When you pull up to your house, one of the first things that you see is your front door. A front door is your home’s first impression when visitors enter. It is also one of the main protective elements of your home. A front door can cost anywhere from $600 – $7,000 depending on the material—wood, fiberglass, steel or wrought iron. Beyond the outdated look of a door, there are many things to consider when debating on whether you should replace or repair your front door. Here are signs your door needs your attention and our recommendation on next steps:
- Energy Loss: If you see light coming through the cracks of the door, it is safe to assume that you are also experiencing energy loss; which creates increased energy costs. Cold drafts can lead to higher energy bills. These issues suggest poor sealing or insulation. Weather stripping seal strips and door insulator kits retail anywhere from $15-$50 and can be an easy solution to prevent energy loss.
- Functionality: If the door sticks due to an inaccurate measurement or cut, a replacement door might be the appropriate solution. While you can cut most internal doors to size, you will need a circular saw with a straight edge guide or an electric hand plane, along with the skill of careful measurement; solid core and hollow core follow different cutting processes. You also get one shot at an accurate repair and that can be troublesome for someone that’s not a door expert.
Uneven gaps, dragging/sticking, or squeaking and rattling could indicate issues with the door’s hinges. When the door was installed, it may have been inaccurately hung. There are several scenarios that suggest bad hinges. Hinges can be replaced but you should never put off the replacement because the problem could create bigger issues with the door and frame.
- Visible Damage: Cracks, dents, or rot are examples of visible damage; however, if the rot is due to water damage a replacement is probably the recommended solution. Mold can form due to water issues and is often linked to a musty smell. Continuous dampness can allow fungi to thrive.
- Security: If the door will not lock properly, you can measure the lock fixtures and replace them with a more secure option. Depending on your locking preference, a keypad or keyed entry lock are relatively affordable options that are simple to install. But, if the door itself feels weak, then a replacement is the appropriate option.
When replacing your door, it is important to assess if the door frame also needs to be replaced. Common repairs could be fixing warped wood, filling in cracks, and/or correcting misaligned frames. Fixing a door can vary in pricing and is dependent on the extent of the damage. Consult a professional if you have questions on whether or not the repair cost is the effective solution.
When determining whether a door should be replaced or repaired, make a list of the pros and cons so you can identify the most cost-effective solution; sometimes a repair can be the solution until a replacement is a financially viable solution.