finishes.
- Wipe in the direction of the wood grain on wood or wood-look doors.
Hardware Care
- Lubricate hinges, locks, and latches every 6–12 months with a silicone-based or graphite lubricant. Avoid petroleum-based oils, which attract dirt.
- Check and tighten any loose screws in hinges, handles, and strike plates as needed.
Inspection
- Periodically check that the door opens, closes, and latches smoothly.
- Watch for sticking, dragging, or gaps that could indicate the door or frame has shifted.
Interior Door Care
- Finish touch-ups: Painted or stained interior doors may need occasional touch-ups in high-traffic areas. Sand lightly before reapplying finish.
- Humidity control: Wood doors can swell or shrink with seasonal humidity changes. Use a humidifier/dehumidifier to maintain stable indoor humidity (ideally 30–50%) and reduce sticking or gapping.
- Hinges: Interior doors see frequent use — lubricate hinges at the first sign of squeaking.
- Closet/bifold/sliding doors: Keep tracks free of dust and debris; vacuum tracks periodically for smooth operation.
Exterior Door Care
Exterior doors face sun, rain, and temperature swings, so they require more frequent attention.
Finish & Weather Protection
- Inspect the finish (paint, stain, or clear coat) every 6 months for signs of fading, cracking, or peeling, especially on doors with direct sun exposure.
- Refinish or reseal wood exterior doors every 1–3 years, depending on sun/weather exposure.
- Fiberglass and steel doors generally need less frequent refinishing but should still be inspected for chips or scratches that expose the substrate, which can lead to rust (steel) or moisture damage.
Weatherstripping & Seals
- Check weatherstripping around the frame and the door sweep at the bottom twice a year (ideally before summer and winter).
- Replace weatherstripping that is cracked, compressed, or no longer sealing tightly — this prevents drafts and improves energy efficiency.
Hardware & Security
- Exterior locks and deadbolts see heavy use — lubricate the locking mechanism annually.
- Inspect the threshold for wear, water pooling, or gaps that could let in moisture or pests.
Drainage & Sealing
- Ensure the area around the threshold slopes away from the door to prevent water pooling.
- Recaulk exterior trim and the perimeter of the frame if you notice cracked or missing caulk, typically every 2–3 years.
Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
| Season | Task |
|---|---|
| Spring | Inspect and refresh caulk/weatherstripping; lubricate hardware |
| Summer | Check finish for sun damage; touch up as needed |
| Fall | Inspect door sweep and seals before cold weather |
| Winter | Watch for sticking due to humidity/temperature changes |
When to Call a Professional
- Persistent sticking or misalignment that shimming can’t fix (may indicate foundation or frame settling)
- Water intrusion or visible rot around the frame or threshold
- Locks or deadbolts that no longer engage smoothly
- Warping or delamination on fiberglass/composite doors
Questions about caring for your specific door? Reach out to our team — we’re happy to provide product-specific maintenance recommendations.
