The Perfect Fall Porch - Mastering the Essentials

If there’s one thing Knockety just ‘gets’, it’s doors - and by extension - porches! Crafting the perfect fall and winter porch is more than an art - it’s also a science. While so many homeowners look forward to designing the picturesque, hallmark movie fall and winter front porch, many forget to tend to the practical side of the equation. Let’s dive into the unsung heroes of the perfect fall and winter porch - door & porch maintenance, weatherproofing, security, and more.

Maintaining Wood & Fiberglass Doors in the Winter

Snow, ice, and other extreme weather conditions this time of year can take a real toll on the integrity of your door. Only if you neglect it, that is. The type of door you have will dictate the steps to care for and maintain it. Let’s look at the two main types - wood and fiberglass.

• Wood Door Maintenance & Treatment: For wood doors, apply a weatherproof sealant to prevent moisture from seeping in, which can cause warping or cracking in fluctuating temperatures. Regularly check for gaps or wear in the weatherstripping around the door and replace it if needed, as proper sealing will keep cold drafts out and maintain energy efficiency.

• Fiberglass Door Maintenance & Treatment: For fiberglass doors, cleaning the surface with a mild soap and water solution can help remove any dirt or buildup that might compromise the finish. A light coat of automotive wax can add a protective layer, keeping the door resilient against snow and ice.

Given the right care, both door types can last for decades if not a lifetime. However, yearly maintenance is required to get the most out of your door and the timing is best done before heading into extreme weather conditions.

Preventing Weather-Related Slips & Falls

With fall and winter come some of our favorite holidays of the year. For many homeowners, this means lots of guests! The last thing anybody wants is one of their guests getting injured. In the colder months, people are at extra risk for slip-and-fall incidents. So much so, in fact, that one in every three fall-related emergency room visits are due to ice, snow or rain. This means it’s especially important to spot check your walkway and entryway for vulnerabilities, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.

The first precautions you should take are ones that will prevent people from slipping at all. The best way to start is to clean the surface of your walking area with a power washer. Removing dirt and dust from the surface and cracks will allow for more grip. Once your walkways are clean, adding slip-resistant mats to your doorstep are an extra step you can take to ensure people’s safety.

The next precaution you can take to help people make it into your home safely is setting up quality lighting. Make sure your walkway and entrance is well-lit so that people can see exactly where they’re stepping when trying to enter your home. If you already have lights set up, now is a good time to replace any dull bulbs and clean their protective layer of any grime and dirt. If you want to go in more detail on this topic, read our blog to understand how to winterize your doors and windows.

Safeguard Your Holiday Deliveries

Family and party guests aren’t the only additional company you should be expecting this time of year. The holidays means gift giving and many more deliveries than any other time of year. Because of this, there is a significant uptick in crime around now. In fact, 10% of people have had their package stolen during the holidays and 37% of people know somebody who has had a package stolen during the holidays!

Luckily, there are a few ways we can prevent crime on our doorstep. ‘Smart’ doorbells have become increasingly popular over the past few years. These devices come equipped with cameras to monitor your entryway and motion sensors that notify you of any movement by your door. Many models also include night vision, customizable motion zones, and integration with virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. Furthermore, many of these smart doorbells come with access to apps where homeowners can post crimes taking place in the area.

A less popular, but still effective way to prevent package theft during the holidays are parcel drop boxes. Parcel drop boxes are like large mailboxes placed right by your door that are designed to receive and protect packages while you’re away from home. Delivery drivers can easily leave packages without worries of ‘porch pirates’ hacking into and stealing the contents of your dropbox. Furthermore, the box also protects from extreme weather and animals.

Prepare Your Front Porch for a Safe and Inviting Winter Season

Creating a warm and welcoming front porch means nothing if you don’t get the basics down. From protecting your wood or fiberglass doors against the elements, to ensuring slip-free walkways and secure package deliveries, each step contributes to a front porch that’s as functional as it is inviting. By addressing these often-overlooked details, you’re not only preparing your home for the colder months but also setting the stage for a season full of cherished gatherings and peace of mind. This doesn’t mean that we’ve forgotten about the really fun part - designing and decorating!Make sure to read our next blog post on designing the perfect front porch!