A quick clean really gives doors that sleek, shiny look; but what about the long term? To maintain that shine for years on end, a little extra care is required. Below are some long-term care tips to keep your steel doors in good condition.
Steel Doors Are An Investment
Exterior steel doors can be thought of as the ‘best pair’ of winter boots-they are reliable and manufactured to fight Toronto weather. However, nobody walks through the snow in those boots without having applied the oil first. Similarly, your steel doors also need a little care from time to time. A little now can save lots of time and dollars later.
Regular Cleaning: Simple Yet Essential
Cleaning is the backbone of maintaining your steel doors. Considering how much your steel door is subjected to weather beating in GTA, occasional cleaning after every couple of months, or even more often if it is presented under worse conditions important.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide:
- Materials: Soft cloth or sponge, mild soap, and warm water. The cleaners that must be avoided are those containing abrasives, which scratch the surface of steel and further remove protective coatings.
- Wipe Down the Door: Start by wiping down the door with a soft, semi-damp cloth to remove surface dust and dirt.
- Apply Mild Soap: In warm water, mix in mild soap. Gently scrub the door, paying more attention to areas that have collected dirt and grime.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use a clean, damp cloth and wipe off the soap residue. If some soap remains on the surface, it may attract more dirt with time.
- Dry Thoroughly: Use a completely dry towel to wipe down the door, ensuring no residual moisture that can rust it.
Winter Tip: Pay attention to your doors throughout winter. Salt and grit are corrosive just like snow left on your car. A little check and clean now will make a whole lot of difference in keeping your doors well for years.
Regular Inspection: Catch Problems Early
Regular inspections help to identify minor problems before they become significant issues. Every couple of months, take a look at your steel doors from inside and out. Look for small signs of wear and tear, which can include rust spots or chipping paint.
What to Watch For:
- Rust Spots: Even a tiny rust spot can get out of control if left untreated. Catch them early.
- Paint Chips: If the paint chips off, the exposed metal rusts in moist conditions. Touch up chipped areas quickly.
- Weather Stripping: It should be intact, as besides energy efficiency, it blocks drafts and prevents dampness.
Treating Rust: Catch It Early
If you do happen to find rust during any of your inspections, don’t sweat it-it’s controllable. Immediately remove the rust so that your steel doors can remain in the best condition possible.
Rust Treatment Steps:
- Light Sanding: Take some fine-grit sandpaper and lightly do some sanding on the rusty area; try removing as much rust as possible.
- Cleaning: Clean the dust away with a clean cloth.
- Apply rust-resistant: paint on the dried area, then top it with normal color-matching paint of the door.
- Let It Dry: Allow it to dry out completely before using the door.
Why It Matters: The weather in Toronto can be cruel on steel, treating rust in time stops damage in its track—like nipping a small roof leak in the bud—much easier than having it spread and become a bigger, more costly headache.
Repainting: Keeping Your Steel Doors Fresh
Even the best paint will eventually fade or chip. As your steel doors start to show signs of wear, repainting them does more than just give them a pretty appearance; you get extra security from the weather.
Pro Tip: For the best, durable protection, use a premium, exterior-rated paint. Ensure that the paint you settle for is meant to resist the elements, whether it be rust from rain and salt or temperature fluctuations.
Weatherstripping: Unsung Hero
The thing that makes your steel door the unsung hero for your home is weatherstripping. Your house will have that sense of being energy efficient and comfortable in the varied GTA climate, keeping out winter’s chill and summer’s heat.
Periodic Inspection
Every two months or so, take a good look at the weather stripping. If it is worn out or if you feel cold air getting in, then immediately replace it. It’s a very simple repair that will make quite a difference in comfort and energy efficiency for your house.
Long-Term Support
You will never feel “at sea” when it comes to the upkeep of your steel doors-be it dealing with rust or even the thought of repainting. Do you need new front doors? Get in touch now for a FREE estimate!