6 Warning Signs You Need to Replace your Front Door

Introduction

If your front door is looking a little worse for wear, it might be time to consider replacing it. Replacing your front door can not only improve the look of your home, but also make it more secure and energy efficient. However, Before you decide to replace your door, you should first check for warning signs that indicate it is indeed time for a new one. Here are some common problems and doors warning signs that indicate your need new doors:

Your Door is hard to open or close

If you’ve noticed that you can’t open and close your front door without a struggle or it takes more than two hands to operate the lock, then you may have a problem. These issues can be caused by a number of things. Two of the most common reasons that causes this to occur is faulty window hardware or damaged locksets. Regardless of which is the reason behind them, they’re all pretty serious problems that need addressing quickly before they get worse and cause further damage. These issues can create air leaks, drafts and can also make your home less secure. Whether it’s a break in or a house fire these problems can place your family’s safety in jeopardy.

Cold/hot air is entering

If you notice that your front door is letting in cold or hot air, it may be time to replace it. The first thing to do is check the weatherproofing around doors and windows, as these are often overlooked when people think about insulation. If your home’s front door doesn’t have an adequate amount of weather stripping and sealing, then it could be allowing snow, rain and wind to get inside. If you notice any air drafts coming from your door you could be losing money in heating and cooling bills due to this poor insulation issue.

Replacing a old drafty door with a high-quality front door, will allow you to properly insulate your home from the elements and extreme temperature changes.

You see cracks or damage to the frame

A frame is the main supporting structure of your door. It connects to the door handle and locks into place, providing strength and stability to your front door. In general, frames can be made of wood, metal or plastic. If you see cracks or damage to the frame, it may be time to replace it with a new one. Cracks in the frame will expose it to water damage and can create leaks.

If you’re looking for a new front door, chances are good that you want to replace the frame as well. This can be done at the same time as your installation or later on down the road (if needed).

You see holes or rot in the door

Check and see if you notice little holes in the wood around the door. If this is happening, there’s likely a problem with moisture getting in. You can do a quick test to see if this is the case: get some white vinegar and pour it over one of these spots on your door frame. If mold begins growing within 24 hours, then it’s likely that moisture is causing the problem and you should consider replacing your front door.

Another common sign that you need to replace your front door is the occurrence of rot. This means that water has gotten into your door and made its way through multiple layers. The rot could have formed over an extended time or quickly depending on where exactly it occurred. It can be difficult to know the extent of your rot issue without dismantling multiple parts of your front entryway.

The last thing you want to do is pay for a new front door only to discover that there are rot issues in other areas of your exterior doors. If this happens, you’ll have wasted money and time (not to mention energy and resources).

It Is a Security Liability For Your House

The front door is the first line of defense for your house. It’s common sense that if you have a weak, flimsy front door, criminals will be able to break in without much effort. The right front door should not only be sturdy and secure but also withstand an attempted break-in by intruders who want to get into your home.

Front doors are designed with a locking system which includes mechanisms for security purposes, but these locks can be easily defeated if the door itself is flimsy and lightweight A quality door and a strong door frame will make it difficult for intruders to force open your doors because they won’t be able to apply enough pressure to pry them open from their hinges.

Your outdated door is no longer in style

While this last point isn’t necessarily a warning sign, it should be something homeowners should consider. Old doors just aren’t as optimal as the new technology used in modern day doors. Doors styles have evolved over time and if you want to ensure a modern curb appeal for your home, it’s important to keep up to date with style trends. Updating your front door not only increases your home’s aesthetic but newer doors are more energy efficient and easier to maintain than older versions. Modern options are also made from better materials like steel or fiberglass that make them a much more durable and secure investment option.

How to find a trustworthy local door contractor

When it comes to choosing a home improvement contractor, you want to make sure that you are getting the best value for your money. Before you meet with any contractors, be sure that they are licensed, bonded and insured. The best way to check this is by calling the Better Business Bureau in your area.

When meeting with a potential door contractor, ask for references from previous jobs. You can also hire an inspector who will come out and inspect their work. In addition, ask about warranties for both the materials used in installation as well as labor costs in case anything goes wrong after the professional installation is complete (this will vary on type of material used). These tips will ensure you pick the right company for the job.

Conclusion

You might be tempted to ignore these signs and just keep using your door. However, you should always make sure that your home is safe for you and your family. A broken front door could lead to intruders entering, which in turn could result in theft or worse! If you notice any of the above problems with your own front door, then it may be time to call a local contractor who can provide expert advice on how best to resolve them. Contact us today for a free door replacement quote!