When to Replace Your Front Door? What Should My New Door Have?

With the recommended care, a quality door lasts decades.

There comes a time, however, when replacing your door makes more sense than repairing it.

To decide if it’s time for a new front door at your home, ask yourself:

• Is your front door weathered, scratched or dented?
• Are there cracks or breaks along the door’s edges or within its panels?
• Does the door let in drafts?
• Does the door hang level on its hinges?
• Is your door a challenge to close and lock?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it may be wise to consider front door replacement.

Think about not only the problems that exist with your current entryway, but also the advantages to be gained from putting in a new one:

• Improved appearance.
• Energy efficiency.
• Ease of operation.

When you’re ready to choose your new door, follow these steps to get exactly the features, security and appearance you want.
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What should you look for in a new door?

1)Looks

Your front door is as much a part of your home’s first impression as the landscaping. It’s alright to put some importance on the look of it.

If you like a traditional look as people approach your house, a classic single-paneled door could be right for you.

A less subtle look comes from something like a double-paneled door with wrought iron accents.

Have some fun with it. Just because you bought a house 20 years ago with a plain white, windowless front door doesn’t mean you have to keep that look.

2)Materials

Most doors are wood, fiberglass or steel.

Wood exudes a classic beauty not found in other materials. It’s a good natural insulator and ages naturally. It also takes more care than other modern options, as wood doesn’t resist the elements as well as fiberglass or steel.

Two popular options are painted and stained fiberglass. Fiberglass doors are affordable and durable – they can go years between any kind of care and maintenance. They handle winters in Ontario well.

Steel doors provide excellent security, but don’t last as long as fiberglass or wood doors. If security is a concern, steel doors are miles ahead of other options.

3)Size

Standard single doors are usually 32” – 36” in width.

Measure the width and height of your entryway before visiting our showroom, so you don’t head home with a new door that doesn’t fit your space.

4)Installation

Your entryway includes other elements beyond the door itself, like:

• Glass inserts
• Sidelites
• Transoms

All these features  need the right framing for support. For anything beyond a basic door installation, we recommend professional installation for a proper fit and sleek look.

5)Cost

How much is in your budget to spend?

• Greater energy efficiency ratings cost more money, but pay for the extra cost over time through energy savings.
• More features cost more money. A secure fiberglass front door with a large window is a larger investment than an entry level fiberglass door.
• Larger doors are more expensive due to the cost of materials. If your entryway is wide and tall, you can expect a modest price increase over standard sizes.

The Door Centre is one of Oakville and Burlington’s largest supplier of high-quality doors.

Find the unique front door your home needs and bring it home from our showroom today.

Check our hours and stop by today.