Why You Should Replace Your Front Door

Like the roof and other components, doors serve an important function in your home. Together with the windows, they are an important means of connecting the interior and exterior. The front door is also crucial to your home’s presentation and overall curb appeal. Unfortunately, despite its importance, most homeowners neglect their front doors when modernizing their homes unless there’s something wrong. While you should replace your front door if it gets damaged or broken, these shouldn’t be the only reasons for getting a new front door. Below are reasons you should order new doors in Australia from Doors Plus.

1. Front Door is Damaged

The front door, walls, and roofs are the most abused parts of a home, subjected to immense wear and tear. You should consider replacing your front door if you notice the following:

•  Dents – Dents compromise the structural integrity of your front door. Most residential doors sold by local home improvement stores have a 24 to 26-gauge steel inside a wooden frame. Such doors can dent even with a gentle kick.
  
   
• Squeaky hinges – Most homeowners apply lubricants to silence squeaky hinges. However, the presence of squeaky noise indicates a serious problem with the door. Faulty hinges make your front door structurally unsafe.
  
   
• Rusting – Rust on the front door is a sign of moisture penetration into the frame. Most low-quality steel doors are not galvanized. If moisture penetrates the seams of your front door, it starts rusting, deteriorating its condition from the inside. Doors with rust are not structurally strong enough to protect your home from unauthorized persons.
  
   
• Splitting and peeling – Solid wood front doors often age poorly. Expansion and contraction over several summer and winter periods cause cracks and warps. The paint starts peeling, and the wood material splits, allowing moisture to penetrate. This causes rotting and attracts termites and other damaging insects. 

2. Security Reasons

You’d be surprised at the number of burglars that enter homes through the front door. Windows and doors are preferred entry points for most burglars. Intruders can easily break into your home if your front door is weak. Even though a front door with solid security measures doesn’t guarantee complete safety, it makes it hard for intruders to break in.

You should consider replacing your front door for security reasons. Old front door frames with visible problems make it easier for burglars to access your home. That aside, other reasons beyond wear and tear can necessitate a front door upgrade. For instance, if you are a recent victim of burglary, upgrading your front door is an excellent way to restore your home's security.

Several improvements in your front door can boost security. Your front door replacements should have the following features to improve security:

• Solid door lock – You should choose a replacement door with a sturdy door lock. Some of the most secure front door locks include a night latch, five lever mortice lock, a deadbolt lock, and a multi-point locking system. Always consult your home insurance provider to ensure they cover the specific type of locking system before installing it.
  
   
•  Install a strike plate – This piece of metal is specifically designed to reinforce the door jamb. Door jambs of most front doors are prone to weakening. Installing a strike plate improves home security.
  
   
• Add glazing – Adding glazing to your front door improves heat and energy efficiency. Double glazing also makes it difficult for burglars to enter your home.

Besides replacing your front door, you should install several reinforcements to improve security.

3. Increasing Energy Bills

Homeowners looking for better ways to save energy in their homes should consider replacing the front door. Energy-efficient doors have a significant contribution to your home’s energy use. While purchasing affordable or stylish doors is tempting, you should consider their energy efficiency.

Front doors have different material make, each with varying degrees of insulation. Traditional wooden or glass doors provide the least insulation. Fiberglass and steel doors have foam layers, which make them better insulators. Ideally, you should hire an expert to conduct an energy audit on your home. They can help you understand the value of replacing your front door and windows. Replacing your front door with energy-efficient options is beneficial in the following ways:

• Lowers energy costs – Installing well-insulated doors prevents heat leakage and keeps cool air in, especially during the summer. This doesn’t strain your HVAC, reducing energy consumption. It also improves indoor air quality.
  
   
• Tax incentives – Homeowners with energy-efficient doors are eligible for home improvement tax credits.
  
   
•  Protect your home from harsh elements – The benefits of installing energy-efficient doors go beyond minimizing air drafts. They also prevent moisture infiltration that promotes mold growth. They also keep pests and insects out.
  
   
• Reduce carbon footprint – Energy-efficient doors significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Buying energy-efficient doors shouldn’t be a challenge. Ensure that they are ENERGY STAR labeled.

4. Improve Curb Appeal and Property Value

The roof and front door are your home’s focal points. They create an excellent positive impression on potential buyers and guests. Replacing your dilapidated front door with a modern, energy-efficient door adds value and curb appeal to your home. Homeowners preparing their homes for sale can recoup approximately 75% of their investments by replacing the front door.

However, the ROI from front door replacement depends on the door's attractiveness, security features, and replacement costs. Nonetheless, you can score a higher ROI with a stylish front door than with basic models. You should also consider the color of your replacement door. Zillow analysis found that charcoal gray and black front doors significantly increase property value.

Replacing your front door is an excellent investment, especially if the existing front door is worn out. Doors with rotting wood, peeling paint, and poor insulation are not attractive to potential buyers. Even if you don’t intend to sell your home, you won’t be proud to lead guests into your home through a damaged door.

Endnote

You shouldn’t think of a front door replacement because it is no longer functional, outdated, or falling apart. Front door replacement is a common home improvement project with endless benefits. While the upfront costs of front door replacement are high, you’ll save on energy bills, improve curb appeal, and increase property value. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing your home is safe.