Wooden doors add warmth and elegance to your home, and are a timeless feature that will never go out of style. However, because of the delicate nature of its material, wooden doors can also be vulnerable to the damaging effects of sunlight.
When timber is exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight, it can cause the wood to fade, warp, and crack over time. With the UK set to hit temperatures of 40 degrees and above this summer, it is essential that you take precautions to preserve the natural beauty and functionality of your wooden door,
To help you with this, we’ll explore some effective methods to safeguard your wooden door from the damaging effects of sunlight.
7 ways to protect your wooden doors from sun damage?
1. Apply a protective finish
A simple, but highly effective way to shield your wooden door from sun damage is to apply a protective coating. Finishings such as exterior-grade varnishes, sealants, or polyurethane coatings will provide a strong barrier that will prevent UV rays from penetrating the wood’s surface, which will help to minimise any cracking or warping in the internal structure of your door.
Before you apply your protective coating, make sure the surface of your wooden entrance door is clean and dry so the coating will stick. We would also recommend applying multiple coats for enhanced protection, and to keep this coat topped up every few years.
2. Use sunscreen for wood doors
Yes, you read that right! You can also protect your wooden door using specialised wood sunscreens, such as UV protection oil. These products are designed to protect wooden surfaces from harmful UV rays while allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through.
When it comes to choosing your wood protectant, make sure to choose one that is water-based and eco-friendly. This type of sealant is not only ideal for your timber door, but also for the environment too.
3. Install awnings or overhangs
As well as providing chemical protection, you can also provide physical protection for your wooden door, which is equally important. If additional design features are within your budget, which not consider installing awnings or overhangs above your wooden door to provide shade and reduce direct exposure to the sun.
This will protect your door and also help to keep the entrance into your home cooler during hot summer months. In terms of design, awnings come in various designs, so you can choose one that complements the aesthetic of your home while still providing the best protection for your timber door.
4. Keep your wooden doors clean
Regular cleaning of your wooden door is essential to ensure its durability and longevity. Dust, dirt, and grime can all accumulate on the surface of your wooden door which can accelerate sun damage.
To keep your wooden entrance door clean, we suggest using a soft cloth or a feather duster to remove debris, and gently wipe the door with a damp cloth soaked in a mild cleaning solution. You should also avoid using any harsh chemicals, as they can strip away the protective finish or damage the wood. If you’d like to learn more about how to care for your timber front door, read our blog here.
5. Seek professional advice
If your wooden entrance door has already suffered sun damage, there is no need to worry. Reputable restoration services are great at bringing damaged wood back to life. These experts can repair cracks, sand down uneven surfaces, and apply new protective finishes that will revitalise your wooden door’s appearance and integrity.
Why is it important to protect your wooden doors from sun damage?
By protecting your timber doors from sun damage, you can significantly prolong their durability and lifespan. You’ll also be able to better maintain your doors aesthetic, which will only elevate the overall design of your home. Remember that prevention is key, so it’s important to protect your door from sun damage as soon as possible!
If damage is something you are concerned about, a Timber Windows wooden entrance door could be the perfect solution for your home. Our engineered timber will prevent your wooden door from cracking and warping over time. Additionally, all of our doors are factory finished to provide complete UV and moisture protection for years to come.
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team about our wooden entrance door range, you can get in touch with us here.
