7 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Think It’s Time for Door Replacement

What Are the Benefits of a Door Replacement?

Before figuring out whether you need a door replacement, you probably want to know why you should consider it in the first place. How does getting a new door benefit you?

We’re glad you asked! A few of the many benefits of replacing your door include:

• Lowered heating and cooling costs, which can save you money
• Better temperature regulation, which can make your home much more comfortable
• Enhanced home security, ensuring your family is as safe as possible
• Increased home value, which can lead to better community resources
• External noise reduction, making your home more peaceful
• Enhanced aesthetics, leading to greater pride in ownership
• Potentially more privacy when replacing a glass-paneled door with a solid one
• Potentially greater natural light when replacing a solid door with a glass-paneled one
• Reduced maintenance costs when compared to older doors
• Greater protection against severe weather events like strong winds and hail
• Ability to make a more personal design statement, whether bold or understated

As you can see, you’ll benefit from a door replacement project in numerous ways. Now that you understand the why let’s dive into how you can determine if you need a new door.

How Do You Know If You Need a Door Replacement?

Sometimes, it’s obvious that something is broken and needs to be replaced. For example, you know you need a patio door replacement if it’s hanging off its hinges. Other times, it’s not so obvious. But, if you answer the eight questions below, you should better understand whether it’s time to upgrade your old door.

1. Does Your Door Have Obvious Damage?

Take a long, hard look at the door you’re considering replacement. Does it have signs of obvious damage? If it does, it’s high time you replaced it. Not only is that damage an eye-sore, but it represents a weakened door. Since your door is one of the first lines of protection against potential intruders, you want it to be as strong as possible.

Concerning damage indicating it’s time for door replacement might include:

• Dents in the door
• Cracks in the door or frame
• Holes in the door or frame
• Warping (bending)
• Rot (if it’s a wooden door)
• Rust (if it’s a metal door)
• Signs of insect damage (such as holes from carpenter bees)
• Signs of weather damage (including water damage)
• Visible cracks between the door and jamb on any side
• The frame has separated at the corner connection points

However, we do want to take a moment to say that not all “damage” is necessarily an issue. For example, scuffs along the bottom of the door may look like damage, but they don’t affect your door’s structural integrity. Issues with your doorknob or lock on an otherwise fine door also don’t always warrant a complete replacement.

2. Is Door Replacement Necessary for Aesthetic Purposes?

Sometimes, we just think our door is ugly. It happens. Maybe you just bought a home and fell in love with everything except the door. Or, perhaps you once loved the door, but it’s become worn, or your aesthetic preferences have changed. Whatever the reason, you should know one simple fact: you don’t have to keep your current door if you don’t like it.

For minor aesthetic issues, a fresh coat of paint may help you buy time before needing a door replacement. For example, chipping paint and surface-level scuffs can often be solved with paint. However, more serious aesthetic issues (e.g., you don’t like the type of door) warrant a replacement.

3. Do You Find It Challenging to Open and Close Your Door?

Over time, you may find opening and closing your door challenging. There are a few different reasons this might happen, but two are the most common culprits:

1. The door jamb has been damaged, making the door “stick” when you try to swing it in or out of its closed position
2. Moisture and humidity have caused the door to expand, so it becomes too big for its frame

Doors that don’t work correctly are annoying, but the problem is bigger than that. In an emergency, like a house fire, you need a door that quickly opens and closes so your family can get to safety. You want something you can rely on when every second counts.

Since this issue generally occurs in older doors (but not always), we typically recommend a door replacement. A professional door replacement company won’t just give you a new door—they’ll also replace the jamb, frame, and other integral pieces to ensure everything works perfectly again.

4. Has Your Door Reached the End of Its Expected Lifespan?

Everything has an expected lifespan, and doors are no exception. The lifespan of your door can vary significantly based on the material it’s made of. Examples of common door materials and their expected lifespans include:

• Steel: Can last between 30 and 100 years
• Wood: Can last between 20 to 60 years
• Fiberglass: Can last up to 70 years
• Glass: Can last over 50 years

If your door is nearing the end of its expected lifespan (or has already surpassed it), we highly recommend replacing it. A door’s structural integrity slowly deteriorates over time, and it’s better to get a door replacement now rather than wait until there’s a significant problem.

5. Are Your Utility Bills Rising?

Doors that are warped, cracked or otherwise don’t fit properly are a major contributor to lost heating and cooling costs. The harder your appliances must work to heat or cool your home, the higher your utility bills will rise.

If this is the issue you’re facing, you may want to consider new windows and doors. Window and door replacement can significantly decrease energy costs, especially in older homes. Although it requires a significant upfront investment, you’ll generally make your money back (and then some) over the lifespan of your replacement doors and windows. You also earn money back on your investment through increased home value.

6. Do You Have a Working Budget?

Although a door replacement is a worthwhile investment, it’s still an investment. Depending on the type of door you’re looking at, you could be looking at hundreds or thousands of dollars. For this reason, we highly recommend homeowners have a solid idea of their budget before hiring a company for a door replacement project. With a budget in place, a reliable company like Your Window Solutions can help you find an aesthetically pleasing, secure option within your price range.

7. Are You Looking for a Change?

Sometimes, you want a change – and a door replacement could be just what you’re looking for. Not only will you refresh your entryway (and your porch), but you’ll also receive the many benefits listed above!