Protecting your home and enhancing its durability is an ongoing task for any homeowner. One simple, effective way to do this is by installing a kick plate on your doors. It safeguards your doors from daily wear and tear and adds a touch of sophistication to your home’s appearance. But what exactly is a kick plate? It’s a sturdy plate fixed at the bottom of a door to prevent damage from foot traffic, scuffs, and dents.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at kick plates, installation tips, and recommended maintenance to keep the plates and your doors in tip-top shape for years to come.
Why Install a Kick Plate?
First and foremost, kick plates stand as vigilant protectors of your doors. They tirelessly shield them from the inevitable scuffs and wear that are part and parcel of daily life. When you install a kick plate, you’re choosing to protect your doors while also enhancing their aesthetic! Kick plates can be a stylish accessory that integrates seamlessly with your home’s design.
However, the value of a kick plate extends far beyond its visual appeal. It acts as a steadfast barrier, taking foot traffic and incidental damage, thereby prolonging the life of your door. This small addition is a strategic move to reduce costly door repairs or the need for premature replacement. Moreover, maintaining a kick plate is effortlessly simple. A swift wipe-down is all it takes to keep it looking as good as new! This helps ensure that your entrance always makes a shining first impression.
All in all, the beauty of kick plates lies in their diversity. With a wide array of materials and finishes to choose from, finding one that fits your style is a breeze.
Installing Your Own Kick Plate
Transforming your door with a kick plate is a wise choice for door preservation and a manageable DIY task. The job can be done with a few simple tools and steps! Let’s dive into the process:
- Measure for Precision: Start by measuring an inch from the bottom of the door, creating the ideal space for your kick plate placement.
- Secure Temporarily: Fix the kick plate in position with some easily removable tape to keep it steady as you mark your drill points.
- Mark the Drill Points: With a pencil, lightly mark where the screws will go, using the holes in the kick plate as your guide.
- Prep for Drilling: Remove the kick plate and use a hammer and center punch to dimple the marked spots. This step will help you drill accurately.
- Drill with Care: Choose a drill bit that matches the size of your screws and carefully drill holes where you’ve marked on the door.
- Attach the Kick Plate: Align the kick plate back onto the door, inserting and tightening the top and bottom screws first. Proceed with the rest, ensuring an even attachment.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Maintaining the integrity and appearance of your kick plate is key to ensuring its continued performance. With routine care, your kick plate can remain an asset that both protects and beautifies your entryway for years. Don’t forget to give your kick plate a gentle cleaning periodically. This involves nothing more than a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution. This simple act will help maintain its luster and prevent grime and dirt that can occur over time.
In addition to regular cleanings, inspect your kick plate for signs of wear or loosening. If you notice any screws beginning to work their way out, tighten them carefully to secure the plate. Should the finish start to show signs of age or if scratches become apparent, you can often restore its appearance with products designed for its specific material, be it brass, stainless steel, or another finish. By adhering to these straightforward maintenance practices, your kick plates will continue to offer a blend of protection and polished elegance, keeping your home’s threshold in prime condition.
When Do I Call A Professional?
If you don’t have the tools, time, or energy to install a kick plate on your entry doors, call a professional door company. Most companies have someone who understands the ins and outs of your doors. Also, reach out to your local home inspection team to see if you need to replace the entry doors before you install one.
In some cases, the doors might be warped and rotted out, so installing a new door is best. Save yourself time and resources by having one installed when the new door is installed.
Conclusion
In essence, leveraging the expertise of a local home inspection team is a strategic move in your home improvement journey. These professionals are invaluable in guiding you to make informed decisions about upgrades, ensuring you invest wisely and avoid unnecessary expenditures. It’s crucial to understand that not all upgrades yield a significant return on investment; a home inspection team can help identify those that will.
Before proceeding with the addition of kick plates, it might be necessary to consider the condition of your door. In some cases, an upgrade or replacement may be recommended to ensure the new hardware fits properly and functions as intended. For residents in Orlando, Clermont, and the Villages, Atkinson Inspection Services stands ready to assist – schedule an inspection online today!
