Over time you may notice that your entry door sticks, creaks or does not close as easily as it did when it was first installed. Because a house is usually constructed from organic material, it is susceptible to wear and tear. In addition, wood expands and contracts through changing weather.
Natural materials like wood, will obtain wear and tear over time. Front doors made of wood will expand and contract through changing weather. This may affect your front door, after the time that your house has naturally settled. You may find that your front door creaks, sticks when opening and closing or begins to leak air.
Repairing a Sticking Front Door
A number of factors may result in a front door sticking, with simple fixes. First of all, check that hinges and edges of your front door are free from dirt, which will build up over time. If your door continues to stick, try tightening the hinges If the door continues to stick, try sanding the edges of the door.
Fixing Squeaky Hinges
Over time and extended use, your front door may begin to squeak when opening and closing. A silicone lubricant should resolve the issue. Remove and lightly scrub the pin, barrel and hinge leaves with steel wool. Then coat all the pieces with a thin layer of silicone spray or a light penetrating oil, and replace.
Repairing Dents
Dents in entry doors should be repaired as quickly as you can. Steel front doors can be repaired it using an auto filler. Sand down the damaged area until you see the metal. The auto filler is then applied in thin layers, which when completed will need additional sanding. Once you have achieved a smooth surface, the area can be primed and painted.
Stopping Air Leaks
Air leaks in front doors can cause cold drafts throughout hallways and rooms. To prevent drafts, your front door should be sealed. Check the caulk around the door, and replace it if it shows any damage or gaps. Weatherstripping is another option for stopping air leaks.This means adding a later around your door, also called a weather board. The angle of the weatherboard directs rain away from the bottom of the door.
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