Winter door care guide: Looking after your composite door this season

Hanging Christmas wreaths without affecting the door's performance

In winter your composite door faces two key challenges - keeping your home warm whilst looking festive for the season ahead.

Many of our customers ask us about safe door decorating, particularly hanging Christmas wreaths without affecting their door's performance. As your local composite door specialists, we've put together this comprehensive door maintenance guide for seasonal care and decorating.

Keeping your door at its best

Your composite door works exceptionally hard during winter months, with temperature changes potentially affecting its energy efficiency. Our premium doors feature a substantial 48mm timber core that provides excellent door protection winter after winter - in fact, a properly maintained external door can prevent up to 20% of your home's heat loss.

The key to maintaining your door's performance lies in regular door maintenance. Think of it as giving your car an MOT - a bit of attention now can prevent bigger issues later.

Here's what we recommend for optimal door weatherproofing:

• Clean surfaces regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth
• Check and clear the drainage holes at the bottom of the frame
• Look over weather stripping for any signs of wear
• Keep hinges and locks properly lubricated
• And make sure the door's threshold seal is intact and making proper contact.

Decorating safely for Christmas

Looking for safe door decorating methods without risking damage? We understand the desire to make your entrance welcoming during the festive season, so here are three tried-and-tested Christmas wreath hanging methods that won't affect your warranty:

• Over-door hangers: These spread weight evenly and won't mark your door. Look for adjustable ones that can accommodate your door's thickness.
• Properly-rated suction cups: Ideal for temporary decoration, but ensure they're rated for your wreath's weight. Always clean the door surface thoroughly before application.
• Ribbon through existing door furniture: Make use of your letterbox or knocker. This traditional method works particularly well with lighter wreaths and creates an elegant look.

However, make sure you never use nails, drawing pins, or adhesives directly on your composite door - this could invalidate your warranty and damage the door's thermoplastic skin. We've seen countless examples of damage from well-meaning decoration attempts that end up being costly to repair.

Expert tips for winter protection

Composite doors are designed to handle the cold weather , but here are additional frost protection tips to help maintain your door’s performance:

• Address any stiffness in operation straight away - don't wait for it to worsen
• Keep seals clean and well-maintained throughout the season
• Clear away any ice build-up immediately to prevent damage
• Consider extra weatherstripping for north-facing doors
• Check the alignment of your door regularly - winter can cause slight frame movements
• And pay special attention to the bottom of the door where water can collect.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regular composite door maintenance not only keeps your door looking great but also retains its energy efficiency when you need it most.

Need more help?

Want to see our range of energy efficient doors? Call into our Huddersfield showroom or give us a ring on 01484 519677.

Our expert team can provide personalised advice on door maintenance and fitting, keeping your entrance warm, secure, and looking like new throughout the winter months.