AIT DOORS Care and Maintenance

For over 30 years AIT DOORS has been building and finishing handmade custom quality door systems built to last a lifetime. We consider our door systems to be an investment in your home built to last with the proper care and maintenance and to help here are some of our guidelines to insure your investment does last. At AIT we build and pre-hang our door systems then disassemble and finish so that all 6 sides of our doors and frames are finished, even at the hinge locations. Our doors have an encapsulated finish which prevents moisture and adds to the longevity of our products. Nothing compares to the warmth and beatify that real wood provides. Custom doors are a major investment and create a first impression and add special curb appeal to your home. As with all real wood products they require proper care and maintenance to allow your new doors to last for many years. Your door needs to be cleaned and waxed on a periodical base depending on exposure. Doors are exposed to constant weather, dirt, rain, wind, and heat as well as the touch of people and pets which all affect the finish of your investment. Your door needs to be cleaned and waxed on a periodical base to add to longevity. Having the proper overhang prevents heat and moisture and also helps protect the warmth and beauty of your investment.

EXTERIOR DOOR CARE

Inspect your door, things to look for 

Raised wood grain could indicate water penetration or the finish could be failing either case this requires the door to be refinished. Discoloration and cracks on the surface could indicate moisture penetration. Peeling and flaking could require topcoat restoration. All of this must be addressed prior to the restoration or refinishing. Remember wood doors exposed to harsh environments require more frequent inspections and restoration. Lighter colors tend to last much longer than darker colors. Proper overhangs also increase the longevity of the finish and add to the door’s life. Frequent cleaning and maintenance will add to the longevity and beauty of your AIT DOOR. Treat AIT DOORS real wood as you would any piece of quality furniture-grade wood.

Cleaning

• Use a lint-free rag, soft brush, or vacuum to remove all loose dirt, dust, and other material from the surface of your system. May require a soft brush to get into the nooks and crannies of the door panels and raised mouldings.

• Use a mixture of gentle dish soap and water and lightly scrub the surface using a soft cloth or sponge. • Dry the door with lint-free cloth before waxing. Never let water sit on door surface for any length of time. Remember to rinse away all soapy residue with warm water and dry thoroughly.

• For Stained doors, use wax with UV inhibitor like a good car wax, wipe down and wax your door will rejuvenate the finish. Which will bring back the natural beauty and luster of the wood. Always wait until the door is cooled down not in full sun or when your door feels hot to the touch.

• Glass cleaner use water and vinegar or mild glass cleaner nothing stronger, abrasive, acidic, or aromatic solvents are out.

AIT DOORS does not offer a painted door option however we do offer a high-quality oil-based primed door option if you chose to paint your door, as in step 2 wipe your door unit down with dish soap and water and dry completely. Now is the time to inspect the door for any cracks and bubbles in the paint, anything that could require repair or refinishing. 

Areas Requiring more frequent maintenance 

• High vehicle traffic areas such as near freeways where pollutants are present. Vehicle exhaust and air pollution can shorten the finish life of the door finish.

• Ocean areas where salt is in the air as salt is highly corrosive and can also shorten the life of the finish if not maintained regularly. • Pool areas where chlorine is in the air from evaporation. Chlorine in the air is very corrosive not only to the door finish but the hardware, sills, hinges, and door shoes.

• High pedestrian traffic areas where dirt and oils from hands can come in contact with the door finish • Near industrial areas where pollutants are present.

• Doors with inadequate overhang or protection from exposure.

• Darker finishes that can absorb heat and a cooler interior surface temperature.

• If you feel your doors need refinishing probably do so don’t wait as the saying goes better safe than sorry and delays can cause permanent damage.

• Any combination of the above will accelerate the aging process of the door finish.

Things to avoid 

•Acidic solvents or mineral sprites which can damage the finish of your new door.

• Aromatic solvents, as they can penetrate the finish and dissolve the glass sealant causing seal failure or worse the door finish to fail.

• Never use abrasives clearers and materials which can scratch the insulated glass and the door finish. • Alcohol-based products can dry out the finish and should only be used prior to refinishing and not to clean your door. • Direct Sunlight which is the number one enemy to your door finishes UV wax can somewhat mitigate sun damage but will not prevent damage if the exposure is too great.

• Any kind of pressure washer system of cleaning, that includes a garden hose.

For more information regarding the care and maintenance refer to the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), ANSI/ASTM. WWW.AITDOORS.COM