Products made from natural wood can last a lifetime if you take care of them. Maintenance measures include paying attention to location, treating wood, and cleaning.
Location, location, location
Where are your wooden doors and windows located? Do they face south? Exposure to the sun makes south-facing wood more vulnerable to weathering than wood facing in any other direction. Weathering can mean erosion from sun, wind, debris or moisture. Because unprotected surfaces will wear wood away over time, the best way to prevent weathering is to treat wood.
Treating natural wood
Treat your doors and windows with paint or stain to block sunlight and protect your wood from the elements. Paints can block sun completely, but they might also trap moisture and promote decay. Semitransparent stains are another option. As we said in an earlier blog post, it’s a good idea to paint or stain new wooden surfaces within 21 days of installation.
Cleaning wood
Dirt, soot and moisture can build up on any window or door exterior. Without periodic cleaning, the wood’s finish could deteriorate over time due to acidity in the grime. To preserve a healthy finish, dampen a soft, dust-free cloth and wipe down the woodwork on your windows and doors. If buildup is excessive, use light soapy warm water and wipe with a moist cloth (just water) to remove any soapy residue.
For more information about door and window care, visit our website at jeld-wen.ca
