Timber doors bring a timeless beauty to homes and it is a great way to infuse character to living spaces. But when you have timber doors in your home, you have to consider regular maintenance so that they retain their appearance and durability.
You need to have a regular cleaning routine for custom profile doors. Always use a mild cleaner that is not abrasive so that it doesn’t affect the finish of the timber door. You can use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the surface of the door with the cleaner focusing on the decorative elements, hinges and handles. During routine cleaning, make sure to inspect the door for any damage or signs of wear. This can be dents in the wood, cracks or chips. If you notice any damage, you will need to carry out repairs so that further damage can be prevented. You can reach out to the manufacturer of the door and ask whether they do repairs. Smaller repairs can even be done by you such as filling in minor cracks using wood filler or tightening loose hinges. Addressing these issues early on will help you maintain the structural integrity of the door.
Moisture can be very damaging
To timber and it can cause the door to warm, swell or in severe cases, rot. This is why it is so important to properly seal and finish the doors. High quality wood sealant or varnish has to be applied dot he door so that it acts as a protective barrier against moisture. The bottom of the door is most prone to water exposure so you need to pay more attention to this. Also, if the door is located somewhere where it is exposed to direct sunlight, it can fade so you will need to use a UV resistant finish. The finish of the timber door can wear away over time when exposed to the elements so you need to inspect its condition and consider repainting or refinishing it if you notice signs of wear. You will need to strip off the old finish to do this and sand the surface so that it is prepared to accept a new coat of varnish or paint. This will give additional protection to the door especially if it is installed in your building envelope.
Insect infestations can damage
The wood so you need to inspect the doors for signs of insect activity. Some signs you can look for are a sawdust like material pooling near the door, small homes on the door or audible tapping sounds. If you suspect that there is an infestation, you will need to consult with a professional pest control service. There should be proper ventilation so that it prevents the build-up of moisture. As mentioned above, moisture can be very damaging so you need to have sufficient air circulation. Weather stripping can be used to seal gaps so that drafts can be prevented but blocking off ventilation completely should be avoided. This can contribute to mould growth.
