A new stylish door increases your home’s curb appeal and adds value. It can even be a do-it-yourself project for the handy homeowner, but make sure to consider all the options. 
If you have a lot of daylight coming in around the frame or threshold, or if your doors are drafty, it’s probably time for replacement. A well-functioning, weathertight door creates an energy-efficient barrier to the outside. Visit Website for more information.
Your front door is an important part of your home. It lets you enter and exit your home, adds curb appeal, and acts as a barrier against inclement weather. However, like any part of your house, it will eventually require replacement. There are signs that will tell you it is time to make the upgrade.
Difficulty opening and closing the door is one of the biggest signs that you need to consider door replacement. This is not just frustrating, but it can be dangerous as well. If the door becomes hard to open, it could scrape the floor and create a trip hazard for anyone inside. In some cases, a quick repair will be sufficient, but it will only last for so long before the door is in need of a full replacement.
Another sign that it is time to replace your door is if the hinges are loosening. This may be a result of regular use over time or environmental factors, but either way, it is an indication that your door has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. The door could also start to squeak or creak. While these issues can be fixed, they will only continue to get worse if left unattended.
Drafts are another sign that your door is in need of a replacement. A good quality door is able to keep cold air out and hot air in, but as the door ages it can begin to allow draughts through. This can also lead to an increase in your energy bills, especially during the winter.
Your doors are often the first thing that people see when they visit your home, so they should look attractive and clean at all times. If your doors are beginning to show signs of wear and tear, this can make them less attractive and can even decrease the value of your home if you ever decide to sell it. While you may be able to fix some minor problems with your door through repair, it is best to consider replacing it entirely so that it continues to perform properly and looks appealing.
Difficulty Opening and Closing
We often take our doors for granted, but they are the most used element of your home and have to endure a lot of wear and tear. If your door has become difficult to open and close, it may be time to consider replacing it. This will help your family and visitors get in and out of the house with ease, while also improving security for you and your loved ones.
The most common reason for doors becoming difficult to open and close is due to warping or sagging. This is a result of changes in humidity and temperature, which causes the wood to expand or contract. As a result, it will cause the hinges to move and create friction, making it hard to open or close the door. Newer replacement doors are made from materials that are less prone to changes in humidity and temperature, so they are much easier to open and close.
Another common problem is the door hitting and rubbing against the frame, which can occur due to many different reasons. It can be caused by a gap between the frame and the door, or it could be because of a misalignment between the door and the frame. Often, this can be fixed by simply using a screwdriver to tighten the loose screws on each hinge. If the problem persists, then you will need to call a professional to examine the door and frame to asses the best solution.
Sometimes the latch will not lock in place, and this can be a result of misalignment or a broken strike plate hole. If the latch won’t lock in place, try lubricating the strike plate hole with white lithium or silicone lubricant to help it fit better. If the problem persists, then you may need to replace the deadbolt or the latch hardware completely.
It’s important to inspect the entire frame of the door for damage and rot, as well as checking for any signs of foundation settlement or heave. These movements can wreak havoc on your home’s framing and, ultimately, make it difficult for your doors to open and close.
Drafts
It is not uncommon for doors to be drafty, especially in older homes. Over time, the weather stripping becomes worn down due to constant opening and closing and gaps begin to form. These drafts not only cause discomfort in your home but can also lead to increased energy bills as the hot or cold air escapes through these unsealed openings. The good news is that there are many solutions for drafty doors. From investing in a door snake to using a rolled up towel, there are plenty of ways to reduce drafts without spending a fortune.
Drafts around your doors can occur for a variety of reasons, including wear and tear, foundation shifting, minor manufacturing or installation issues, or even just old age. You can determine which of these is causing your draft by performing what is called the “flame test.” Simply hold a flame close to the door and move it along the frame. If the flame flickers, it is a sign that outside air is getting into your home through this area. If you are uncomfortable using a flame, you can preform the same test by using a piece of paper. If the paper waves as you move it around the frame, then that is another indication of drafts in your home.
Not only do drafts let cold air into your home, they also allow pests like ants and roaches to enter. If you notice a lot of these bugs coming into your home, it is a sign that the gap under your doors is not sealing well and they are finding their way into your home.
The solution for this is to replace the existing weather stripping with a new one that is designed to create a seal. You can purchase this at any hardware or department store. For the bottom corners, you can also use foam pads that are easily nailed in the bottom of the frame. This is the cheapest option and will most likely solve your drafty problems. In the case of extreme drafts that cannot be solved by simple solutions, a full replacement door is the next step.
Rotting
Your door frames aren’t just for aesthetics – they’re also essential to the strength and security of your home or business. That’s why it’s important to keep up with maintenance to ensure they’re safe and functioning properly. However, there’s a point where even the most resilient of doors can reach their useful or service life, and if that happens, it’s time to replace them.
Rotting is one of the most serious signs that a door needs to be replaced, as it can compromise the structural integrity of your door and lead to other problems in your home or business. When wood rots, it becomes soft and pliable and may even start to crumble. A rotting door frame can also allow water to penetrate into the home or business, which can lead to interior water damage and mold growth.
To check for rotting, it’s important to examine the door frame nooks and crannies carefully. Look for splinters and other signs of soft or crumbling wood, as well as dark areas that indicate mildew or water damage. You can also test the wood’s hardness by gently attempting to tap on it with a screwdriver. Healthy timber will offer a bit of resistance, but if it’s soft or pliable to the touch, it’s likely that rotting has set in.
You can usually fix a rotten door by chiseling out the affected area, filling and sanding the spot, and then repainting it to match your existing colour. However, if the rot has spread too far, you’ll need to replace the whole door frame.
Don’t ignore the signs that your replacement doors are reaching the end of their life – they’re vital to your family’s safety and comfort, as well as a valuable investment in your property. If you’re worried about the state of your doors, contact us to learn more about how we can help! We’ll provide you with the solutions you need to replace your old and outdated door frames with high-quality, energy efficient doors that will enhance the value of your home or business.
