What You Need to Know About Entry Door Replacement

There’s no denying an entry door replacement instantly upgrades the look of your entire house. Front and center, your entry door is the focal point of your home. When friends, family, and visitors come by, it’s the first thing they see—and it makes a big statement.

Plus, your entry, side, or back door protects you and your family. Doors offer security and safety from outside weather and potential intruders.

So, when it’s time for entry, side, or back door replacement, consider all your options and review all aspects of the process. Choose a door to add to the value, look, and comfort of your house for years to come. Here’s what you need to know about the door replacement process.

How to Know When it’s Time for a New Entry, Side, or Back Door

There are several visible signs it’s time for a door replacement. The most significant indication is the look of the door itself. If your door’s style looks like it belongs in the last century, chances are it’s time to replace it.

Because doors are such a prominent feature of a home, they’re often one of the first areas to look dated. They’re also one of the first spots in your home that will show wear and tear. Cracked or peeling paint, warping, or staining are significant signs your door needs replacing.

Aside from cosmetic concerns, an older door presents a lot of challenges to the comfort and temperature control of your home as well. You may experience air leaks and drafts with an older door. People even see frost accumulate on the inside hardware of their doors in the winter. Indoor ice is a sure sign your door isn’t doing its job.

Some draft sources are obvious, but rest assured there are easy tests to reveal hidden air leakage around your door. One of our favorites is the dollar bill test. Take a dollar bill and slide it underneath your door. If the bill moves freely, it’s sure sign air is getting through.

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How do you know it’s time to replace your entry door? Tod & Todd have some tips and handy tests you can try in this Tod & Todd’s Home Improvement Tips Video!

 

 

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Another way to test your door is by taking a small flashlight and running it around your door. Ask a friend to stand inside your home. If they see the light seeping in around the door, you’re getting air loss. In the summer months, hold a fan up to the door and ask someone to stand on the other side with a wet hand. They’ll feel the cold air, indicating if and where you’re getting a draft.

Another big indication that a door replacement may be needed are concerns about the locking mechanisms or the hardware on your door. Securing your door should never be a challenge. If your door doesn’t lock properly (or is difficult to open or close), consider a door replacement soon.

 

What to Look for in a Replacement Entry, Side, or Back Door

The first place you’ll notice the impact of a new door is on your energy bill. There are many components built into modern replacement doors to help you save on energy.

At Weather Tight, we install beautiful Therma-Tru doors, which feature a sill and bottom sweep with a tight seal to protect against air and moisture infiltration. When combined with the recommended sill pan, the floor, and subfloor will withstand moisture and rot. The composite material of the sill stands up to weather, heat, and humidity.

With weather-stripping and corner seal pads, Therma-Tru doors ensure your home stays comfortable all year long. You’ll save on heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, thanks to the precise seals that protect against air and moisture infiltration.

Choose from a wide selection of beautiful materials for your door as well. Wood is a classic option, but modern fiberglass features woodgrain and offers five times the insulation value of wood. Our doors don’t scratch, dent, warp, or twist. Plus, we offer an incredible array of customization options, including a variety of colors, glass designs, styles, and hardware. Choose a door to match and compliment the look and style of your home. Choose additional features like kickplates, mail slots, and peep sites, as well as surrounding features like a transom window or sidelights to let in light and give your home that extra designer flair.

It’s also important to consider the locking system of your door. Weather Tight offers a multi-point lock system for extra security. Our multi-point locking system locks in three spots on the door and is a great option to help you rest easy, knowing your home is safe.

Check out the handy custom door designer to see all the ways you can change your home with a replacement door. Print out your design and share it with your Weather Tight representative to ensure you get the door of your dreams.

 

What to Expect During Your Weather Tight Visit

If you’re considering a door replacement, give Weather Tight a call to set up a consultation with one of our trusted experts. Our expert will come to your home and assess your door needs. During the visit, he or she will look at your door opening, take measurements, and go through the options to ensure your door perfectly fits the style of your home while offering suggestions that fit with your wants and needs.

We go over all possible looks and provide real before and after pictures of customers who have replaced their doors. We also discuss your needs and what you’re looking for in terms of seals and efficiency. Thanks to the weather here in the Midwest, most of us need to consider the impact of the winter months—especially cold and moisture—on our doors. Wood doors tend to expand and shrink with the weather, whereas fiberglass doors hold up to the harshest conditions.

Your Weather Tight representative will also go over the door replacement process and timeline with you. We usually see an uptick in replacement entry doors in the spring, but summer, fall, and even winter are perfect times to consider a door replacement, so don’t wait! Weather Tight takes steps to ensure your home stays comfortable during construction and installation.

If you’re ready to improve the curb appeal, security, and comfort of your home, a replacement door is the right investment. Give Weather Tight a call today and we’ll discuss the many options for a door you’ll love!