5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Front Door

Your entry doors are the centerpiece of your home. It’s the first contact guests have with your house when they visit. For passersby gazing at your home, it’s often the focal point of their attention. And as the main entryway, your front door is a critical security deterrent, keeping your family safe.

Despite its prominence in the household, homeowners overlook their front doors sometimes. They treat it like other longstanding features in the home: the walls, floors and roof, for instance. But your front door will need to be replaced at some point, usually every 30 years.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to replace your home’s entry system, here are five telltale signs to look out for.

It’s Getting on in Years

As mentioned, the average lifespan of a front door is roughly 30 years. This is not a hard and fast rule, though, since several factors can impact a door’s functional life. The initial quality of the door, the materials used in the door, how well it was installed, how well it has been maintained, the climate in which you live – these can all affect the life expectancy of a door.

Your Energy Bill Keeps Climbing

Rising or abnormally high energy bills can be a sign that either your windows or doors are inefficient. If your windows are relatively new, you can probably rule them out and focus your attention on the door. If replacing for energy efficiency, consult with a window and door manufacturer that specialized in high-performance, efficient products.

You’re Worried About Safety

It’s less a quantifiable thing than a gut instinct – you just don’t trust your current front door to deter intruders. Maybe the locking system seems flimsy, or the panels don’t feel robust enough. Whatever the reasons, if you’re worried about the safety of your front door, don’t chance it, especially if the door is older or inefficient (see above). For added security, look for front doors with a multi-point locking system, which uses a three-deadbolt system to dissuade even the savviest thieves.

It’s Damaged, Warped or Difficult to Operate

Does the door stick when you try to open and close it? Are there noticeable rust patches, dents or scratches? Are there cracked edges where air can leak? If the answer to any of these is yes, it’s probably time to replace the door. At best, you have merely aesthetical damage (which can negatively affect your home’s curb appeal and possible resale value). At worst, your door is an open gate for air, bugs, intrudes and rodents.

You Want to Improve Your Curb Appeal

As mentioned, a damaged door can negatively impact curb appeal. So can an old, out-dated door. Most of the items above in this list concern why you should get rid of your old door. However, an equally valid reason for front door replacement is to procure a beautiful new door. Yet another compelling motive for replacing your front door is to acquire a stunning and contemporary entryway upgrade with a modern front door. Replacing your front entry system is a simple way to boost curb appeal that has a great ROI.

If you’ve noticed one or more of the above signs, don’t hesitate to call a custom window and door manufacturer about replacing your front entry system.