Some homeowners take the improvement of their homes for granted after their newly built property seems to look good and is continuously being used.
Door Service Life
The structures in your home, like doors, have a certain useful or service life when they should be replaced or undergo door renovation, if still possible. By forgoing the opportunity to have your old and malfunctioning doors replaced, you are allowing your family to spend unnecessarily on higher energy bills and be exposed to potential threats. You are ignoring the very reasons you installed your doors in the first place – for protection, safety, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and enhanced value. If your door can no longer fulfil these functions, it is time to replace it.
10 Warning Signs that You Need a Door Replacement
The following telltale signs will remind you that you need a door replacement immediately.
1. Your door drags along the floor or is challenging to open.
This problem isn’t just inconvenient and annoying. It also indicates a more severe or worsening problem, so you must look seriously at it. A slight alignment problem during door installation that is progressing or a door that could have shifted over time due to weather exposure are two of the most common causes of the problem. Other possible causes include metal and wood doors that expand and contract with temperature changes, and rain or snow that can also cause warping or rotting of your doors. All these can also lead to damaged floors and problems with locking and securing the doors.
In the case of sliding and screen doors, bad rollers or damaged frames may be causing the complex movement of doors in their tracks when opening or closing them. In some instances, only the rollers can be replaced; in many cases, a sliding door replacement is necessary.
2. Your door makes a noise.
Another bothersome problem that indicates that a door replacement may be needed is a creaking noise from the door and squeaking hinges. Worn-down hinges are strong indicators that the door itself is wearing down.
3. You experience a draft.
Drafts coming from your doors are a revealing telltale sign that it is time for replacement doors. The door seals that can crack or shrink as they age are a common likely cause for such an issue. Check for drafts around your doors if you notice temperature changes and an upsurge in your utility bills. If you feel the hot or cold air as you stand close to your door, it is time to act; door replacement is in order.
4. Light comes through, under, or around your doors.
Like experiencing drafts, light through your doors indicates that a substantial amount of heat or cool air also gets into and out of your home. And that is tantamount to throwing your money out. Possible causes for this problem are gaps and leaks in your doors or poor door insulation. You need to look into getting your doors changed if this issue does not let you keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.
5. There are visible signs of wear, cracks, and rust.
Wear and cracks can affect most types of doors, while rust and corrosion are prevalent with metal doors. These are not just eyesores but also apparent signs that the door is structurally weak, a safety concern.
6. Your door cannot provide security for your house.
Suppose it is obvious that your doors are not strong enough to deter intruder entry and provide any reasonable security. In that case, it simply tells you that replacement doors should be your top priority.
7. Your door has sustained significant damage.
Weather events and vandals can cause insurmountable damage to your doors, making them less functional and an eyesore. While door renovation may be considered feasible, new door installation is always the safest option. You should also ensure that your doors are solid and strong enough to deal with weather events like hurricanes.
8. Pests creep into your house through your doors.
If you see many spiders, ants, cockroaches, lizards, and other small insects becoming regular visitors to your house, they will likely enter through your doors; your doors may not close properly or have significant gaps.
9. Your door suffered some insect and fungal damage.
Termites can infest your wood doors and gradually break them down, compromising their structural integrity. Door replacement becomes obvious when your house needs termite treatment.
Additionally, fungi can attack wooden doors, especially in damp areas like the Pacific Northwest.
10. Your door is out of style.
Upgrade your doors to keep them in style, add curb appeal, and enhance the value of your home. Replacement doors cost a fraction of the value they will add to your property.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for taking great care of your residential doors, including renovation and replacement, so they last for years.
What to Consider When Replacing the Door on Your Home
When buying a new door, things to consider are what material it is made from, how it looks, how energy efficient it is, and its security features. Vinyl and fibreglass doors efficiently save energy, whereas wooden ones add traditional looks and many customisation possibilities. Pick a flooring style that matches your home’s overall design, whether modern, traditional, or rustic. Low-E glass and insulated core doors are better at insulating and help lower the energy you spend. Make sure the security of your house is strong by choosing doors with multiple points of locking points. Make sure you purchase handles and locks that match the door’s appearance and help improve how it works.
Installing Doors Professionally
When you get new doors installed by professionals, you can be sure they are fitted precisely and are tightly sealed for better function and higher security. Some common errors people make during DIY door installations are not aligning the door, having poor seals, and insulating incorrectly, which cause draft leaks and make the home less energy efficient. Working with an experienced contractor ensures the door is set up right and will function smoothly for many years. The installation team often includes a warranty for the door and any labour. When you use a reputable contractor, your new door will benefit your home’s safety, appearance, and performance for years.
Replace your old dysfunctional doors with licensed, insured contractors who expertly handle the job.
Contact us. We are door installation professionals with 15 years of experience serving the Kelowna area. We offer a wide range of replacement doors.
