The first thing someone will see when they visit your home is your front door.
Composite doors are known for their excellent durability and security, but they’re also becoming an increasingly popular choice thanks to how low-maintenance they are.
Yet, even the toughest doors will need a little TLC now and then, and to create the best first impression, you’ll want to keep up the maintenance on your door.
Read on below, and we will walk you through the typical maintenance a composite door will need, and how you can keep your door looking great.
Why Composite Doors Are Low Maintenance
Composite doors are built to last. Constructed from a combination of materials, typically glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), a solid timber or foam core and a UPVC frame, this is a great combination for a strong door. This means that your door won’t warp, crack or rot, will be weather resistant and will keep its colour for many years.
However, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance.
Regularly checking over and cleaning the door will help extend the lifespan of your door, keeping it looking new and preventing any small issues from developing into larger repairs.
How To Clean Your Composite Door
To clean your composite door, you’ll need a soft cloth, mild soapy water and a microfibre cloth.
If you want to give your door a deeper scrub, use a soft toothbrush, UPVC door cleaner and silicone spray for the hinges.
It’s best to avoid any abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, bleach or solvent-based products. These could damage the surface of your door.
Step 1: The Door Surface
Firstly, use a soft cloth or sponge to wash the door surface with warm, soapy water. This will wipe away dirt and dust.
Then, if your door has glazed panels, clean them with regular glass cleaner. To avoid streaks, dry the glass with a microfibre cloth.
Do this monthly to stop a buildup of dirt and grime.
Step 2: The Hardware
Next, use a damp cloth to clean the handle, letterbox, hinges and other metal hardware. If you have stubborn marks on the door, a UPVC-safe cleaner can be handy.
Once done, dry everything thoroughly to prevent tarnishing.
Step 3: Moving Parts
Every 6 months, you should use a silicone spray to lubricate the moving parts on the door. This includes the hinges, door latch and locking points, and the keyhole.
Our top tip is to avoid WD-40 on the locking mechanism, as it attracts dust that can build up over time.
Step 4: The Door Frame
Don’t forget to wipe the frame down with soapy water. You can also use a toothbrush to get into any tight areas and clean down the seals. It’s also worth cleaning the threshold, as this is where you’ll usually find mud and leaves collect.
What Is Tea Staining?
Tea staining is commonly found the stainless steel hardware of un-maintained composite doors. Resultant of the build up and oxidation of surface contaminates, it can change the colour of the door if left for long periods.
All you need to do to avoid tea staining is give your door a wipe down, removing any dirt build up and this should stop the problem.
If you’ve bought a house with a composite door that already has tea staining due to poor maintenance from previous homeowners, consider a safe cleaning agent.
How Do I Clear A Blocked Drainage Hole On A Composite Door?
Composite doors have a built-in drainage system consisting of slots and holes in the threshold. Once of twice a year, check for dirt build up in these drainage holes, and ensure proper drainage. If you notice water pooling between the weather seals of your door, this may indicate that the drainage holes need clearing.
What Are Common Composite Door Maintenance Mistakes?
There are a few common mistakes that people make when cleaning their composite door. Often people will think that because they’re tough, they can take harsh chemical and cleaners, but this isn’t the case.
Make sure to not:
- Pressure wash the door, as this can damage the seals and surface.
- Use harsh cleaning chemicals or bleach, as this can fade the door and discolour it.
- Forget the hinges and locks, as they can become stiffer over time and seize.
Long-Term Composite Door Care Tips
To keep your composite door in great condition for many years to come, taking care of it and being considerate with how you use it is key.
If the door gets scuffed or marked, try using a non-abrasive UPVC cleaner or a special composite door cleaner. This can help to restore the finish of the door with minimal effort.
You should also avoid slamming the door, as this puts unnecessary strain on the frame, lock, and hinges. This can lead to long-term wear and even misalignment of the door.
Another good check to carry out the seals and gaskets around the door periodically. If they are loose, cracked or show signs of general wear, it’s a good idea to look to replace them.
These are all small and simple habits to keep up and will keep your door looking great for years to come.
What Should I Do If My Composite Door's Hinges Have Dropped?
Dropped hinges are part of the normal wear and tear of a composite door. They’ll only need minor adjustment to fix them.
To avoid the hinges dropping on your composite door, spray the hinges every so often with a light oil lubricant.
How Do I Fix Sticky Locks On A Composite Door?
Regular maintenance on your door locks can avoid a sticky lock. Use a grease lubricant every 6-months or so, and for the door cylinder, use a silicone or graphite-based lubricant.
Composite doors are definitely built to last, but starting a little routine of maintenance will go a long way when it comes to keeping it in top condition. Following these simple steps will preserve its appearance and keep up the kerb appeal of your home.
If you have a question about composite door maintenance, or perhaps you’re considering upgrading your old door, get in touch with the team here at Seal-Lite. We’d love to help and provide you with all the expert, impartial advice you need.