Most homeowners believe that once they install a front entry door when building a house, they’ll never have to replace it in the future. However, this is not the case.
Your front entry door, like anything else, is subject to wear and tear and may need to be replaced someday. So, unless you’re looking forward to upgrading to a new front door, you don’t spontaneously decide to replace it.
You should watch out for telltale signals that it’s time for a replacement.
The Door Sticks When Opening Or Closing
If your front door is sticking when opening and closing, you probably need to invest in a new door. In most cases, worn-out doors are challenging to close and open during winter and easy during summer. In such a case, there might be openings or gaps around the frame where you can see the light entering your home.
While the closing and opening issue is effectively resolved by door replacement, it’s advisable to seek professional advice to understand if you need to replace or repair the door. The door can sometimes get stuck due to loose hinges, which you can easily tighten.
Nevertheless, if the repair will cost you a considerable amount, it might be a good idea to invest in a new door. If you decide to invest in one, consider having a french door measure and quote to budget accordingly.
The Front Entry Door Has Drafts
The integrity of your front entry door deteriorates over time due to various weather conditions. If your door has sustained drafts, outside air will effortlessly enter your home, causing your HVAC system to work more than it should.
As a result, when your HVAC system works harder, you’re more likely to incur additional energy bills. In such a case, you might have no option but to replace your front door to reduce your monthly energy bills.
Besides experiencing uncomfortable air in your home, you can also check if your door is drafty by holding a flame by the door frame. If the flame flicks towards the outside, the air is probably leaking. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the door to keep the outside air out and avoid paying extra for electricity.
The Door Is Cracked, Warped, Peeling, Or Falling Apart
Every aspect of your home is prone to wear and tear, and your front door isn’t an exception. Since the front entry door is exposed to different weather and frequent banging, it’s bound to start peeling, cracking, warping, or falling apart.
Remember that age can also interfere with your front door’s integrity. These cases are more common in wooden doors which can’t withstand frequent weather changes and pressure. Once your door shows these signs, you might need to choose a new strong door to replace it.
The Door Has Moisture Damage
A wet wooden door is an ideal host for insects, mold, rot, and mildew. If your door is in such a condition, you may need to replace it to enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.
While most homeowners prefer wooden doors due to their beauty, it might be a good idea if you replace it with a steel or fiberglass alternative. Aside from providing unrivaled security, these materials can withstand weather changes and pressure more than wooden doors.
Similar to a wooden door, having a double-panel glass front entry door will yield the same results as time passes. The integrity of the seal between these panels might also fail, resulting in an ideal environment for mold and mildew. In this scenario, replacing your door is advisable, especially if it’s old.
It’s Outdated
Replacing your front entry door shouldn’t only be based on wear and tear. You can replace an outdated front door with a more recent one. It’s vital to note that a front door is among the first noticed features in your home.
Note that its physical condition can affect your home negatively or positively as far as your home’s value is concerned. Thus, it’s recommended always to ensure that your front door is presentable and updated to maintain your home’s excellent curb appeal.
It Doesn’t Offer Security
A front entry door plays a huge role in preventing break-ins. If the door is weak, thieves can easily break into your home any time of day or night without breaking a sweat. However, breaking in can be nearly difficult if the door is robust.
Once you replace your weak door with a stronger one, you’ll rest assured that no one can break into your home, and nothing will happen to your valuables while you’re at home or away. If you believe your door is not providing the necessary security, it may be time to replace it.
Conclusion
A front entry door can increase or decrease a home’s value. It can also determine how secure your home is. Unfortunately, weather changes and frequent use can interfere with the door’s integrity. As a result, the door can start to crack, warp, peel, or fall apart.
To ensure that your front door remains functional, consider checking out the above signs to determine early on if it’s time to replace the door to enhance your home’s curb appeal and security.