7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Front Door

Your front door is one of the first things people see when they visit your home. It also offers security, privacy and shelter. Having a functional and visually pleasing front door is an essential investment for your home. Knowing the signs you need to replace your front door can ensure yours remains durable and functional.

How to Know When to Replace Your Front Door

Over time, your door’s appearance and functionality can wear down. As a result, you may experience various issues like drafts and difficulty with opening and closing. Explore the following seven signs that indicate it’s time to replace your front door.

1. You Have Trouble Opening and Closing the Door

One of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your front door is if it begins to stick when opening or closing. This can happen for several reasons:

• The weather stripping around the door could be worn or damaged.
• The door is made with poor-quality wood or a poor-quality finish, which causes it to absorb too much moisture during humidity or rain. This makes the door swollen and causes it to stick.
• The frame may be warped or damaged.
• Hinges may be loose, and they may need lubrication if you notice that the door squeaks. 
• There is an obstruction, such as a small object or some debris that has become lodged in the door’s path.

Consult a front door replacement professional to find out if you need to repair or replace it. It’s usually more cost-effective to get a new door if there’s a misalignment in the door jamb, the entry door has become warped, or your home’s foundation has settled.

2. You Experience Drafts

The extremes of the South Jersey climate can cause your front door to expand and contract, leading to gaps or weaknesses in its construction that cause drafts. A drafty door can strain your HVAC system and increase your energy bill. 

Besides feeling uncomfortable air in your home, you may also know if your door has drafts by holding a candle or lighter near the door frame. A flame that flickers toward the outside indicates an air leak. In that case, you’ll need a new door to eliminate these uncomfortable, costly drafts.

3. The Door Looks Weathered

Over time, your door is subject to normal wear and tear and can expand and contract with temperature changes. This can cause chips, scratches, warps and cracks, which can potentially let in drafts.

These imperfections can let drafts into the home and compromise the door’s structural integrity. They can also make it easier for would-be thieves to break in.

4. Your Security Feels Compromised

Your door should be replaced if your security feels compromised due to the following:

• The door is weak, broken and seems easy to pry open.
• It does not close properly or is constantly jamming. 
• The door does not lock, or the locking mechanism seems fragile and easy to break.
• Your door does not offer you full privacy because of cracks or gaps in its structure.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it’s best to get a new front door without delay. This will help secure your home and give you peace of mind when you’re asleep or away.

5. Your Door Has Visible Cracks

You should replace your entry door if it shows signs of damage, such as rust, dents, cracks or holes. Visible damage can let in drafts, strain your HVAC system, compromise security and diminish the door’s appearance. Consult an entry door professional to find a sturdy, long-lasting door that can resist the elements in your local area.

6. Your Door Has Moisture Damage

Your wooden door may have moisture damage if it gets stuck or if you notice mold, mildew, rotting, a musty smell or insects. All of these issues can cause further damage. 

Moisture can also affect glass doors with double-paned glass. Over time, the seal between the two panes can fail, creating the ideal conditions for mold and mildew to form. With windows, you can probably go a little longer before replacing them because the frames consist of inorganic materials that are resistant to rot. However, you’ll need to replace your entry door much more quickly, especially if you have an older door.

Older front doors usually have a wood core or frame. A seal failure between the glass panes of your door traps moisture between these frames that can cause rot, especially if your entryway doesn’t receive much direct sunlight. You’ll need to replace your entry door when you notice water between the glass panes.

7. The Door Looks Outdated 

Replacing an outdated door can help you better reflect your personal style and increase your home’s curb appeal. Updating your entrance can help increase your home’s value. If you’ve already upgraded your landscaping and added a fresh coat of paint to the interior, a new entry door may be the final element to attract buyers if you want to sell your home soon.

Updating your front door’s color, material, or design can give your home a brand-new look, even if you don’t want to put it on the market. This upgrade is much more affordable than getting a new roof, installing new siding, or even painting your exterior property. Consult an entry door replacement professional to find the perfect door for your house.

Contact Hunter Door in South Jersey to Request an Estimate

The benefits of replacing your front door are undeniable — you enhance your home’s curb appeal and make your house more efficient and secure. If you are not sure how to fix a front door or replace it, or if you are uncertain of whether you need a new door, the professional team at Hunter Door can assist. 

At Hunter Door, we offer a wide selection of high-quality, energy-efficient entry doors to protect your South Jersey home from the elements and enhance its curb appeal. Contact us online or call 856-431-3952 to request an estimate or a service.