Front doors experience wear and tear with homeowners popping in and out day after day, but quality front doors when properly maintained and protected from the elements, can survive for up to 30 years or so. It might be the case that you can get a professional to easily replace gaskets and weather strips every 5 to 8 years, but eventually the door itself may become damaged beyond repair. So, what are the signs it is time for a new front door?
How Do I Know If I Need a New Front Door?
There are a number of reasons why replacing a front door is worth the investment and it can become apparent fairly quickly that a new front door is required when the security of your home is at risk. Likewise, with rising energy costs, a front door that helps to insulate your home is certainly an important purchase. But at what stage does it become clear that you need a new house front door?
Old, Broken, and Damaged Front Doors
Replacing damaged, tired or broken house front doors can dramatically improve the kerb appeal and long-term value of your home. A front door is a prominent feature of any home and when you come to sell a house or even rent a property, a new front door will leave a lasting positive impression on guests and potential purchasers. Likewise, an old and outdated door will indicate that the house has not been well looked after and that there might be other underlying issues.
Old or damaged front doors might also attract the wrong attention when it comes to security, showing potential criminals that they might have easy access to get into the property.
Front Doors That Are Hard To Open and Close
Another main sign to look out for is when your front door becomes challenging to open and close. A front door that is difficult to open or close may have loose hinge screws that need to be tightened which fortunately, can be a straightforward repair. However, if the handle or lock is playing up or if your door jamb is misaligned, the home's foundation has dropped, or your entry door has gotten warped, it's usually more cost-effective to replace the front doors.
Damaged or Rotten Wooden House Doors
Traditional wooden doors over time can become damp and begin to disintegrate or warp. Damp is of course detrimental to the door's structure, compromising security and strength. Unfortunately rot, mildew, and insects thrive in weakened, wet wood, causing severe damage to your door. As the problem worsens it can mean that a house front door is no longer secure enough to sustain the door construction, and as such will no longer safeguard your property.
Sound Proofing Problems
Outside noise is filtered via your entry door; suppose you live on a busy street or in a high-traffic region, it's critical that your entry door blocks or at least significantly decreases external noise. A door that isn't soundproof might need to be replaced with a newer type, made of superior insulating materials.
Drafts and Energy Inefficiency
Drafts suggest that your entry door is inefficient in terms of energy efficiency. The UK's warm summer days and chilly winters may have caused your door to shrink and expand, resulting in air leakage. These leaks make it harder to keep a steady temperature in your house, resulting in higher energy expenses.
Moisture Problems In Front Doors With Glass
If you discover that there is moisture accumulation between the glass panes of your entry door window, there could be a significant problem with the seal. When the seal between the two panes of glass wears away, moisture seeps into the door. Mould and mildew thrive in this environment and can form within the glass pane. It's time to replace your door if the glass window panes have fog or ice.
Time to Look for Replacement Front Doors
If you have discovered a problem with your front door, have issues with the frame, or noticed drafts, it is the perfect time to consider a replacement front door. Replacing a door as soon as possible would be beneficial, especially when security and safety is a concern.
One question we often hear is, 'How long should a front door last?’ Screen doors and vinyl doors typically last 20-40 years, while French doors can last 30-50 years. More heavy-duty aluminium doors can last even longer, so they are an excellent alternative to traditional wooden or vinyl doors.
Contemporary, Modern Front Doors for Homes
Another reason why you might want to change an older front door is appearance. When renovating a home, to complete the look a modern front door can add that final finishing touch. But new porch doors or front doors do a lot more than improve the look of your house. A quality front door defends your home from the weather, assists in maintaining a suitable inside environment, and keeps intruders out.
At Freelance Entry Solutions, no matter your front door preference, we can help! We have a number of house front door options available including:
- Coloured Front Doors
- Front Double Doors
- Aluminum Front Doors
- Contemporary Front Doors
- Steel Front Doors
- Bespoke Front Doors
- Glazed Front Doors
- Pivot Front Doors
Find the Perfect Front Door & Fitting Expert
Our specialists can assist you in selecting a replacement front door that complements your home's architectural design while also being practical and energy-efficient. You can rely on our skilled staff to complete the installation. Secure your home with a highly insulated aluminium front door or any front external doors, available in various stylish finishes to complement your property.
We can help you to design external front doors, customise access control and choose from single door, double door, or the impressive extra-large pivot front door options. We only supply and offer front doors for sale from industry-leading suppliers such as RK Door Systems and Hormann.
Reach out and contact us today for a new front door fitted at a time that suits you, or to discuss our front entry door prices.