Spring Cleaning & Essential Maintenance for Your Composite Door

Spring maintenance for your composite door

As we welcome the brighter, longer spring days, it's the perfect time to give your composite door some well-deserved attention. Just like any part of your home, your door benefits from regular care to keep it looking pristine and functioning perfectly.

In this guide we'll walk you through essential maintenance that will keep your composite door in top condition while making sure your warranty remains protected.

Why Spring Maintenance Matters For Composite Doors

After the harsh winter months, your door may have accumulated dirt, grime and salt deposits from the UK’s wet and windy weather. A thorough spring clean isn't just about appearances, but also about maintaining the longevity of your door.

All our composite doors come with comprehensive guarantees - 10 years for profiles and neoprene seals, and 5 years for both glass and fittings. However, these guarantees are dependent on proper cleaning and maintenance, making regular upkeep crucial.

To keep your composite door in top condition, we recommend cleaning it every month. Spring presents the perfect opportunity to establish this routine if you haven't already. A thorough clean allows you to identify any minor issues before they develop into bigger problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

How To Inspect and Clean A Composite Door

Using the right cleaning methods and products is important to maintaining your door's appearance and functionality without causing damage.

Here’s our advice for cleaning your composite door :

• Door Leaf: Clean with warm soapy water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, steam cleaners, high-pressure washers, bleach, solvents or adhesives, as these can damage the door's finish.
• Door Frame: Again, warm soapy water is your best option for regular cleaning. For stubborn stains, use a specialised PVCu cleaner, making sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully. Never use abrasive materials on any part of your door.
• Glass: Clean external glass with warm soapy water first, then finish with a proprietary glass cleaner. For leaded glass, be aware that natural oxidisation will occur over time, which is perfectly normal.
• Hardware: Wipe handles, letter plates, spy holes, numbers and knockers with a clean cloth and warm water containing a mild detergent. Avoid solvents or abrasives such as acetone, scouring pads, or metal polish.
• Inspection: While cleaning, check for any dislodged gaskets, damaged seals, or loose hardware that might need attention.

How To Keep Your Composite Door Operating Smoothly

To make sure your composite door operates smoothly, we recommend proper lubrication of all moving parts. This will also extend the life of your door's hardware.

• Hinges: Lubricate every 6 months with a light engineering oil such as 3 in One or an equivalent. We don't recommend WD40 for moving parts, as it's primarily a cleaning agent and dries out quickly.
• Locks: Apply a Teflon-based lubricant every 6 months. Do not use graphite powder, as this can cause issues over time.
• Handles, Letter Plates & Other Hardware: All moving parts should be lubricated every 6 months with a light engineering oil.
• Weatherseals: If you notice any gaskets have become dislodged, simply slide them back into their grooves. If they appear damaged or broken, please contact us for replacements.
• Proper Locking: Always lift the handles on your door to fully engage the locking system. This compresses the door in its frame and provides an efficient, all-round weather-tight seal.

When To Call a Composite Door Professional

While regular maintenance can be handled by most homeowners, there are times when professional assistance is needed:

• Misaligned Doors: If your door is catching, dragging, or difficult to lock, it may need professional adjustment.
• Damaged Components: Broken locks, cracked glass, or damaged frames should be addressed by our experienced technicians.
• Warranty Considerations: Remember that general wear and tear along with storm damage are not covered under your guarantee. However, proper maintenance will minimise these issues.
• Coastal Areas: If you live within 25 miles of the coast or near building sites or industrial areas, more frequent lubrication of moving parts is particularly important.

Better Home Security and Energy Efficiency

With your door freshly cleaned and properly maintained this spring, you can enjoy the warmer months ahead, knowing your entryway is not only looking its best but functioning perfectly, too.

Regular maintenance will also ensure the door’s security and energy efficiency features continue working as designed.

Time for a Change?

Is your current door showing signs of wear that regular maintenance can't address? Or are you considering an upgrade?
We have an extensive range of composite door styles, colours and accessories to choose from, so give us a call on 01484 519677 or visit our Huddersfield showroom to discuss your options.