During the summer months, you’re probably spending more time outdoors soaking up the warmth and sunshine. But you know what else is soaking up all that heat and sunshine? The doors to your home—and while it’s important to keep doors in shape all year long, the summer months bring unique challenges that can impact the condition and performance of your entryways. In this blog post, we’ll explore why door maintenance is so important during the summer and give you tips to keep them in top shape.
1. Preserve Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the most important reasons entry door maintenance is essential during the summer: A well-maintained door provides a barrier against heat transfer, helping keep your home cool and comfortable even when temperatures soar. Over time, gaps and cracks can develop between the door and the frame and weatherseal can fail, letting cool air conditioned air escape and giving warm outdoor air a way to seep in and heat up your home. This doesn't just affect your indoor comfort—it leads to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. To maintain energy efficiency, regularly inspect the weatherstripping around your door and replace it if it's damaged or worn. Watch this video for easy step-by-step directions on how to install weatherstripping correctly:
You should also inspect the bottom of the door to see if there are any gaps that let in hot exterior air and moisture. If there are openings, you may want to add a new door sweep or door bottom to create a tight seal.
2. Enhance Security
Summer is often synonymous with vacations and travel, making it essential to keep your home safe from potential intruders while you’re away. Weakened frames, loose hinges, or compromised locking mechanisms are some of the most common ways that doors become vulnerable to forced entry. Regularly inspect your door's hardware throughout the summer, including locks, deadbolts, and hinges. If needed, oil them with a suitable lubricant to keep them working smoothly, and if you notice any signs of damage or wear, such as loose screws or misalignment, fix them promptly to keep your home secure.
3. Prevent Water Damage
Summer showers can damage your doors quickly: wood doors can warp, rot, or swell and metal components can corrode, compromising the structural integrity of the door. Inspect doors regularly for any signs of moisture, such as water stains or mold growth. To protect wood doors from water damage, make sure they’re properly finished and sealed, and apply a fresh coat of paint or stain to wooden doors as needed, paying particular attention to exposed edges.
You should also check that gutters and downspouts are doing their job to prevent excessive water runoff that can damage your doors. Make sure they’re not clogged and consider adding gutter guards to keep water flowing freely.
4. Preserve Curb Appeal
Your entry door creates a welcoming impression for visitors and passersby. If it’s neglected—we’re talking peeling paint, dents, or visible wear—it can seriously detract from your home's curb appeal. Regular cleaning and maintenance will go a long way towards keeping your doors looking good. Start by removing any loose dirt, dust, or cobwebs from the surface with a soft-bristle brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Next, clean the door with a sponge or soft cloth dipped into a solution of mild detergent or dish soap mixed with warm water. To remove stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinse the door thoroughly with clean water and wipe it dry using a soft, lint-free cloth. If you have wooden doors, apply a protective sealant or polish to maintain their natural beauty.
Get Started Summer-Proofing Your Entry Way Doors
Maintaining your entry doors during the summer is essential for preserving energy efficiency, enhancing security, preventing water damage, and preserving curb appeal. By spending a little time and effort to inspect, clean, and address any issues, you can ensure that your doors remain functional, secure, and attractive for years to come.
