Whether you've just installed a wooden exterior door or you've had one for a long time, you likely want to keep it in good condition. Doing so keeps the door aesthetically pleasing, and it can even help to lower energy bills. Here are three tips to help you extend the life of your exterior wood door before the damage occurs or you end up needing door services.

1. Refinish Often

The frequency at which your exterior wood doors will need refinishing depends on a few different factors. One of those factors is sun exposure. Has the door been refinished with a UV protectant layer? This will affect your timeline as well. Try not to wait any longer than five years in any case. If you start to notice any discoloration or fade in your door's refinishing, it might be time to act.

2. Avoid Water and UV Damage

If you want your door to last a long time, you need to keep the elements out of the wood. Once they get in, your door could suffer some serious damage. You might even come home to see a giant split in your door. Worse, water could swell and get stuck in the frame. Keep moisture out of your wooden exterior door with layers of the appropriate finish. After having a door installed by door services, you'll want to make sure to apply the appropriate finish as soon as possible.

3. Don't Forget to Clean

As long as you use mild soap and a gentle washcloth, you can clean even wooden doors with a bit of water. The trick is to make sure nothing scratches away the protective layer. While moisture generally isn't advisable for these doors, a build-up of grime from the outdoor elements can eventually harm the finish as well. If you see dirt building up on your door, remove it carefully with a lint-free towel.

Interested in installing an exterior wood door? With wooden doors, you can use insulation and weatherstripping to reduce leakage and improve your temperature retention. You can also save on energy costs. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, doors that meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program can lower your energy bills by up to 15%. With the right care and maintenance, these doors are well worth the investment. Give us a call at Grand Door Company if you'd like to know more about our services. We'd love to be of assistance!