Basics to Entry Door Replacements

THE BASICS OF ENTRY DOOR REPLACEMENT


When Do You Need A Door Replacement?

PART 1


WHEN DO YOU NEED A DOOR REPLACEMENT?

The 2015 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling Magazine lists the recoup values for a fiberglass door replacement at 72% and a steel door replacement at 101.8%, respectively. And for good reason: Entry doors have a high value because they can affect the impressions guests get of our home and, by extension, of who we are. It’s human nature to want to be liked – even admired – by others, so it’s important that our homes look warm and welcoming to people whose opinions we value. Our entry doors play a major role in making people feel comfortable; old, ugly, peeling, or worn doors just don’t make for a good first impression. Besides, doors that are just crying out for a replacement are both inefficient and risky, opening your home to potential damage from the elements, energy loss, and decreased overall

comfort, to name a few things.

The 2015 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling Magazine lists the recoup

values for a fiberglass door replacement at 72% and a steel door replacement at

101.8%, respectively.

“


WHEN DO YOU NEED A DOOR REPLACEMENT?

But how do you tell when, exactly, you need to get your door replaced? Check for these warning signs.

If you ticked off any of the above signs, call a professional installer or contractor. The question is: which doors should you invest in? We’ll go through your options in the second installment of this e-book.

• Issues with opening and closing. When a door’s opening and closing functions are hampered by rusty old mechanisms, they can cause your door to get stuck. In some cases, this can be fixed by a minor adjustment. But if the issue is caused by warping, your door should be replaced. Especially common among wood core doors, warping can lead to air leakage or unwanted heat transfer. Plus it detracts from the beauty of the home.

• Physical signs of damage. Entry doors are exposed to the elements day in and day out, and they may wear over time. Dents, rust, and cracks look innocent enough, but when left untreated, they can lead to structural failure. They also reduce your home’s protection from the weather, negatively affect curb appeal, and lose you a lot of potential for savings on your utility bill.

• Broken components. Your entry doors are not only composed of the two (or more) main panels; they also feature accessories that contribute to their overall functionality. Broken or malfunctioning jambs, threshold, or frames have a negative impact on the performance of the doors. Check for signs of warping and rotting, especially if you live in a hot region.


What Are Your Replacement Door

Options?

PART 2


WHAT ARE YOUR REPLACEMENT DOOR OPTIONS?

In part one, we looked at the signs that could signify that you need a door replacement. Now, we cover the door options you have for replacement. Having your entry doors replaced does not only mean getting a new model of the same version; if you find that it warrants it, you can switch to a whole new material that will bring more advantages to your home. Let’s look at the current market options.

Wood

Wood is still the preferred material of homeowners who want a stunning entry way. With its classic natural appeal, the material suits a wide range of architectural styles, too. Eco-conscious homeowners can also choose wooden doors that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC.

Wood, however, is expensive. And the material requires repainting every so often to minimize the potential for warping and rotting.

Fiberglass

Many doors made from fiberglass are designed to mimic the look of real wood, only with more benefits. As a material, fiberglass does not expand or contract with temperature changes – which means extra energy savings for your home. Unlike wood, it is also less susceptible to warping and rotting from the heat. And it requires minimal maintenance, and can last up to 20 years.


WHAT ARE YOUR REPLACEMENT DOOR OPTIONS?

Steel

Steel has an impressive recoup value, so you know you are getting your money’s worth when you go with this material. Of all the current door options, steel also offers the most security against intruders. It is also the least expensive.

But steel does not last as long as wood and fiberglass doors do, especially if exposed to the elements. When it gets dented, too, it is expensive to repair.

So when choosing entry doors, always consider:

The major downside of choosing fiberglass doors is the fact that they usually come in pre-cut sizes. Homes with smaller door jambs may find it hard to find an installer who can cut fiberglass into the desired size.

But that’s only half the battle. Choosing a door material comes with post-installation considerations that you should be aware of, if you want to cash in on the advantages of the investment. We discuss that further in the closing segment of our e-book.

Your budget

Your willingness to conduct maintenance; and

Your climate zone

Your home’s architectural style

Your energy goals


Post Replacement Door Concerns

PART 3


POST REPLACEMENT DOOR CONCERNS

We tackled the signs that your door needs to be replaced, as well as the material choices you have for replacement in the first two parts of this e-book. Today, we cap off this post with a rundown of the important considerations every homeowner should be aware of, after the door has been replaced.

An entry door replacement does not end with the installation. If you want to make the most of the investment, there are some things that you should consider after the project.

InspectionDoors must be inspected at least once a year to make sure that they are working well. Check for physical signs of damage on the frames, jambs, thresholds, panels, and other components, as well as opening and closing mechanisms. Also check the condition of the caulking or sealant; broken or cracked caulking can lead to the premature failure of the doors. Check, too, whether your drainage system or sprinkler system is exposing your doors to possible water damage.

MaintenanceSome door materials require more maintenance than others, but it is nevertheless recommended to routinely check whether yours – regardless of the material – needs something done. Steel doors, for instance, may be coated with touch-up paint to maintain their look and prevent deterioration. Interior finishes and paint should be retouched whenever necessary to maintain their protective features.



Hiring a ProfessionalIf you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your doors are well-inspected and well-maintained, hiring a professional is the way to go. Door contractors possess specialized knowledge that is critical to spotting problems – especially if they are not so obvious to the untrained eye – and, more importantly, taking care of them before they get bigger.

A professional eye will also be able to guide you into choosing an entry door material and style that is a good fit for your home and your energy requirements. If you need, say, extra insulation, an installer or contractor can walk you through the ideal options. If you find that you need your door equipped for something well after it has been installed, a contractor can also help you make the necessary changes.

Lastly, a door professional can help you secure a good warranty program, especially if his or her company has a partnership with a trusted door manufacturer. So when your doors encounter issues after installation, your warranty will cover the expenses and technicalities required in its repair or replacement.



ALL STATES EXTERIORS

776 N. WEST STREET WICHITA, KS 67203

(316) 444-122011152 ANTIOCH OVERLAND PARK, KS 66210

(913) 800-5211

www.allstateswindows-siding.com

http://www.allstateswindows-siding.com

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Basics to Entry Door Replacements