There are many different types of doors you can choose from. Fibreglass doors are at the top of the list for many homeowners. They look great, enhance your curb appeal, and add to the overall presentation of your home. People choose them for many reasons. They are strong and secure and customizable. These factors give you peace of mind and allow you to make changes to the door to match your home design and personal preferences. In this blog we are going to talk about how to maintain fibreglass door in 5 easy steps.
Like any other type of front entry door, you will need to perform some maintenance from time to time to get the most out of your investment in the door. You want it to look is very best at all times. In this blog, we provide you with some simple to follow tips to maintain your fibreglass front entry door:
Step 1: Check The Warranty
Always save all the paperwork when you purchase a front entry door, including the warranty information. It provides you with important information. Before you attempt to do any updates to a fibreglass door, always check the warranty to see if you are covered. Some issues may be covered by your warranty. Why go thorough the work when you do not need to if its covered?
Step 2: Follow Manufacturer Instructions
Hopefully, you saved the manufacturer care manual that comes with the door. This will provide you important information to care for your door. Fibreglass doors are different than other door types such as wood or steel. Therefore, how you clean and maintain them will also be different. Check the manufacturer instructions to get any tips or advice about cleaning, painting, staining, and general maintenance. This will save you from making a mistake that could do damage to your door.
Step 3: Clean Your Fibreglass Doors
Dirt, dust, and grime builds up over time. Sometimes it is more difficult to notice than you would expect. Cleaning your fibreglass doors is a simple and straightforward process. It will only take you a few minutes of your time to clean your door and have it looking its best. Follow these steps:
- Mix the cleaning solution: Use a basic cleaning solution to clean the door. Mix to cups of warm water, 2 tablespoons of dish soap, and one-quarter cup of baking soda. Mix the ingredients.
- Spray the door: Using a spray bottle, apply the cleaning solution on the door evenly.
- Wipe: Wipe your door clean using a dry cloth.
- Repeat if necessary: Repeat the process if necessary.
Clean your door multiple times per year or whenever you notice its dirty. Cleaning your door is really that simple. Its also a reason why homeowners love fibreglass doors so much. Some manufacturers have specific cleaning instructions. Consult the care manual for your door brand manufacturer.
Step 4: Check The Fibreglass Door Hardware
Door hardware is something that often gets overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Most people remember to clean the door but pay little attention to the hardware fixtures unless something significant is wrong with them.
One thing is for sure – your fibreglass door hardware will get a lot of action over time. Hinges, knobs, stoppers, locks, and other components will wear out over time if you do not care for them properly. When you clean your doors, it is a good idea to check out the hardware.
Apply some oil to the hinge pins to keep them properly lubricated. Check the lock to make sure its tight and secure. Also, check all the screws and bolts to ensure they are secure. Tighten if necessary. If you notice damage, or if you simply way to change the look of the door without replacing it, you can update the lock, handle and kickplate, and other hardware. Changing out hardware components is easy. Check with the door manufacturer to ensure you get the right replacement parts.
Step 5: Painting And Staining Fibreglass Doors
Many homeowners make the decision to paint or stain their fibreglass doors if they start to look dated over time. It is a great way to change the look and feel of your front entry way without having to replace the door. And all it takes is a can of paint or stain, some brushes and a couple hours of your time.
You can paint and stain your fibreglass doors just like you would a wood door. But, before you do, check to see if the door finish is still covered by the manufacturer warranty. If its not, follow these steps:
- Choose a paint or stain colour
- Decide if you want to paint it yourself or hire a professional
- Choose the day
- Complete the job
As you can see, maintaining your fibreglass door is a simple process. Follow the above steps a few times per year to get the most out of your doors. So, these are some steps for how to maintain fibreglass door.
Fibreglass Door FAQs
Planning some maintenance work on your fibreglass door? Check out these commonly asked maintenance and repair questions we receive frequently from our customers:
Should I Use Chemical Cleaners On A Fibreglass Door?
No. It is not recommended you use harsh chemical cleaners on your fibreglass doors. It could cause surface damage. So, save the money and stick to water and soap. Check with your manufacturer manual to see a list of approved cleaning products.
Should I Paint Or Stain A Fibreglass Door?
It is really up to you. The benefit of a fibreglass door is that you can do either. Its really a matter of personal preference and the type of look you are going for with your door. However, most people choose to paint their doors over staining. Painting tends to be easier than staining.
What Is The Best Type Of Paint For Fibreglass Doors?
If you are planning to paint your fibreglass door, its important to choose the right paint type. Its recommended you use an acrylic latex paint. Acrylic paints adhere well to fibreglass surfaces. This paint is also less likely to chip or crack. Plus, its easy to clean and wipe down. Applying a couple coats of paint will make your door look new again.
Can You Power Wash A Fibreglass Door?
It is possible to pressure wash your door. But its important to not get too close or use too much power or you could end up stripping off some of the paint. Use a wider tip nozzle if you choose to power wash the door.
How Should I Prepare My Fibreglass Door For Painting?
The first step is to clean your door. Make sure its clear of dirt and debris. You want the surface to be complete clean and dry. Do not sand fibreglass doors. To make painting easier, remove the hardware.
How Hard Is It To Stain A Fibreglass Door?
Staining is often not recommended for fibreglass doors because it is more challenging than staining wood. How you apply it, and the number of coats will vary. But you can stain this type of door if you have a desire to do so.
How Can I Get The Most Out Of My Fibreglass Door?
All homeowners want to get the most out of their investment in the door they purchase. The most important factor is to follow a regular maintenance plan. Read the owners manual and follow the recommended cleaning and maintenance schedule. This will help you get the best return. A little maintenance can go a long way.
More Tips To Care For Your Doors At Home
Want to learn more about door maintenance in general? We have you covered. Check out the following blogs by our windows and doors experts about door maintenance, how doors are made, tips to decorate and much more:
How To Maintain A Steel Entry Door In 5 Simple Steps
Understanding The Fiberglass Entry Doors – Features & How They Are Made
The Evolution Of The Garage Door
5 Decor Tips For Making Your Upgraded Entry Door Pop This Holiday Season
Check out our collection of replacement fibreglass entry doors. Contact us to get a free estimate and discuss your installation project options.
Read More From Our Windows And Doors Blog
Educating yourself about how to care and maintain your windows and doors post purchase will help you maximize your investment. Here are some more insightful blogs to read:
The Evolution Of The Garage Door
What Are The Top 5 Home Renovations You Can Get Done With A Window & Door Company?
