After a major storm, have you ever seen your front door expand, the paint peel, or water flowing in? It’s irritating and if you don’t do anything about it, rain can slowly harm an external door.
The good news? you can save costly repairs, keep your door looking fantastic, and keep your front door dry with a few clever changes. I’ll take you step-by-step through the process of protecting an outside door from rain and winds in this post, using easy fixes that any homeowner can do.
Why you should focus on rain protection?
Rain is more than simply water on the ground. It rusts metal hardware, bends wood, makes gaps, and absorbs into them over time. Water leaking in around the frame can damage even steel or fiberglass doors.
Since your front door is the first thing people see, consider it the handshake of your house. By protecting it, you may avoid future costly replacements and maintain the overall look of your house.
How to Protect Your Exterior Door from Rain – Guide from Homeowner
Now we are going to provide tips from one of Homeowner who has recently done with protecting their exterior door:
Step 1: Shield the Door From Above
Preventing rain before it reaches your door is one of the finest ways to protect yourself against it.
- Shaded structures or extensions can be umbrellas for your entrances. A little porch or roof expansion may have a major effect.
- You shoul do rather than allowing the water flowing down into the frame, drip caps or flashing placed above the main channel direct the rain out.
- Some homes use diy flashing strips or temporary plastic deflectors as their last option; they’re not ideal, but they’re better than nothing during storm season.
This process alone can save you hours of future repairs if winds or rain hits your doorstep.
Step 2 – Weatherproof and cover the door
The next step is to bind the edges after covering the top.
Check the sealant around the frame for any gaps where the siding and trim meet, and replace it as necessary.
- Weatherstripping: “Kerf” weatherstripping, which slides into a slot, is frequently used on modern doors. It should be replaced if you notice sunshine or have drafts.
- Door sweep and edge: The bottom is covered with a basic brush or rubber sweep. To prevent water from collecting, combine it with a threshold that slopes slightly.
- You should close the door on a piece of paper as a fast test. Your seal isn’t working properly if you can remove it with easy.
Step 3 – Protect the Finish (Especially Wood Doors)
Considering their beauty, wooden doors are needy. They soak rain like a sponge if they are not protected.
Here’s how to protect them:
- Every few years, sand and restore using high-quality exterior paint.
- Use polyurethane sealant or varnish for a more natural appearance. These produce a solid waterproof layer.
- To maintain the grain’s seal and moisture resistance, some homeowners add a layer of hardwax oil once a year.
- Consider it your door’s equivalent of sunscreen: regular usage maintains it durable to the weather.
Step 4: Manage Water around the entry
If water is constantly gathering at the base of the door, even the most sealed door will struggle.
- Verify that the terrace or deck slopes away from the house.
- If water collects close to the threshold, think about regrading the soil or installing a deep drain.
- To prevent water from falling directly at your entrance, clean your gutters and drains.
You can drastically reduce the load on your door by managing the flow of rainfall.
Step 5: Add an Extra Barrier
An open door is something to think about if you live in an area with bad weather.
Blocking wind, rain, and snow before they ever reach the main door is similar to applying a raincoat to your front door. Additionally, storm doors with mesh panels let in fresh air in the summer and provide protection in the winter.
Step 6: Do ahead with Maintenance
A little maintenance makes a big difference. Do a simple check twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall:
- Check for old sealing or cracking paint.
- If you notice light coming through, test the weather stripping and replace it.
- Locks and hinges should be oiled to prevent corrosion.
- Clean surfaces to prevent the build up of moisture and particles.
Do you know that early detection of minor problems keeps your door solid for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I already have an overhang, do I still need flashing?
Yes, even when wind pushes rain sideways, flashing provides an extra defense to redirect water away.
Do storm doors trap moisture?
To avoid storing water against your main entrance, high-quality storm doors are made with vents and drainage holes that allow moisture to escape. In actuality, they extend the entry door’s lifespan by protecting it from UV rays, wind, and rain. Just make sure the drainage paths aren’t blocked and that it is put appropriately.
How often should I repaint or reseal my door?
Well, it is depending on local weather conditions and the amount of direct sunlight or rain the door receives, most exterior doors require a new coat every two to five years. You should replace it sooner if you see fading, peeling, or broken wood showing through. regular touch-ups will prevent the need for a complete wash and restore in the future.
