Is It Time For A New Door? These Signs Will Tell You.

Homeowners seem to have an endless list of improvement projects. So much so that it can be hard to see the line between what is mildly important and what is truly a necessity. And the truth about home maintenance tasks is that small issues will lead to much bigger ones.

When it comes to your doors, knowing when to update can be especially difficult to judge because there is no real lifespan. The age, material and installation of the door all play a role in how long a door will last. To help determine when it’s the right time to bite the bullet and replace a door, read through these five revealing signs.

Sign #1: Paint is visibly cracked or warped
Sometimes door damage isn’t subtle at all. Harsh weather with extreme temperature swings and exposure to moisture (sound like Florida?) can cause significant warping or cracking in a door. If a door has visible damage, it’s not only susceptible to air leaks, but could also be structurally unsound. Unfortunately, a warped door cannot be fixed and will eventually crack and rot. If this is where you are at, it’s replacement time.

Sign #2: Opening and closing is a struggle
This is one of the most clear-cut indications that a door is on its last leg. If you can’t open and close your door with relative ease, it may be time to install a new one. A door usually gets to this point due to aging, however it could also result from poor installation. General squeaking and sticking can be irritating and will likely worsen over time, but that’s not necessarily a sure sign that it’s time for a replacement. In this case try oiling the hinges. If the door is still noisy and a struggle to open after that, then you know it’s time for a new one.

Sign #3: It’s a bit drafty
Older doors are much more likely to allow drafts and air leaks to creep in and out of your home. This can be a little difficult to identify because the door may look perfectly fine, but your air conditioning bill is taking a hit because air is leaking out around the edges and wasting energy. To test your door, try standing in front of the door inside the house and run a hand a few inches away from where the frame meets the door. If you feel air or a change in temperature, it’s probably time to consider a replacement. Another indication of a gap issue is light creeping in. In some cases, new insulation will solve the problem, but more often a new, better insulated door will keep your air flow in check and help to keep your energy bill down.

Sign #4: The sign is on the floor
Scrape marks on your wood floors are a certain red flag that it’s time to update your door. This is another sign of warping and weather damage and is very common in older homes. A poor install could be the culprit for this issue, but either way, a new door is the solution.
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Sign #5: Safety first
​You should feel safe and secure behind your doors. If your door feels like it could be easily broken into, it’s time to upgrade. Older locks can be a real concern when it comes to keeping intruders out and sometimes you may just need to update the hardware. Keep in mind that door locks are not designed to last the entire lifetime of the door, and you can easily add a new multi-point lock, or even a keypad lever or deadbolt.
 
If your door is having one or more of these issues, it is time to get a new door. Let us help! Email us today: [email protected]