Front door replacement makes sense when your door is drafty, damaged, hard to operate, out of step with the style of your house, or too flimsy to feel secure. When did you last take a good look at yours? Is the finish peeling? Does it stay dirty no matter how you clean it? This guide covers the warning signs, the benefits of a new door, how to choose a material, and when to schedule the work.
Signs You Need a Front Door Replacement
Some problems can be fixed with maintenance. Others mean the door is near the end of its life. For more on weighing the decision, see things to consider with a new entry door.
Drafts
Drafts are one of the biggest clues. If you feel cold air in winter when the door is closed, it is probably sneaking in around the edges. Seals around a door can shrink or crack with age.
Worn or Loose Hinges
Squeaky hinges can sometimes be treated with oil. If the hinges are worn down, though, the door may be nearing the end of its life. Loose hinges are also a security risk, because the door is easier to force open.
Cracks
Visible cracks let in drafts and insects, and they are a sign that the door is structurally weak.
Warping and Scraping
If the door scrapes along the floor or sticks in the frame, check whether it has warped. Heat and humidity can cause this. A warped door leaks heated and cooled air, which raises energy costs.
Rot
Sometimes part of the assembly, such as the frame, threshold or jamb, starts to rot. When that happens you will probably have to replace the entire unit.
Insects Getting In
A large number of insects inside the house can mean there are gaps around the door.
What a New Front Door Does for Your Home
Better Energy Efficiency
An old, poorly sealed entry door is a common source of heat loss in winter. Newer doors have energy-efficient designs that keep more heat inside where it belongs. The same door helps in summer by keeping cooled air in, so your air conditioner does not have to work as hard.
A Style That Matches Your House
Additions and exterior renovations often happen at a different time than door replacement, which can leave styles mismatched. A modern exterior with a dated traditional door, or an ornate house with a plain one, never looks quite right. A new entry door gives curb appeal an immediate boost by matching the style and colors of the rest of the home. You can aim for an upscale look or choose a bold color that draws the eye.
Better Security
When many homes were built, the front door was chosen for low cost. If yours is old and lightweight, it may be a weak spot. A sturdier door is harder to force.
The lock matters as much as the door, since the lock is often the point of failure when a door is forced. Consider a deadbolt with a throw of at least one inch and a reinforced metal strike plate.
Choosing a Material: Wood, Fiberglass or Steel
You will generally choose among steel, wood and fiberglass. If security and durability are your top goals, steel is a strong candidate. Steel doors are also good at keeping out heat and cold. Wood offers natural beauty, and fiberglass gives a low-maintenance option that can resemble wood.
Aladdin offers ProVia brand entry doors and patio doors in wood, fiberglass and steel, in a variety of styles and designs. Wood options include cherry, mahogany, oak, fir and knotty alder. ProVia’s Legacy Steel doors are offered in woodgrain textured steel or smooth steel, so you can have an elegant look along with a durable, energy-efficient door.
Protecting Your New Door
Once the new door is in, a few additions help it last. A storm door shields it from wind, rain and snow. A door canopy keeps water and sun off both the door and the people standing at it. Our post on why to install a door awning over your entrance explains the benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a front door be replaced in winter?
Yes. Winter is when a drafty door costs you the most, so replacing it then means you feel the difference right away.
Is winter a good time to schedule front door replacement?
It can be. Home improvement contractors tend to be busiest in spring, summer and fall, so you may not have to wait as long for installation in the colder months.
Will a new front door lower my energy bills?
If your current door is drafty, warped or poorly sealed, a new, properly installed door should reduce the amount of heated and cooled air you lose. How much you save depends on your home and the condition of the old door.
Which front door material is most secure?
Steel is a strong choice for security. Whatever the material, a quality deadbolt and a reinforced strike plate are essential.
Start Your Front Door Replacement
A door specialist who will work with you on design, security and energy efficiency makes it much easier to find the right door. Aladdin provides professional installation with safety and security in mind. Request an estimate or call (203) 776-9996 to get started.