When it comes time for an entry door replacement (find out the telltale signs it’s time below), there are a multitude of factors to consider, like door material, building code requirements, energy efficiency, and, of course, product longevity.
While some front doors will last decades and decades, others of poorer quality or ones exposed to harsh weather elements could last much less. And while you can replace certain components of the door unit every few years (such as the weatherstripping), you may eventually reach a point where the only viable solution is an entry door replacement.
How to tell when it’s time to replace your entry door
Your door frame may show physical signs that it’s time for a replacement, including various performance issues that could indicate an issue with the door jamb. If your door is proving tough to open and close, you might have a worn-in door that’s become misshapen—and the most cost-effective option could be replacement.
Extreme weather conditions can decrease door performance and cause your door, depending on the material, to contract or expand and leak out air—or let in air—unintentionally.
More evident damage includes a worn down storm door, severely water-damaged wood, or even a decrease in soundproofing. If you can hear every sound on your street, it could be a sign it’s time for a more durable door.
Consider the best materials for your needs
The top material contenders for an entry door replacement are glass, wood, steel, and fiberglass. But how do you know which option is right for your needs?
Glass doors have a multitude of aesthetic benefits, allowing more natural light into your home and a better view of the outside world from within. However, that transparency can run both ways (giving neighbors a view inside), and glass doors frequently let in drafts. Additionally, you can always select a different door material and install glass within the frame for better insulation.
Wood doors are more customizable. However, the downside when it comes to wood doors is their susceptibility to the elements: extreme weather will have more of an impact and could lead to another replacement.
Steel doors offer dual steel panels with insulated interior foam for top protection and efficiency. The downside is any dents or damage to the material, such as damage caused by extreme weather, is difficult to repair and could lead to needing a new door.
Fiberglass doors, on the other hand, give the appearance of wood and have insulated cores, similar to those of steel, offering longer-term energy savings to combat the higher price point. They can also protect from severe outside weather with little to no damage.
Building code requirements are a key factor
When deciding on an entry door replacement it’s important to keep in mind the building code requirements- both for the geographical area and the type of project. Ensure that your entry door replacement adheres to these demands by finding the most up-to-date building code for your specific use case. Common building code requirements to check are hurricane codes, sound proofing requirements, and energy efficiency ratings.
Another code that varies by location and project type is the fire code. Fireproof doors, or fire resistant doors, are typically made of steel or fiberglass and comply with fire codes and standards. All fireproof and fire-resistant doors are designed to withstand extreme heat, tested for fire protection, and are assigned “resistance ratings” to indicate how much fire exposure they can combat.
Energy efficiency can save money in the long run
Thorough insulation through proper exterior material selection is a key way to reduce interior energy consumption (and, as a result, building operation costs). Energy efficient products insulate the home from heat-loss in colder months and protect the home from rising outdoor temperatures in warmer months, using a third less energy than their non-efficient counterparts. This makes energy efficient doors a unique selling point —these doors help lessen electricity usage, which lowers bills, improves overall comfort, and, of course, helps the environment. Look for ENERGY STAR Qualified quality doors, like those Plastpro sells, to maximize these benefits.
Fiberglass doors are one of the best long-lasting options
Consider fiberglass doors for your next entry door replacement—fiberglass is exceptionally durable against outside elements, a great option to satisfy many building code requirements, and is a great energy efficient alternative. Learn more about Plastpro’s fiberglass doors and the hydroshield technology that makes them a great option for a long lasting entry door replacement.
Check out Plastpro’s Where to Buy page to find the closest distributor for fiberglass doors and fiberglass door pricing.
