Seasonal Door Maintenance: Preparing for Winter and Summer

The concept of seasonal maintenance is an important one for many of our homes’ most important components, and exterior doors of any kind are a great example. In places like Utah and Idaho, seasonal maintenance needs for doors tend to coalesce around the winter and summer seasonal transitions.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re proud to serve as your one-stop shop for all things entry doors, exterior doors, garage doors, Pella windows and more around Utah and Idaho. With locations in Salt Lake City, St. George and Boise alike, we’re perfectly positioned to serve clients around both states. Here are some general door maintenance tips for both winter and summer, all of which our team of door experts is here to assist you with however necessary.

Summer Door Maintenance Tips

Here are several important door maintenance tips for the summer season we’re entering currently:

Basic Lubrication

In places like Idaho and especially Utah, the latter of which is primarily a desert climate, dryness can become an issue during summer. This is a logical time for your door to fail, as there’s typically not much humidity in the air.

To prevent this from happening at all, add some basic lubrication to any of the moving parts on your door that require it. Most often, you can do this by simply using WD-40 or another common lubricant product – if you’re unsure about which areas need lubrication, just ask one of our pros and we’ll be happy to show you.

Check for Expansion or Warping

Another common issue that arises during the summer months is expansion or warping of your doors. This can occur due to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause the wood or material of your door to expand or contract. If you notice excessive gaps between your door and its frame, or if it becomes difficult to open and close, this may be a sign of expansion or warping.

To prevent this from happening, make sure to regularly inspect your doors for any signs of damage or warping. If necessary, use a level to ensure that your door is still properly aligned and adjust the hinges as needed.

Weatherstripping

For many exterior doors, weatherstripping plays an important role in keeping out drafts and maintaining energy efficiency. Over time, weatherstripping can become worn or damaged, leading to gaps that allow air and moisture to enter your home.

Early in the summer, after the long Utah winter, it pays to check your weatherstripping for any signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged or missing weatherstripping to ensure that your doors are properly sealed and insulated.

You can also consider upgrading to higher-quality weatherstripping materials, such as foam or vinyl, which can provide better insulation and last longer than traditional options like felt or rubber.

Hardware Adjustment or Tightening

Another issue that could have arisen across the winter period is certain hardware on your door becoming loose or misaligned. This could include hinges, handles, or the lock mechanism itself.

Take some time to inspect all hardware and make any necessary adjustments or tighten any screws that may have come loose. This will not only ensure that your door is functioning properly but also help prevent any potential security risks.

Painting or Refinishing

Summer is also an ideal time to give your front door a fresh coat of paint or a new finish. Over the winter months, harsh weather conditions can cause wear and tear on the surface of your door, leading to chipping or fading.

By repainting or refinishing your front door, you not only improve its appearance but also protect it from future damage. Make sure to properly prepare and prime the surface before painting or refinishing for best results.

Winter Door Maintenance Tips

For most doors, some of the same maintenance areas as summer should also be carried out this winter. These include lubrication, hardware adjustments and weatherstripping inspections.

There are also a few other winter-specific areas to consider, however:

Sealing Drafts

During the winter period, ensuring your door is sealed correctly is vital. Not only will this prevent drafts and keep your home warmer, but it can also save you money on heating bills. Inspect the weatherstripping around your door and replace any damaged or worn parts. Consider adding a draft guard at the bottom of the door for added protection against cold air.

De-Icing

If you live in an area where winter temperatures drop below freezing, it’s important to regularly de-ice your door and surrounding areas. This prevents ice from building up and potentially damaging the door or its components. Use a de-icing spray or mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to safely remove ice without causing damage.

Door Alignment Checks

To ensure that your garage door is functioning properly, it’s important to regularly check its alignment. This involves visually inspecting the tracks and springs to make sure they are in place and free of debris. If you notice any misalignment or damage, it’s best to call a professional for repairs.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re proud to assist with all your door maintenance needs around Utah and Idaho. Contact us today for a free estimate and to schedule an inspection.