Wooden doors are timeless. They bring warmth, beauty, and character to any home. But, as with all natural materials, wood needs a little extra TLC when it comes to standing up to the elements. Without the proper care, even the best-crafted wooden doors can show signs of wear over time.
At RealCraft, we’re all about creating long-lasting products. So, let’s talk about how you can protect your wood doors from things like rain, sun, and humidity, ensuring they stay beautiful and functional for years to come.
Why Overhangs Are Essential
One of the biggest things you can do to protect your wood doors is installing an overhang. Think of it like an umbrella for your door—keeping the rain, sun, and snow at bay. We recommend a permanent overhang that extends out about 30% of the door’s height. So, for example, if your door is 100 inches tall, your overhang should extend at least 30 inches outward.
A retractable sunshade or temporary cover won’t cut it. An overhang is a must for any wood door that faces significant exposure to the elements. It’s one of those small details that make a big difference in keeping your door in top condition. Take a look at our recommended door protection plan for inspiration.
Rust on Hardware? Here’s How to Fix It
If you notice rust on any hardware like bolts or hinges, don’t panic! It’s an easy fix. Sometimes, during installation, the protective coating on hardware can get scratched, making it more susceptible to rust. All you need is a bit of touch-up paint. Just cover any rust spots with paint, and your hardware will be back to looking as good as new.
Water Stains and Leaks
Wood is a natural material, which means it will expand and contract depending on humidity, temperature, and moisture levels. If water is getting through or around your doors, especially near windows or joints, it’s usually a sign that more protection is needed. Consider adding caulking along panels and joints to prevent water intrusion. And, of course, keeping the door clean with mild soap and water helps prevent staining and buildup from rain and dirt.
What About Sun Exposure?
Direct sunlight, especially on darker painted or stained doors, can cause wood to expand and contract unevenly, leading to cracking or splitting in door panels. This happens when the panels are essentially “painted shut,” making it hard for them to adjust naturally to temperature changes. The fix? When painting or staining, make sure to leave room for panels to move freely. And again, a good overhang helps protect from the intense rays of the sun.
Preventative Maintenance for Long-Term Durability
For anyone investing in a beautiful wood door, a little bit of preventative care goes a long way. Adding weather-stripped astragals (those vertical strips that go between two swinging doors) can help seal out moisture and wind, extending the life of the doors. We can even send you astragals if you need them for added protection.
Seasonal Wood Front Door Maintenance Checklist
- Check the hinges and if necessary tighten or oil them as needed. Pay special attention to the top hinge, as it's the most likely to get pulled down first.
- Clean your door with a gentle, abrasive-free soap and warm water. Clean the hardware and use brass polish if relevant.
- If your door has glass, apply a dedicated glass cleaner to make your glass sparkling and clear. In the darker months, you'll need all the natural light that you can get!
- Check and adjust the door sweep. If you can see daylight in the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, the sweep or fin should be lowered. Not only does this keep your entryway cleaner, but it helps you save on energy bills. You'd be surprised how much hot or cold air escapes through gaps in doors.
- If your wood finish is oil based and doesn't require sanding, now is a good time to spot-reapply on any dry spots to seal it in from wind and rain.
In Short...
Wooden doors are stunning, but they do require a bit of extra love. With proper maintenance and some simple preventative measures—like touch-up paint for hardware, caulking around joints, and an overhang to block the elements—your door will look and perform beautifully for many years to come.
Note: If you'd like assistance with a project you have in mind, please do not leave a comment below, as we cannot respond to them. Please email sales@realcraft.com with your question and a sales consultant will get back to you.
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