Door Care Guide
Expert tips for maintaining your wood doors in Louisiana's challenging climate. Learn when DIY care works and when to call the professionals.
Our Gulf Coast climate is particularly hard on wood doors. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your finish by 2-3 years and save thousands in refinishing costs.
Understanding Louisiana's Door Challenges
Year-Round Challenges
- Intense UV: Louisiana sun is relentless year-round, breaking down finishes faster than northern climates.
- High Humidity: 80-90% humidity levels cause wood expansion and finish breakdown.
- Salt Air: Coastal proximity brings salt that accelerates metal corrosion and finish degradation.
Seasonal Extremes
- Hurricane Season: June-November brings intense storms and driving rain that test door protection.
- Summer Heat: 95°F+ temperatures with direct sun can cause rapid wood expansion and finish failure.
- Temperature Swings: 30°F winter lows to 100°F summer highs stress wood and finishes.
The Bottom Line
Standard wood finishes that last 5-7 years in moderate climates often fail in 1-2 years in Louisiana. That's why we use marine-grade finishes specifically engineered for coastal conditions.
Louisiana Seasonal Maintenance Calendar
Spring
Preparation for high humidity and hurricane season
- Inspect for winter damage and swelling
- Clean and treat hardware for humidity protection
- Apply pre-hurricane season protective coatings
- Check and adjust door alignment
- Schedule professional inspection if needed
Summer
UV protection and humidity management
- Monitor for UV damage and fading
- Keep doors clean of salt air buildup
- Ensure proper ventilation around doors
- Watch for wood expansion issues
- Maintain consistent indoor humidity
Fall
Preparation and protection for cooler months
- Deep clean doors before winter
- Apply protective wax or maintenance coat
- Inspect weatherstripping and seals
- Check for summer damage assessment
- Plan any refinishing for winter months
Winter
Best time for professional refinishing work
- Monitor for moisture damage
- Maintain stable indoor humidity
- Schedule refinishing work (ideal time)
- Plan spring maintenance schedule
- Document any developing issues
Professional Maintenance Timing
Best Times for Refinishing:
- • November - March (lower humidity)
- • Avoid June - September (hurricane season)
- • Plan 2-3 months before hurricane season
Annual Professional Inspection:
- • Schedule every March (pre-hurricane season)
- • Assess winter damage and summer preparation
- • Plan refinishing work for following winter
What You Can Do vs. When to Call Pros
DIY Maintenance
Monthly Tasks:
- • Clean with mild soap and water
- • Dry thoroughly after cleaning
- • Check and tighten hardware
- • Remove debris from door frame
Seasonal Tasks:
- • Apply paste wax (2x per year)
- • Touch up minor scratches
- • Adjust door hinges if needed
- • Clean and lubricate locks
Annual Tasks:
- • Deep clean and condition
- • Inspect weatherstripping
- • Document condition changes
- • Plan professional work if needed
Call the Professionals
Finish Issues:
- • Peeling or bubbling finish
- • Widespread fading or discoloration
- • Finish wearing through to wood
- • Water damage stains
Wood Issues:
- • Deep scratches or gouges
- • Warping or dimensional changes
- • Soft spots or rot
- • Splitting or cracking wood
Functional Issues:
- • Door not closing properly
- • Hardware problems
- • Storm damage assessment
- • Major maintenance planning
Warning Signs: When Your Door Needs Help
Surface Issues
Moderate- Finish looking dull or chalky
- Minor scratches or scuffs
- Slight color fading
- Water spots that won't clean off
DIY maintenance may help, monitor closely
Moisture Damage
High- Peeling or bubbling finish
- Black spots or discoloration
- Soft or spongy wood areas
- White mineral deposits
Professional assessment recommended
Structural Issues
Urgent- Door sticking or not closing properly
- Visible warping or bowing
- Cracks in the wood
- Hardware pulling away from door
Call professionals immediately
When in Doubt, Ask the Experts
We offer free assessments for St. Tammany Parish homeowners. Sometimes a quick professional look can save you time and money.
Hurricane Season Door Preparation
Pre-Season Checklist (March-May)
- Inspect finish for winter damage and weak spots
- Apply protective coatings to vulnerable areas
- Check and reinforce all hardware
- Ensure weatherstripping is intact
- Plan protection materials (plywood, storm doors)
Storm Approach (72 Hours)
- Install storm protection (plywood, shutters)
- Secure or remove door decorations
- Check door operation and locks
- Clear area of potential projectiles
- Document door condition with photos
Post-Storm Assessment
After any major storm, inspect your doors immediately for:
- • Water infiltration damage
- • Impact damage from debris
- • Warping from pressure changes
- • Hardware loosening or damage
- • Finish damage from wind-driven rain
- • Frame misalignment
Professional assessment recommended within 48 hours of major storms.
Questions About Door Care?
We've been caring for Northshore doors for over 20 years. Get expert advice tailored to your specific situation.
Call or Text: 985-444-DOOR