When should you replace your front door?

The front door is the first thing people will notice when they walk into your home. It’s a vital component that gives off the ‘first impression’ of your home while protecting your household from unauthorized access and extreme weather conditions.

As such, it's vital that it remains in top-notch condition.

Whether it's for aesthetic or safety reasons, there comes a time when replacing your entry door tops your home's renovation to-do list.

This article pinpoints reasons for such an upgrade and when it’s time to replace the front door. It also shares insights on how to choose the perfect entryway and how much the entire project will cost.

Let's delve into the specifics.

Reasons to change your exterior door

Some of the reasons to change the front door include the following:

It is damaged

Houses are built to last a lifetime. However, as the years go by, the constant opening and closing of the entry door might cause damage, calling for a replacement.

For starters, you might see holes and cracks in your wooden entryway due to everyday wear and tear. In addition, rust and corrosion may affect their metal counterparts, ruining their once elegant appearance.

Vandalism is also another unfortunate scenario that can wreak havoc on the entryway. If you have been a victim of burglary or any other form of home vandalism, you may be dealing with snapped locks and a busted slab. While these are unsightly, they compromise the door's integrity, calling for a replacement.

The presence of drafts

Drafts will often appear due to harsh climatic conditions taking a toll on your entryway. They also result from door seals shrinking, breaking, or cracking. 

One of the major and unpleasant consequences of drafts is that they make way for excessive cold and warm air to seep into your home during the winter and summer seasons, respectively. Consequently, homeowners experience a surge in energy costs.

While weatherstripping and applying sweeps are possible fixes to this problem, replacing the entryway is the best way to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

It is hard to open

Still wondering when should you replace your front door when you need to literally push or kick it hard every time you leave or come in? 

Exterior and interior doors that you have to force open or those that won't budge when you want to leave need to be replaced ASAP for various reasons:

Firstly, it may have faulty, loose, or missing hardware, such as strike plates and hinges. Also, your wooden entryway may have sucked in significant humidity, causing it to swell.

Undertaking immediate replacements is a surefire way to alleviate such struggles of going in and out of your house.

It is ugly

Since it is one of the most used hardware in our home, a front entryway will wear out eventually. After a couple of years of allowing people, appliances, and furniture in and out of your home, you will likely notice ugly scratches, dents, and rust marks.

Additionally, if it's painted, it can chip over the years, making it not-so-pleasing to the eyes - an excellent reason you should consider switching the old one for a new one. 

It is no longer stylish

If you are keen on home remodeling magazines and tv shows, you will realize that interior and exterior hardware for your home have evolved and are getting more stylish by the day.

So, if you have been in your house for decades, high chances are that your entryway is outdated and needs an update. Consider contemporary designs to give your home an instant makeover and the elegance it needs.

Black exterior doors are stylish and one of the most popular options. Make a personal statement by choosing options that boast decorative glasses or any other customizations. 

Just make sure it's a modern look that matches your taste and complements your home’s interior.

How to choose the best front door?

Now that you have an in-depth understanding of when to change exterior door, it's imperative that you find a suitable replacement.

The various factors that should remain top of mind when picking the perfect interior entryway include:

• Material

Front doors are designed from different materials. While wood is an all-time favorite, many homeowners also lean towards steel and fiberglass options.

You must understand that manufacturers offer myriad options for each of the materials mentioned above. 

For instance, the most popular woods you are likely to choose from include mahogany, pine, knotty alder, cherry, and oak. 

So, the trick is to understand the pros and cons of each material and then choose one that is ideal for your home.

• Hanging design

Hinged systems are the most popular door-hanging design. However, as advancements seep into the construction industry, we now see an increase in more sophisticated designs that boast hidden hinges.

• Security

Front doors are our first line of defense against intruders that may be out to steal or cause us harm. As such, you must find a sturdy entryway to keep them out.

Luckily, wooden, steel, and fiberglass options are sturdy and have the structural capabilities to keep unscrupulous individuals away. However, pay particular attention to its locking mechanism for stringent security measures.

Entryways with longer deadbolts, multiple locking pins, and metal reinforcements offer more security. If it features a side window, make sure the glass is glazed and certified for being bullet and sledgehammer-proof.

• Installation 

If you love DIY projects and have been at it for some time, you can choose a pre-hung entryway that comes fitted on its frame, with existing deadbolt holes and pre-installed hinges - making them pretty easy to mount.

However, if you can't tell the difference between a lock rail and a lock stile or are clueless about what a mullion is, DIY installation is not for you. You can either go with the pre-hung or regular entryway options and have a professional mount it.

How much does it cost to replace a front door?

Every interior entryway has its price tag, and this will depend on various factors, including:

• The material used in its manufacture: Is it steel, vinyl, wooden, fiberglass, aluminum, or glass?
• The framing: Will you choose an entryway with a fanlight, pocket frame, or glazing panels?
• Its finish: high-end finishes cost more
• Customization: Are you going to install smart locks, have textured slabs, or have exterior doors with glass inserts?

These are only a few factors that affect the pricing of your door replacement. To get an accurate quote, get in touch with United Porte. As industry experts, we will find out the exact specifications you want and tell you how much it will cost.

Conclusion

Front entryways speak loads about who you are and influence a visitor's expectations before they even go inside. One that's in perfect condition improves our home's curb appeal. On the other hand, a damaged or faulty entryway is an eyesore and will attract distasteful glares from passers-by, visitors, and home buyers.

If you have noticed any of the above signs you need to replace your entry door, we are here to help.

United Porte is a doors online shop that sells a wide range of exterior and interior entryways. We will help you find an ideal one based on your preferences, giving your home the upgrade and sophistication it deserves.