Your front door is one of the first things visitors notice when they come to your home and it’s one of the most durable parts of your home’s exterior. In fact, the average vinyl exterior door can last for up to 20 years as long as you stay on top of routine maintenance.
However, even the most well-cared-for exterior doors will need replacing eventually. Unfortunately, knowing when the time is right for a replacement isn’t always easy. You need to know what to look for.
Watch for these telltale signs that it’s time to replace your front door.
1. The Door Is Visibly Damaged
Cracks, warps in the wood, and peeling materials don’t just make your front door look less appealing. They also make your home more vulnerable to break-ins and damage.
Any visible damage in the door itself represents a potential weak point in the materials. That weak point means it could be easier for a thief to break in. Worse, insects and pests can use those same weak points to gain access to your home, putting the rest of the structure at risk for serious damage.
By replacing your front door, you’ll keep your main entry point more secure at all times.
2. It Doesn’t Open or Close Easily
When exterior doors don’t open or close easily, it’s likely because the door frame is shifting in place. While it’s possible to repair the door frame, it’s also likely that the shifting frame damaged your front door.
Rather than leaving it in place, replace it. Once you do, you’ll have an exterior door system that’s easy to open, easy to close, and easy to lock.
If you’re handy, you should be able to install a new door frame and door on your own. But if you’re not comfortable learning how to replace an exterior door, schedule an appointment with your trusted general contractor or handyman.
3. You Feel Drafts More Often Than Not
Your main door should always create a solid buffer between the inside of your home and the weather outdoors. If you start to notice drafts around the door or can feel the wind slipping inside when it gets breezy, it’s time to replace your front door as soon as possible.
Leaving the damaged door in place means the weather outside will influence the temperatures inside your home. That means your heating and cooling system will have to work harder just to keep your house comfortable. The more the system has to work, the higher your energy bills will be.
With the new door in place, you’ll be able to keep your home more comfortable year-round.
Now You Know When to Replace Your Front Door
If you notice any of these issues around your house, don’t wait. Replace your front door as soon as you can. The sooner you do, the better off your home will be.
Keep in mind that knowing when to replace your front door is just one part of being a responsible homeowner. There are other important maintenance tasks you’ll need to take care of each year.
Check out our other posts for more tips to help you keep your house in great condition whether you’re an experienced DIYer or prefer to hire a pro for every repair.
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