the 6 signs to look for
Louisiana, let’s talk about something we see every day, but rarely think about. Let’s be honest, when was the last time you considered a new front door? Unless you’ve done some major renovation recently or there was some kind of accident, it’s probably been a while. Unfortunately, Louisiana weather can be harsh on our homes.
Our exterior doors play a crucial role in securing, insulating, and of course, our home’s curb appeal. But, how do you know when it’s time to replace your exterior door?
You may need a new front door and you don’t even know it.
Here are 6 signs when considering a new front door
- Take a good look. Take a moment to examine the condition of your door. Is it showing signs of wear and tear? Peeling paint can be scraped and repainted. But, is there any warping or cracking? If so, it may be time to replace it.
Our front doors take a beating, especially if you have kids going in and out. All the kicking, slamming, etc. will eventually take its toll on the hinges, jamb, even the door itself.
Of course a worn-out door detracts from the overall appearance of your home, but it can also compromise your home’s security and energy efficiency. A new door can not only enhance the look of your home but also improve its functionality. Which brings us to the next sign…
- Is it a pain to open? If your door is sticking or you need to do “the trick” to close it properly, you probably need a new front door.
As already mentioned, the weather (especially the heat and humility) is particularly harsh on wooden doors. This can cause doors to warp, causing that “sticking” issue or extra wide gaps. Cue the next sign.
- Check for gaps. If you can see daylight, or you can feel the air coming in at the bottom or sides, it may be time. Yes, smaller cracks can be blocked by weather stripping, but gaps will make it harder to maintain temperatures and raise you’re A/C bill.
- Upgrade Energy Efficiency. Even if you don’t see light, you may notice drafts coming in around your door. This is a clear sign that your door is not sealing properly. This will lead to increased energy bills as your heating and cooling systems must work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. By replacing your door with a more energy-efficient model, you can save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable year-round.
- Moisture between panes. As we discussed in a previous post, moisture may indicate that windows and doors with glass may need replacing. Many doors have double-paned glass. Over time, the seal breaks down and eventually fails, which leads to moisture. As we Acadians know, moisture can quickly cause mildew and mold. And if you have a door with a wood core, this can cause things to spread quicker.
No one wants to deal with mold. Again, just like windows, if you have moisture between the panes of your door’s glass, you need a new front door.
- Have insect or water damage? Things may look fine on the outside, but if you’ve had water or insect damage, this compromises your door or jamb’s structural integrity. Not only is this a security risk, as damaged doors are easily broken into, but your energy efficiency is significantly affected.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s a good idea to start looking for a new front door. But before you do, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the material of the door. Wood doors are a popular choice for their classic look, but they require more maintenance than other materials. Fiberglass doors are durable and low-maintenance, while steel doors offer the highest security and energy efficiency, with the lowest maintenance.
That’s why Jim Olivier’s Home Improvement only installs the highest quality steel doors from Provia. You may think that this would harm the aesthetic of your home, making it look cold and impersonal, but check out these new front doors that we’ve installed in the last few months. These are not industrial-looking doors. You can choose a smooth or a woodgrain finish, with a painted or stained finish.
As you can see, there are plenty of beautiful styles and colors to choose from. If you’d like even more choices, check out this link.
Once you’ve chosen your new door, it’s time to install it. While you may be tempted to DIY this, we recommend hiring a professional. A properly installed door will provide the best performance and longevity. Our Louisiana homes settle over time and our homes become no longer plumb. It takes experience and knowledge to get an exact fit. Without proper installation, it will have issues and be a continued nightmare to fix.
Not only that, but our professional installation protects Provia’s product warranty.
In conclusion, if you’ve noticed any of these signs, and it’s time to replace that front door, give us a call (or this number in the Alexandria area). By choosing a new door that is durable, energy-efficient, and secure, you can enhance the look and functionality of your home. And even if we rarely think about it, a new front door may be just the thing to love your home again.
