The US spends over $300 billion a year on energy that escapes through drafty doors and windows. That’s more than the US spends on its military every year! You might not realize your front door is the culprit until it’s too late.
Don’t let your hard-earned money go to waste. Instead, keep reading to discover the eight signs you need a new front door.
After reading this guide, you can make a smarter decision for your home and wallet. Instead of wasting money, you can invest in your family’s comfort and safety.
Not sure if it’s time to call a door replacement company? Keep reading to discover the signs it’s time today.
1. Issues Opening and Closing the Door
Do you struggle to open your own front door? Maybe it’s a hassle to get it closed when you leave. Both issues are signs it’s time to consider getting a new front door.
If your door is sticking, there’s a risk you’re wasting energy.
The ideal temperature within your home will start to sneak out through any gaps in your front door. Meanwhile, the outdoor’s hot, summer temperatures will begin to sneak in.
First, take a moment to look for exposed areas along the sides, top, and bottom of your door. Can you see light sneaking through, even when the door is closed? If these issues sound familiar, consider installing new doors.
Many people also use the candle test to determine if it’s time to start replacing old doors.
Light a candle near your home’s front door. Does the flame lean toward the door? If it does, air is leaking through.
Call a door replacement company before your energy bill starts to fluctuate. Otherwise, your AC will work twice as hard to keep your home cool. Meanwhile, all that cool air will escape—right through the front door.
2. Insulation Issues
Using ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights can lower your energy bills and save you money. Using less energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and homes, too.
In fact, switching to energy-efficient doors and windows can reduce energy bills by an average of 12% nationwide.
Getting a new front door will keep air from slipping out of your home. Picture that air as money from your wallet. Closing any gaps and insulation issues can keep that money within your reach.
Place your hand around the outline of your door. Do you feel a gust of air against your palm? If your door has insulation issues, it’s time to call a door replacement company.
Sometimes, you don’t have to replace the entire door. Instead, consider checking the spring-loaded threshold first. It might require an adjustment.
Otherwise, check your door’s weatherstripping. The weatherstripping is designed to insulate your home, keeping your family comfortable. If it’s old and worn, replace it.
If these tips don’t help, however, consider installing new doors. New doors can improve your home’s insulation.
You can keep your money from slipping free from your wallet along with your home’s cool air.
3. Moisture, Mold, and Mildew Buildup
Glass front doors often use double-paned glass. Over time, however, the seal between the panes can begin to fade. Mold, mildew, and moisture could start to build between the glass panes as a result.
Look for moisture buildup against the window panes. If you see moisture, call a door replacement company right away. Otherwise, mold or mildew could start to spread throughout your home.
You’ll have to spend even more time, money, and stress worrying about mold remediation otherwise.
4. Water Damage
Wooden doors can experience water damage over time. You might first notice the wood has grown soft. Maybe it’s starting to break apart as well.
If there are issues with the door’s structural integrity, the wood likely isn’t supporting the door structure. You could start to experience insulation issues.
Intruders might find it’s easier to break into your home as well.
Meanwhile, leaving water damage can make it easier for the damage to develop over time. The previous damage can form pathways, making it easier for water to sneak in. As your home’s insulation degrades, your energy bills will continue to rise.
Consider calling a door replacement company right away. They can start by replacing old doors throughout your home. They’ll ensure the water damage doesn’t continue to impact your home’s structural integrity.
5. Rust, Dings, and Scratches
It’s normal for your door to experience wear and tear over time. If the structural integrity becomes compromised, you might notice rust, though.
Rust could indicate the wood frame has sustained water damage.
Look at the foot of your door for ugly dents and scratches. These exterior damages could impact your home’s curb appeal, too.
If you notice a lot of aesthetic issues with your door, consider getting a new front door right away.
6. Warping and Weathering
Every time you slam or kick your door, it can develop scratches. Meanwhile, storms can abuse the wood, too. Over time, that damage can cause the wood to expand and contract as seasons start to change.
Your door could start to warp as a result.
Consider installing new doors right away. Otherwise, you could leave your home exposed to the elements.
7. Constant Pests
Pests will take advantage of any gaps around your door. If you’ve noticed an increase in bugs lately, consider getting a new door. Otherwise, they’ll only continue to infiltrate your home.
8. It’s Just Old
In some cases, your front door makes the first impression for you when guests arrive. If you want to update your home’s curb appeal, consider a new front door. You can replace your old, outdated door with something that suits your home’s style.
After all, style changes over time. Replacing an old door will improve your home’s aesthetic and the door’s functionality.
Knock Knock: 8 Signs It’s Time for a New Front Door
Don’t let an old, damaged front door impact your family’s comfort or home’s curb appeal. Instead, consider the benefits of getting a new front door. You can protect your family, reduce energy use, and live in comfort!
Ready to see your stunning, new doors? We’re here to help.
Schedule your consultation today for a free estimate.