The door to your house is more than just a piece of wood, metal, or fiberglass. It’s the entryway to your home. An entry door’s primary function may be to keep out unwanted intruders, both animal and human, but it’s also part of your energy system and increases your curb appeal. Unfortunately, doors, especially those made of wood, wear out eventually. Their energy-efficiency decreases, they lose their curb appeal, and they no longer provide the kind of security that your home deserves.
While your entry door may still be functional – that is, it’s still attached to its hinges and closes and opens, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your door is okay. So, how do you know when to replace your door?
Your Door Is More than 20 Years Old
Old doors aren’t always a bad thing. They can be charming and add uniqueness to your home’s curb appeal. Unfortunately, though, as a door ages its insulation, functionality, and security can deteriorate over time. That’s without considering the advantages of new technology that’s continually added to the door manufacturing process to make new doors more secure and energy-efficient.
Your Entry Door Is Ineffective or Broken
Doors eventually become ineffective at providing curb appeal, security, or energy efficiency. While new, high-quality doors, like those from ProVia, come with 10 to 15-year warranties, lesser-quality doors can fail in just a few years.
Weather exposure can cause doors to warp or crack. Wood doors, too, are prone to moisture damage. Humidity can cause them to swell, and they’re prone to rotting. Metal doors, in high moisture areas, are also susceptible to damage in the form of rust.
High-traffic areas can see wear on hinges, handles, and frames. This causes misalignment or loosening and also can make the door vulnerable to break-ins at their weak points. Without regular upkeep, the door’s paint will crack and chip, while eventually, the weather stripping and seals will deteriorate and fail.
While the former is merely an eyesore, the latter can increase your energy bills. Opening and closing is your door’s most important function. If it can’t do that smoothly, it’s time for a new door.
Read more: Should You Replace Or Repair Your Doors and Windows?
Your Door Is No Longer Secure
Your door’s number one feature is to secure your belongings. If your door no longer latches properly, sticks, gaps at the bottom, or has another problem, you’re putting yourself at risk. A door that lacks structural integrity is bound to fail at exactly the wrong time.
New, ProVia doors are specially designed to be resistant to kick-ins and other forms of brute force. They’re lab tested to make sure that they provide security when you need it.
Some older doors may have single-pane glass that can be easily smashed to gain access. This is another reason to upgrade your door. ProVia offers double, triple, and even quadruple pane glass to protect your home.
Upgrading to a new front door equips you with modern security features such as advanced locking mechanisms, reinforced frames, and impact-resistant materials. These elements act as deterrents to potential intruders and provide peace of mind, knowing that your home is well-protected.
Your Entry Door Is No Longer Energy-Efficient
Energy efficiency is one aspect of a new door that isn’t always considered but will make a big difference in your energy bills. An older door may no longer seal properly, allowing hot or cold air to leak into your home. They’re larger than a window and used more often.
Older doors may also lack insulation in the door itself, which means that it’s not as effective at keeping the temperature consistent in your home.
Our ProVia entry doors are Energystar rated to help you reduce energy costs. While the door won’t completely pay for itself over time, the savings do help offset the initial cost of your investment.
You Want to Reduce Outside Noise
If you live in a noisy neighborhood or near a busy street, a new front door can help reduce exterior noise infiltration. Newly installed doors with good soundproofing properties create a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment. Enjoy a quieter atmosphere and escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
You Want To Enhance the Natural Light in Your Home
If your current front door lacks windows or has small, outdated ones, installing a new door with larger windows and / or glass side panels, also known as sidelights, can invite more natural light into your home’s entryway. This can make your living space feel brighter and more welcoming.
You Want to Upgrade Your Curb Appeal
A new door can create the illusion of a whole different home. This little change can make a big difference in your curb appeal, especially if your current door is dated or just a simple slab. It can also make a big difference in the home’s desirablity when you sell your home.
New doors offer hundreds, if not thousands, of combinations between the door itself, window options, and matching hardware. There are enough options to match your architectural style and color or to choose something in a contrasting style. By installing a new front door, you can elevate the visual appeal and value of your home.
Read more about exterior door types and styles.
Upgrading Your Entry Door
There are many reasons to decide that it’s time to update your entry doors. Choosing a new front door can lower your energy bills, increase your curb appeal, and add security to your home.
Volpe Enterprises, Inc. can help you design your own custom door that reflects your taste and style. Let us give you a free consultation so we can discuss the many options available to create a new look for your home.