Replacement Doors: What You Need to Know

Did you know that the most common way to break into a home forcefully is through the front door?

That's just one of the many reasons it's imperative to practice regular door maintenance, and when required, replacement. As a homeowner, you need to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of your home and the people living inside it. 

This article walks you through the various signs you need a replacement door and how to go about the replacement process the right way. 

Let's start by looking at the absolute basics.

Know the Signs: Is it Time to Replace Your Door?

Is there a specific time period after which you must replace your door? Are there specific signs you need to look for? If you're lost, consider the following.

Do You Sense a Draft?

Drafts occur when some gaps or spaces are left unsealed or open. Run your hand around your door frame, and check for any cold breeze or wind. You can also listen against slight cracks to check whether you can hear the wind moving through the cracks. 

These gaps will occur naturally over time, but it is definitely a sign that you require a replacement door for your home. A replacement door will work as a natural solution to these cold drafts and also help you save on utilities in the long run.

Are Your Exterior or Interior Doors Wearing Out?

All doors are subject to the wear and tear of daily use. Examine your entry, interior or patio doors for visible cracks, mold, or other growths, peeling, warping, and more. 

Do your doors shut properly, or do they get stuck? Do you find it difficult to lock or open your door when you need to? Do your doors operate with ease, in general?

All of the above indicate worn-out or dysfunctional doors that require immediate replacement to ensure the safety of your home. 

Does Your Door Negatively Impact Your Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal refers to the external perception of your home. Does your home look attractive from the outside? More specifically, in what way does your front door contribute to this appearance?

An outdated or mismatched door can bring down your curb appeal, and consequently, the real estate value of your home, in general. If that's how you feel about your door, then the answer is quite simple. You need to get it replaced!

Choosing the Right Replacement Doors for Your Home

Now that you know you need a replacement door let's get down to the business of choosing the right one. As with any door, your first consideration must be the material it's made from. 

Here are three great options to consider. 

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors are made from two molded skins. In between the skins, you'll find a polyurethane foam core which mainly serves as an insulator. These kinds of doors work well to protect you from the heat as well as the cold. 

They generally remain unaffected by moisture. This ensures durability by preventing the usual problems you see with doors, like rotting, mold, or peeling. However, they still maintain the aesthetic and grain you notice with wooden doors. 

Further, you can opt for a painted or stained variant subject to your personal preferences. 

Wood Doors

Wooden doors are made from combining stile or insulated door panels and rail or a series of bars to create a single and complete structure. These doors are generally considered less energy efficient than their fiberglass counterparts, but they are still worth considering for their durability and overall aesthetic. One major perk of having wood doors is that abrasions, dents, and scratches can be easily camouflaged within the natural texture of the door. 

This aesthetic can be further enhanced by opting for the stained variety, practicing yearly maintenance, and ensuring proper protection against moisture. 

Steel Doors

A steel door works as a more affordable and durable alternative to its wood and fiberglass counterparts. Their energy efficiency is comparable to fiberglass doors, and they are significantly cheaper. While they are subject to corrosion, rust, and dents, this can be avoided with regular maintenance. 

Additionally, steel doors offer an edge in terms of security. They serve as a stronger barrier than fiberglass or wooden doors, making it harder for thieves or intruders to break into your home. 

Purchase and Installation

Now it is time to find a reliable high-quality door, which means finding a high-quality door installer as well. We sell and install JELD-WEN® Exterior, Interior and Patio Doors.  They are a leading door manufacturer that is globally renowned for the reliability and durability of their products.

To truly get the most out of your replacement door(s), you need to ensure accurate measurements, proper alignment of hinges and plates, and an airtight seal. 

So, you've chosen the the door(s) you'd like, now it's time to install them. It is generally advisable to hire the help of a qualified door installation professional rather than making this a DIY project as it is imperative that a door is "Plumb, Level, Square & True". 

Door Replacement Done Right

If you notice signs of wear and tear and dysfunctionality in your doors, it's time to get your home a replacement door. This is essential to improving both your home security and curb appeal. 

Your choices include fiberglass, wood, and steel doors. Each of these has its pros and cons, with steel doors being the most budget-friendly while ensuring protection against intruders, wooden doors offering you the most in the context of aesthetics, and fiberglass doors serving as good insulators for your home. 

At Bells Construction, we work with homeowners to give them custom door installation services. Get in touch with us to get a free estimate on your door replacement needs today!