A front door upgrade can boost your home security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. Doors can last for years, but the weather will eventually take its toll and make them less secure and harder to maintain. Learn how to tell if it’s time to upgrade your doors.
Your front door is the first impression guests have of your home, and it can say a lot about you. It conveys your style, care for energy efficiency and inclination toward security. If you’re trying to paint over cracks and rust, fighting to open your door or struggling to stop the cold from creeping in, you may need a new front door.
Are you looking for a little front door makeover inspiration? Visit the Asher showroom in Chippewa Falls, WI, to browse our selection of Renewal by Andersen® front doors.
Why Upgrade Your Front Door?
A front door upgrade can be a great way to boost your home’s value. The right choice of exterior door can offer many benefits, including:
- Improved security to protect loved ones
- Increased energy efficiency
- Boosted curb appeal
An upgraded door can also make a bold or subtle style statement that elevates your entire aesthetic.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Entry Door
Updating your front door is about more than picking a new color. There are several aspects to consider when making the most out of your home upgrades. We aim to give you the best information on how to upgrade doors before they become hazardous.
Home Security
An entry door should keep you and your family safe. You will sleep better at night knowing that your entry doors will keep intruders out. If you prioritize security, look for the best doors to prevent a break-in, like a stainless-steel door with the added steel mesh option.
You might also consider adding storm doors to prevent exposure that could weaken the door.
Energy Efficiency
Who wouldn’t want to save some money on their energy bill? Renewal by Andersen® energy-efficient Energy Star exterior doors can help reduce your home’s energy consumption by offering:
Superior insulation: Modern innovations like multipane glass and insulated frames help to minimize heat transfer.
Airtight seals: Advanced permanent weatherstripping seals can prevent drafts and air leakage.
Low-e coatings: These coatings work to reflect heat, keeping interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
The most common window and door problems in the winter have to do with improper seals. These can impact your energy efficiency. Weatherstripping can do wonders, but it’s a temporary fix when you may actually need a permanent solution.when you need a permanent solution.
Curb Appeal
If you want to make your home stand out to potential buyers, choosing the right color for your door is a good place to start. Try a door with a pop of color to modernize your home. There are many new door designs to choose from with optional glass panels to let in more natural light.
If your entry door sees a lot of traffic, consider getting a double entry door to add space and style to your home.
Longevity
Older doors can require constant maintenance that can be stressful to keep on top of. New materials like fiberglass and steel are known for their durability, meaning they’ll last a lot longer and you won’t need to worry about maintenance. New doors like this provide you with:
- Fewer maintenance needs, leaving you more time to enjoy relaxing in your home or spending time with your family.
- A more durable material that’s able to withstand volatile weather and other elements.
- Long-term peace of mind that you’ve invested in a door that’s built to last.
If your new door will be exposed to the elements, consider installing a storm door to extend its lifespan.
Materials
When updating your front door, consider several material options. Wood, fiberglass, and steel are the primary options in today’s market, and each choice has its pros and cons. These are:
- Wooden doors: The traditional aesthetic of wood makes it timelessly stylish. It typically won’t last as long as steel or fiberglass, and requires routine maintenance to keep it visually appealing.
- Steel doors: Steel is an extremely durable and secure material. It can rust if severely scratched and tends to offer less insulation than wood or fiberglass.
- Fiberglass doors: This type of door is low-maintenance and also rot and dent-resistant. Because it offers strong long-term value, it’s typically more expensive up front than steel or wood.
There’s no such thing as a wrong choice here. It’s about finding the best possible selection for the value, look and safety of your home.
How Do I Know if My Door Needs Replacement vs. Repair?
A basic check for a few key issues will determine whether your door needs replacement or repair. Your door will typically need repairs in the following scenarios:
- Minor hardware issues: This refers to simple issues, such as loosened bolts, noisy hinges or loose handles. Problems like this can be resolved by lubricating hinges or tightening bolts.
- General wear and tear: Small cosmetic problems like dents, scratches or paint that’s started to peel on your door are easily resolved by repairs.
- A minor but noticeable draft: A slight draft in a room can often mean your weatherstripping needs replacing.
- Occasional sticking: This issue is common in many wooden doors. It’s likely due to summer swelling and may require sanding.
Other situations may call for a complete door replacement instead. It’s best to consider a new door if you find signs of any of the issues below:
- Deep cracks and rust: A significant crack in your wooden door is likely to be beyond repair. Rusted steel doors are also likely to spread and be damaged beyond patching repairs.
- Rot or decay: Check the bottom and edges of your wooden doors. Look for signs of softness or crumbliness in the wood, as this often indicates structural damage.
- Severe warping: If your door slab no longer sits properly against the frame, it has been warped over the years. Constant rattling and severe air leaks are signs that a replacement is needed.
- Issues with locking: A front door that can’t be securely locked or has weakened seals due to degradation should be replaced immediately.
Attention to detail is crucial here. Every door is different, and what’s deemed an acceptable repair for one type of door may not be the same as another.
Questions to Ask About Needing a New Entry Door
When you decide it’s time for a front door makeover, you’ll be making one of the most impactful updates to the front of your house. Asking yourself additional questions can determine which option works best for you and how to make a choice with long-term benefits.
Is the Door Hard to Open?
A stuck door is a nuisance, but it can also be a sign of bigger problems. If you notice a light coming in when the door is closed, you should replace it rather than repair it.
How Severe Is Your Door Rust?
Rust indicates moisture, which means your door isn’t keeping the weather out. Steel doors are not galvanized on the inside, so rust comes from the inside out. That can lead to rot or mold in the door’s core or frame. To avoid further damage or injury, replace a rusty door.
Is It Still Drafty After Adding Weatherstripping?
Weatherstripping is a quick DIY solution to help keep heat inside. However, weatherstrips need to be replaced periodically and may still allow drafts. If you’re tired of this constant maintenance, the best solution is a full front door replacement.
Is the Hardware Beginning to Go?
You don’t necessarily have to wait until you experience locking issues. A door’s hardware is typically the last thing to fail, so you should consider a complete door upgrade if the hardware is noticeably starting to go.
Discuss Your Front Entry Door Replacement Needs With Asher
When the time comes for a front door upgrade, Asher wants to help you find what you’re looking for. New entry doors are the best way to update your security, energy use, and curb appeal without breaking the bank. A simple front door can drastically change the way your house looks and feels to your guests.
For more tips and tricks for your next home makeover, visit our blog to learn about upgraded front doors for your home. If you have any other questions, reach out online or call us at 715-832-7282 to find out how we can help.
