With the days getting shorter and the weather getting cooler, it’s the perfect time to start getting ready for the upcoming winter season. At Bristol Composite Doors, we’ve noticed some changes. Our mornings now include more hot oatmeal for breakfast and extra time spent defrosting our vans. And, of course, there’s always that one team member already grumbling about Christmas decorations being put up too soon. But we’re ready to embrace the winter season with open arms! At this time of year, we have observed an increase in maintenance inquiries, with the majority being proactive. Our customers are not currently encountering issues with their doors, but they are concerned about potential problems as the weather worsens. Therefore, we wanted to alleviate some concerns by providing information on how to prepare a composite door for winter, and no, it does not involve decorating with a festive wreath. How to maintain your composite door during winter? Maintaining your composite door during winter requires no special expertise or fancy tools. The tips we’re about to share are useful year-round, but it’s especially important to stay on top of them once the days get shorter. Don’t worry, it’s easy and worth the effort! We’ll begin with the locks and mechanisms. To ensure the locking cylinder functions smoothly throughout the year, purchase graphite powder from a nearby hardware store and lightly coat the key with it. Then, insert the key into the lock and move it back and forth approximately ten times to effectively achieve the desired result. Regarding the other components that move, the most effective method is to open the door completely and place a sheet underneath it to prevent the floor from becoming dirty. Apply an over-the-counter silicone spray to lubricate all the moving parts, which will ensure that the door fully closes and prevents it from warping in extreme weather conditions. It’s important not to use WD40, despite what your well-intentioned relative may believe, as it does not remedy all issues and will dry out the door instead of lubricating it. We suggest checking the thresholds, particularly if you encounter any difficulty in closing it. During this season, it’s common to have debris, dirt, and cobwebs in the door. Prepare a bucket of warm soapy water and a lint-free cloth, then thoroughly clean the door. Focus on the gasket and hard-to-reach corners where dirt tends to gather; cleaning these areas will improve the appearance of the door and extend its lifespan. Conclusion In conclusion, rinse out any drainage holes with clean warm water and the task will be complete. It’s important to note that it’s best to do this on a warmer day. If it’s nearly freezing outside, there is a risk of ice forming around the door. If you need more information or a detailed answer about any maintenance issue, please feel free to reach out to us. Our knowledgeable staff is available and eager to help you with any questions you may have.