First impressions are everything. And when someone visits your home, they’re noticing every little detail-especially when they enter through the front door.
Even if you don’t get many visitors, you probably notice your front door too. Maybe you see the wear and tear, or you hear it creak and groan. Maybe you lie awake at night wondering how sturdy and secure it is.
So why haven’t you had your door replaced? An entry door replacement can give you peace of mind, save you money on your energy bills, and spice up your home decor. A new door can refresh your entryway and keep unwanted intruders and pests out.
If you’re not sure if your door needs replaced, here are 11 signs it’s time for a door upgrade.
1. It Has Major Damage
Obviously, major damage is a clear sign you need a new door right away. If the damage is obvious, then you need a replacement. Likewise, if your door isn’t functioning properly and easily opening and closing, then it’s failing to do the one thing it’s meant to do.
Major damage to a door can occur through a break-in, in-climate weather, or gradually over time through normal wear. Regardless of the reason, major damage requires a door replacement as soon as possible.
2. There is Visible Wear and Tear
Major damage is not the only reason for seeking a door replacement. Visible wear and tear are also signs you need to consider a replacement door.
Issues like cracking, peeling paint, denting, rusting, or warping are signs you need to look for a replacement. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint isn’t enough. If you start to notice wear and tear on your door, be proactive and get a replacement.
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3. You Want More Curb Appeal
If you’re looking to increase your home’s curb appeal, replacing your exterior door is a great way to accomplish that. Curb appeal is the way your home looks when viewed from the street. It’s the first impression that matters.
If you are considering selling your home, you should know that good curb appeal attracts potential home buyers. Replacing your front door is one of the simpler and more dramatic tasks you can do to increase your curb appeal. It’s part of creating a welcoming entryway.
Replacing doors is an easy way to add value to your home and attract would-be buyers. An inviting entryway will help bring potential home buyers through your doors-literally.
Even if you aren’t looking to sell your home anytime soon, increasing your curb appeal will be aesthetically pleasing. Imagine yourself pulling up to your home and smiling, visibly pleased at how the exterior of your home looks. Part of that exterior makeover could be an attractive new door.
4. It’s Outdated and Out of Style
Styles and trends change over time. What may have been in vogue a few years or decades ago may not be the case now. If you’re looking to makeover your home, don’t neglect your doors.
After all, it’s hard to avoid noticing entryways like your front door.
5. There are Signs of Mildew and Mold
Many doors have double paneled glass. Over time, moisture can find its way in between the panes of glass. This leads to the development of mold and mildew.
Aside from being an eyesore, it can be a serious health risk. By replacing the door, you can safely remove any traces of mold and mildew.
6. You Need More Accessibility
As your main entry point to your home, your front door needs to accommodate your and your family’s accessibility needs. This could mean replacing a door so a loved one can easily maneuver their walker or wheelchair through the door.
That likely means replacing the door and doorframe, so the doorway can be widened. It also means ensuring the threshold is not too high, that the door can easily open and close without excessive force, and that the door is easily approachable.
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) covers private businesses and local governments. However, their door recommendations can also be helpful for homes. Accessibility should be considered in the home too.
7. It’s a Security Risk
A damaged door is a security risk. So are many older doors with less secure designs. A wooden door is also less secure than a sturdier fiberglass or steel door.
Outdated, damaged doors are targets for burglars.
If you don’t think a burglar would enter through a common entryway like a door, think again. Entry through a door-either forced entry or by using an unlocked door is very common.
In fact, 34% of burglars enter through the front door. So your front door should be sturdy, with a good locking mechanism.
8. It’s an Entry Point for Pests
A secure door will keep out more than unwanted human intruders, it will keep out the creepy, crawly kind too. A doorway with large gaps or a door that doesn’t close properly is a free invite to invite ants, mice, spiders, and other wildlife into your home.
Unless you want to turn your home into an impromptu, makeshift wildlife sanctuary, you should add a door replacement to your list of home improvement tasks.
9. Pest and Fungi Damage Is Noticeable
Termites can infest and break down wooden doors, ruining their structural integrity. While they are usually found in more out-of-the-way places, occasionally termites will infest wooden doors. Termites are widespread around the world and are found throughout the U.S., so regardless of where you live you may encounter them.
The fungus can also damage your door. Fungi can grow on wooden doors and cause wood rot. Fungi require moisture to thrive, so if you live in a wet area you are at an increased risk of wood rot.
Wood rot can appear as brown or dry rot, white rot, or soft rot. All three look different, but all break down the integrity of the wood and destroy it.
10. You Want an Energy-Efficient House
A replacement door is a great way to lower your energy bills. If you notice a draft coming from your doorway, then it’s a sure sign that you need a replacement door for a better-insulated entryway.
There are several ways to check for drafts. The easiest is to run your hand along with the framing of your door, feeling for any breeze, as well as listening for any air whistling through cracks. If you notice a draft, then you’re in need of a replacement door.
If your door has windows, the window frames may also become drafty. Check to see if the glass has been chipped, or if the window frames have been damaged by water.
However, not all doors are equal in terms of energy efficiency. The most energy-efficient entry door you can get is ProVia’s Embarq. Embarq doors are heavily insulation and sealed, offering a thick fiberglass door.
If you’re wondering where to find energy-efficient Embarq doors, check out a windows and doors dealer near you, such as Renewal by Andersen window replacement. A local dealer will be able to find a door that suits your home and saves you money year-round.
11. More Than One of These Reasons Apply
It’s likely you may have more than one reason for wanting a door upgrade. Maybe your door has some visible damage, and you’re worried that makes it less secure. Maybe it’s drafty and ugly to look at.
Most likely, there is a combination of factors that you are considering. If you’ve read through the previous ten reasons and felt that at least one of them definitely applied to your front door, or noticed multiple signs that your door needs replaced, it’s time to make that change.
If you’re not sure if your door is secure, you don’t like its look, or you want to increase your home’s curb appeal, a door replacement is a great way of doing that. Really if you have any doubts about your door, you should consider getting it replaced.
Consider the Benefits of a Door Replacement
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your front door, then it’s time for a door replacement. An updated door can keep you safe, save you money on utilities, and be visually attractive. It’s a no-brainer investment that can last for years.
Don’t forget to visit our home improvement section for more articles on how to decorate and update your home.
