Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home—and it also plays a crucial role in protecting it from the elements. Whether you're trying to create a more welcoming entry for guests or trying to keep your heating and cooling bills in check (or both!) front door maintenance can make a surprisingly big impact.
The good news? These upgrades are simple enough to tackle over a weekend with basic tools and a little elbow grease. It’s a simple DIY project that can enhance your home's curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, and keep your entryway functioning smoothly all season long.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to refreshing your front door this summer.
1. Check and Replace Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a hardworking barrier around doors and windows that keeps cool air in and hot, humid air out. Over time, it can crack, tear, or flatten, creating air leaks that make your HVAC system work harder—and your energy bills climb higher. Read this article for step-by-step tests to check for air leaks, then set to work adding new weatherstripping.
How to replace it:
• Remove the old weatherstripping and clean the surface.
• Choose a new weatherstripping that matches the door type (options include vinyl foam tape, V-seal, or felt).
• Measure and cut it to fit, then press or nail it into place according to the package instructions.
2. Inspect and Lubricate Hinges and Locks
Sticky locks and squeaky hinges are a sign of wear or disrepair that could be impacting your door’s operation and security. A few minutes of maintenance will keep your door opening and closing smoothly and help locks keep your home secure.
How to fix it:
•.Open and close the door a few times, listening for creaks and feeling for resistance.
• Tighten any loose hinge screws with a screwdriver.
• Apply a few drops of household lubricant or silicone spray to hinges and lock mechanisms; after applying to locks, insert the key and turn it several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
3. Refresh the Front Door
You know what’s not welcoming? A faded, peeling, or dirty front door. If summer sun, rain, and humidity has left your front door looking dinghy, it’s time to show it some love. A fresh coat of paint is all it takes to turn a dreary door into the focal point of your home’s exterior.
How to refresh it:
• Wash the door with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grime.
• If the paint or finish is peeling, lightly sand the surface.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint or stain designed for exterior doors. Choose a color that complements your home—or go bold with a standout shade.
• Finish with a topcoat or sealant to protect the finish from UV rays and rain.
4. Replace the Door Threshold
The threshold—where the door meets the floor—takes a beating from foot traffic, moisture, and temperature changes, and if it’s cracked, warped, or worn down, it could be letting in drafts and making your entry less secure. Check to see if air or daylight is coming in under the door when it’s close or if the threshold is damaged, loose or uneven. If so, replace it to improve energy efficiency and give your entryway a clean, finished look.
How to replace it:
• Remove the old threshold with a pry bar or screwdriver.
• Measure the space and purchase a replacement wood or aluminum threshold that matches your door type.
• Secure it in place with screws or adhesive as directed.
Watch this video for step-by-step installation instructions:
5. Add or Replace a Door Sweep
A door sweep is the flexible strip attached to the bottom of the door that blocks drafts, dust, and pests. You may have never even noticed it was there, but it makes a big difference in blocking drafts and air leaks. Replacing or adding a door sweep is a quick project with an immediate payoff—especially in hot summer months.
How to install it:
• Choose a sweep designed for your door (look for adhesive, screw-on, or slide-on).
• Measure the width of the door and cut the sweep to fit.
• Attach it to the bottom edge of the door, ensuring it makes contact with the threshold but doesn’t drag.
6. Upgrade the Hardware
Simple hardware upgrades are a low-cost way to make your entry feel brand new. Swapping out worn, outdated knobs, handles, knockers, and kickplates can give your door a fresh, stylish look that immediately gives your curb appeal a boost.
How to do it:
• Choose a single finish—like brushed nickel, matte black, or oil-rubbed bronze—for knobs and hinges.
• Consider smart locks for keyless entry and added security.
• Add a matching decorative knocker or kickplate to give the door some character.
