Your front door is not indestructible. Like most fixtures in your home, it will eventually need to be replaced. Perhaps you’ve tried a few repair solutions, but none seem to remedy the issues you’re experiencing. You may be wondering, is there anything I can do to repair my door, or is it time for a full replacement?
WindowPRO has served the southeast Michigan community since 1923 and have earned a reputation of stellar customer service and transparent, honest services and pricing. If you don’t need a front door replacement, we would not tell you to get one. Our goal is to provide homeowners transparency and access to reliable information so they can make informed, confident decisions about their home.
In this article, we’ll explain how to know if your front door can be repaired or if it’s past the point of repair (a dead door) and the time has come to replace it.
3 Warning Signs Your Door Is Dead And Needs Replaced
If you’ve tried to repair your front door but are still experiencing issues that seem to be getting worse, this article will help you identify if your front door is truly ‘dead’ and cannot be repaired.
The three most common signs of a dead door include:
- The door is very weathered or misshapen
- You’ve adjusted your door, but still notice gaps and cracks
- There is evidence of rot in the door or frame
If you notice any of these three signs, it’s likely that you will need to replace your front door. To know the correct remedy, we recommend getting a free inspection from your trusted Wixom door replacement contractor. We’ll explain each of these signs in depth below.
1. Your Entry Door Is Weathered Or Misshapen.
Exterior doors will naturally experience weathering. One of the most common reasons for a dead door is extreme weathering that has destroyed the integrity and shape of the door.
Common signs that your door has experienced extreme weathering include:
- Chipped paint
- Peeling caulk around the door
- Difficulty closing or opening your door
- Loose handles or locks (that quickly become loose again even after tightening)
For vinyl doors especially, when they become severely weathered, they will appear distorted or warped. Southeast Michigan homes experience both cold and hot temperatures which cause door and door frame materials to expand and contract. There are doors that are more resistant to weathering, but weathering is natural, and there is not much homeowners can do to prevent it from occurring.
To put it simply, if your door looks beat up and misshapen and is starting to not function properly, it’s likely time for a replacement.
2. You’ve Adjusted Your Door, But Still Notice Gaps And Cracks
The second sign that your front door is dead is if you’ve made adjustments to your front door and are unable to resolve your issues.
A door can only be adjusted so many times. It’s likely that your door and door system components are just old and worn out if you’ve adjusted and tried to fix them with no success.
A full door replacement will allow your new front door to be properly leveled and fitted within the frame. Proper fit is critically important to maximizing energy efficiency and home security. For your front door to stand the test of time, it must be installed properly. If your new door is not installed properly, despite spending the money on your new door, you’ll quickly end up with the problems you had before.
3. You Notice Rotting Around The Front Door Or Frame
The third reason a door may be beyond repair is if you notice wood rot around the door or door frame. Rot occurs when moisture is trapped in the wood, and eventually fungus will grow. Rot in any part of your home is a serious issue and should be attended to quickly as it can easily spread. Once rot has infiltrated your door, your only option is to replace the system.
If you have a wood door, your door system is especially susceptible to wood rot. The most common place for rot in a wood door is along the bottom edge. However, any door and door frame are susceptible to rot if not sealed properly.
You can test for wood rot by pressing against the suspicious area. If it gives way to feel soft, you likely have rot. Other signs include a moist and squishy trim and peeling wood or paint.
Is A Front Door Replacement A Good Investment?
According to the National Association of Realtors 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, front door replacement is one of the top seven projects in terms of cost recovery. Cost recovery measures the amount of the project cost that is recouped by a corresponding increase in your home’s value/potential sale price after the project is completed. Rest assured knowing your front door replacement is a smart investment in your home.
What Are The Benefits Of Replacing Your Front Door?
Replacing your front door is a rare project that impacts the security, aesthetic and efficiency of your home – on the inside and out. There are many benefits to replacing your front door, and we’ll discuss them more below.
Replacing Your Front Door Improves The Curb Appeal Of Your Home.
Your front door is a large contributing factor to the overall curb appeal of your home. It’s often the first impression people have of your home. Most homeowners cite aesthetics and modernization as the top reasons for wanting a door replacement. In a recent study, homeowners ranked a front door replacement as having a 9.5 out of 10 for the overall joy the finished project added. This score was one of the highest joy scores for exterior home improvements. Front door replacement is both practical and a very enjoyable home improvement project.
Replacing Your Front Door Improves Your Energy Efficiency.
You may have noticed a little gap at the top, bottom, or side of your front door – especially if you live in an older home. This opening makes it simple for air, moisture, and even pests to enter your home.
The cause for this gap is that your door frame has shifted (likely due to your foundation settling, which is very typical). Your door frame went from being exactly square to being slightly off, which results in your doorway having a small gap. When it comes time to replace your front door, professionals must measure your space precisely and fit the door perfectly. Proper installation is crucial to the longevity of your front door and maximizing the benefits that come along with a new front door (like energy efficiency). Don’t cut corners when choosing a trusted, experienced Wixom front door replacement contractor.
Replacing your front door improves the safety and security of your home.
Your front door is the main access point of your home. If your front door isn’t functioning properly, it does pose a security risk. If you’ve noticed difficulty locking your door or shutting it properly, it may be time to replace your door to ensure your home is protected.
Looking For The Right Company To Handle Your Door Replacement In Wixom?
Window PRO has served the Wixom community since 1923. We’re a top-rated Wixom door replacement company and are proud of the accolades we’ve earned from our customers!
Window PRO has high-quality entry doors, sliding glass doors, bifold doors and more. We offer high-quality fiberglass, vinyl and clad doors from top-rated manufacturers like ProVia and Marvin. Our experienced team of installers offer top-notch installations to ensure your new front door looks amazing, is leveled properly and will last a lifetime in your home. It’s important to understand that choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right door. If you’re ready to replace your front door with something that looks great and will last a lifetime in your home, contact us today to set up your free, no-hassle consultation.
