While curb appeal and your home’s resale value are key factors in people’s decisions to replace entry doors, there are others that are just as important, if not more. Age, weather, including severe winters and high humidity, can cause your door to warp or crack, making it structurally unsound. Bugs can also enter through cracks, and energy loss can occur, so replacement is essential.
If your door has glass panels, a buildup of moisture between the panels can permeate the wood and fixtures, causing mold and mildew if left untreated. Generally it’s a problem with the glass seal and buying a new door is generally more cost effective than treating the mold and replacing the seal.
Sticking, squeaking and drafts are other key indicators that your door needs replacing. In this case, it’s often age and usage that have altered the structure of the door, however moisture can also be the culprit as it seeps into wood from worn out hinges. A gap between the door and frame can impact energy efficiency as heat and cooling are lost, resulting in higher utility bills.
