Your front door is not only the gateway to your home, it also constitutes a large part of your home’s street appeal and, for better or worse, says a lot about the rest of your home, regardless of whether it’s true or not. Your door needs to be sturdy enough to keep the elements and intruders out, and also needs to look great for prospective homebuyers and even just to meet your own high standards. If you are thinking about door replacement services because the old door is looking a little worse for wear, below are 4 signs that you might need a replacement.
Sticky door or difficult to close
If you notice that your door has become noticeably more difficult to close or sticks when trying to open it, this is a telltale sign that it no longer fits properly in the frame. Over time, depending on the material of your door, changes in temperature and just the decomposition of wood can warp the shape of your door beyond all recognition, and over time it is just going to get worse.
Exposed areas down the sides and at the top/bottom
Many people seek door replacement services when they start to see exposed areas down the sides, or when there is a noticeable amount of light coming through the top or bottom. This can be due to a range of factors, including the basic warping of the material (as mentioned above) or a loss of material due to rot from mold and mildew.
Water or insect damage
This is one of the most common reasons for door replacement, especially for people who live in humid areas or close to the forest. If you live in a region of the country that experiences a lot of rain and humidity throughout the year, your door typically tends to last a much shorter time than if you were to live in a drier environment. Additionally, if you live in an area where termites abound, some people end up going through doors on a regular basis, especially in the summer months, if termites decide they want to colonize.
Drafty home
If you have to stuff a towel or sweater at the foot of the door in order to keep cold air out, your door has probably either receded due to use or shrunk due to contraction and expansion. While this happens gradually and is normal wear and tear for a door when it gets to the end of its useful life, the drafts that the door ends up letting in are not only uncomfortable, but they might start to take a noticeable toll on your energy bill.
Your door is an important aesthetic and functional part of your home, and while it may seem like something you can put off indefinitely, sooner or later, a responsible homeowner knows that it’s time to replace that old door. If you are wondering whether or not it is time to call a door replacement service, keep the above telltale signs in mind and know that you are making a decision based on safety and practicality.
