Composite doors have become popular for homeowners due to their durability, energy efficiency and low maintenance requirements. However, like any other part of your home, composite doors also require frequent upkeep to keep them looking and functioning their best.
This article will provide ways to help you maintain your composite door, from cleaning and lubrication to adjusting hardware to provide long-lasting functionality, security and kerb appeal.
Regular Cleaning
It’s recommended that you clean composite doors at least every three months to maintain their appearance and longevity.
Use a soft sponge or cloth soaked in warm soapy water to remove dirt and grime effectively. Rinse with fresh water and dry with a clean cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals and rough materials that could damage the door’s coating.
For composite doors with glass designs, use soapy water and a sponge, then finish with glass cleaner for a streak-free shine.
Maintenance
Regular inspection is crucial for preserving the longevity of your composite door and ensuring it functions efficiently.
Repair any scratches, cracks or dents in the surface or frame promptly. While minor scratches can often be buffed out with a non-abrasive cloth, professional treatment may be required for more severe damage.
To maintain the hardware components of your composite door, such as hinges and locks, use a high-quality specialist oil applied with a dry cloth to prevent rust and corrosion. Lubricating with oil can also prevent hinges from becoming squeaky.
Avoid using WD40, as it dries too quickly and may not effectively lubricate the door.
Paintwork
Composite doors are manufactured with colour embedded in the plastic skin to enhance durability and longevity – eliminating the need for repainting and ensuring consistent appearance throughout their lifespan. However, extreme weather and keys can still damage the paintwork, making maintenance essential for the door’s aesthetic appeal.
Avoid using standard exterior paint, for it can result in poor adhesion, chipping and peeling, ultimately compromising the composite door’s durability and appearance. Instead, mend minor scratches with a touch-up pen in matching colour.
To protect the paint from excessive fading or peeling over time and enhance overall kerb appeal, consider investing in a canopy.
Adjust or Change Door Hardware
Over time, the door’s hardware, such as handles, latches, hinges, strike plates and locks, may become loose or misaligned.
Regularly check all screws and bolts and tighten them if necessary. In addition, inspect the hinges and strike plates and adjust them if they are not performing correctly to ensure proper closure.
In addition, you can change the handles and the letterbox and add a few personal touches to enhance and maintain its aesthetic look.
Maintain the Door’s Surroundings
The area surrounding your solid core composite doors can impact their longevity and performance. For instance, an overgrown garden can obstruct access, attract pests, trap excess moisture, cause damage, reduce visibility and security and ultimately diminish the door’s aesthetic appeal.
Hence, it is important to manage the surrounding garden properly. This includes regularly trimming and pruning plants, bushes and trees to prevent obstruction and ensure proper drainage around the entrance. This will help prevent issues caused by an overgrown garden.
Getting Help with Maintenance
If you are unsure how to proceed with the maintenance of your door or would prefer to throw caution to the wind, then contact your supplier for help. You could also check their website for a maintenance guide. For instance, they may suggest a material such as dry or Teflon spray for moving components such as the lock and provide guidance on its application. Other examples would be graphite powder for the cylinder and light engineering oil for the hinges.
