7 Signs It’s Time for an Exterior Door Replacement September 5, 2023 Feeling frustrated with your stubborn or unsightly doors? You’re not alone. Whether you’re struggling with drafts, increased energy bills, or simply an eyesore that you can’t ignore any longer, it might just be the right time to consider a door replacement. The expert team at Platinum Home Design & Renovation has put together the top seven key signs that it’s time you replace your exterior door: 1. The Door is Hard to Close If you have to use extra force to shut your door and make the lock engage, it’s not just an annoyance, it’s a security risk. Warped doors don’t fit well in their frames and could leave you vulnerable to break-ins. Moreover, a door that doesn’t close properly can let in drafts, significantly affecting your heating or cooling costs. 2. Visible Damage at the Top or Bottom Rot, mould, and mildew are not only harmful to your health but also signify that your door has suffered water damage. The structural integrity of your door is compromised when these signs appear, and immediate replacement should be considered. Left untreated, these issues can spread, affecting the surrounding structure and potentially costing more in repairs down the line. 3. Light Peeking Through When Closed If you can see light around the closed door, it is often an indicator that the door has warped or the house has settled. If your door leads outside, gaps like this can significantly affect your home’s energy efficiency. You might as well be throwing money out of that gap, given the additional heating or cooling costs you’ll incur. If that wasn’t enough, gaps in doors can leave your home open to invasion from bugs and other critters. 4. Moisture Between Glass Panes Doors with double or triple-pane glass are designed to offer better insulation. However, if you notice condensation between the layers that cannot be wiped away, it means the seal has failed. Once the seal fails, the door loses its insulating properties, leading to higher energy costs. 5. The Presence of Drafts Drafts are not just uncomfortable, they are a clear indication that your door is not insulating your home as it should. If you notice that your heating or cooling bills are rising, or if there’s a buildup of snow or ice on the inside of the door, these are sure signs that the door is not serving its purpose and needs to be replaced. 6. Signs of Insect or Water Damage Insects can be as detrimental to your door as water. Termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring insects can compromise the structural integrity of the door. Signs of insect damage could include visible holes or a hollow sound when you knock on the door. If you live in a damp environment (near a forest or lake, for example), a moisture-resistant material like fibreglass would be an ideal choice for replacement doors. 7. Looking for an Upgrade Even if a door is in good condition, that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just update your home’s style, door replacement is an excellent way to go. Platinum Home Design & Renovation offers a wide range of door options, including various colours, styles, and types of glass inserts. Textured glass, such as acid-etched or sandblasted, is a popular choice for those looking to add a modern touch to their homes. What are the advantages of replacing exterior doors? Replacing your exterior doors is a significant home improvement project that can offer substantial returns in comfort, energy savings, and security. Platinum Home Design & Renovations is committed to guiding you through this process, offering expert advice and a broad range of replacement options to suit every home and budget. Contact us today to explore the best solutions for your needs.
