Five holiday decorating mistakes that could damage your front door.
A decorated front door is one of the best parts of the season. But a few common habits can leave scratches, sticky residue and drafts long after the decorations come down. Here’s what to watch for, and what to do instead.
Going too big
It’s tempting to go bold. But oversized decorations can crowd the door and get in the way of everyday use.
- A wreath that’s too wide looks cramped and hits the frame every time the door moves.
- Thick garland around the frame can get pinched on the hinge side and stop the door from closing fully.
- Large displays on the step can make it hard to open the door, and can be a tripping hazard in the dark.
Do this instead: Size the wreath to your door, about two-thirds of its width. Keep garland on the trim, not in the gap between the door and the frame. Open and close the door fully before you call it done.
Hangers and cords that break the seal
Your door’s weatherstripping can only seal when the door closes flat against it. Anything that sits in that gap breaks the seal.
- Over-the-door hangers can crush the weatherstripping along the top of the door.
- Extension cords run through a closed door get pinched. That damages the seal, and a pinched cord is a safety risk.
- Ribbon and garland tucked into the edge of the door can do the same thing.
Do this instead: Choose a slim, padded hanger, and check that the door still latches snugly. Run lights from an outdoor outlet, not through the door.
Adhesive damage
Tape and adhesive hooks seem harmless until you take them down and the paint or stain comes off with them.
- Packing tape and duct tape can lift paint and leave a sticky residue.
- Adhesive hooks can pull off fresh paint or damage stained wood.
- Pulling adhesive off in cold weather makes it more likely to tear the finish.
Do this instead: Use adhesive hooks only on smooth, fully cured painted steel or fiberglass. To remove them, use the release tab and pull slowly. If tape is stuck, warm it with a hair dryer on low first. Clean any residue with mild soap and water, not harsh solvents.
Scratched finishes
Scratches often come from small things over many weeks.
- A wreath swinging in the wind rubs the same spot over and over.
- Metal hangers, wire on garland and hard ornaments scrape the paint.
- Nails, screws and thumbtacks leave permanent holes.
- Glitter decorations shed into the finish and are hard to clean off.
Do this instead: Add felt pads to the back of the wreath and to any hanger that touches the door. Skip nails and tacks entirely. Wipe the door clean before you decorate, so grit isn’t trapped under anything.
Blocking the hardware
Your door still needs to work every day, for you, your guests and deliveries.
- Garland wrapped around a lever or handleset gets tangled and can loosen the hardware over time.
- A big bow can block the peephole, deadbolt or keyhole.
- Decorations can cover a smart lock keypad, doorbell camera or mail slot.
- Covering your house number makes it harder for guests, deliveries and emergency services to find you.
Do this instead: Keep decorations clear of the lock, handle and peephole. Make sure the doorbell, keypad and house number are easy to see and use.
A quick check before you call it done
- Does the door open and close fully?
- Does it latch snugly with no new drafts?
- Can you reach the handle and lock without touching the decorations?
- Is anything hard or sharp resting on the finish?
Simple rule: if it gets in the way of the door working, move it.
Questions about your door?
Not sure what your door’s finish can handle, or what kind of hanger to use? Email us at info@a1doors.ca. And if your front door is ready for an update, visit our Surrey showroom to compare styles, finishes and hardware in person.
More holiday front door guides: What Size Wreath Fits Your Front Door?, How to Hang a Christmas Wreath Without Damaging Your Front Door, How to Clean Your Door Hardware Before Christmas Guests Arrive, and Don’t Let Worn Weatherstripping Ruin Christmas!