Here are some indicators that will let you know when it’s time for a door replacement:
You feel a draft. If you feel any major drafts coming from a door, it’s a sign it might need to be replaced. If you don’t replace it, you could be spending more than necessary on your energy bill. Hot or cold air should not enter through your doors or windows. The seals around doors wear out over time and need replacing, but that’s only a temporary fix and sooner or later you will need to replace the door.
Splitting and peeling paint. If the doors in your home are older, chances are the wood has split in places and the paint has peeled. Deterioration on a door starts on the bottom rail. If left for too long, wood rot can lead to structural problems and attract unwanted creatures – like termites. In cases like this, you should consider replacing your doors.
Difficulty opening, closing or locking. If a door is painted or nailed shut, it’s not only unsightly, but could be dangerous. What if you needed to use that door in an emergency? Doors should always open and close easily and you shouldn’t have trouble locking or unlocking them.
Lots of light coming from underneath. When your exterior doors are shut, no light should be seen coming in from under the threshold or around the frame. If light can come in, so can other things like drafts, water, insects and even rodents. Gaps in the frame mean a replacement door is on the horizon.
High energy bills. An inefficient exterior door is a drain on your bank account. You will be paying higher energy bills than you need to be paying. A new door will save you money in the long run.
Some other reasons to replace a door:
- Rust;
- Moisture between the glass panes;
- Warping, cracking;
- Water or insect damage.