Signs You Need to Replace Your Front Door

Your front door is the first thing you and your guests see when approaching your house. You should be happy with how it looks and functions. A quality exterior door helps guard your home, provides privacy, welcomes guests, and reflects your style. If you aren't enjoying all or some of these benefits, it may be time to get a new entry door.

When to Replace a Front Door

If you feel that your door is compromising your home in any way, consider an upgrade. Here are five common signs that you need to replace your front door: 

1. Improper Closing

Are you having difficulty shutting, opening, or locking your front door? This is a sign you likely need a replacement. There are several factors why your front door is not closing properly, such as:

• Warped parts.
• Loose hinges.
• Misalignment.

Some of these problems can be easy fixes, and your door will shut properly again with some DIY tinkering. However, if there is any kind of warping and swelling, installing a new front door is the best way to resolve the issue.

2. Drafts or Air Leaks

If you can feel cool or warm air escaping around or through your door, you may be dealing with gaps, cracks, or misalignment issues. Inspect the weather stripping around the door's perimeter and the seals around any glass. 

If the problem is serious, you likely need a replacement because a drafty front door can lead to several issues, including:

• Higher energy bills: Drafts let warm air escape and let cold air enter during the winter, and the reverse is also true during the summer. Both instances cause your HVAC systems to work harder to compensate for the fluctuations in temperature, causing your energy bill to go up.
• Reduced comfort: A draft means you will never have the comfortable environment you are trying to create with your HVAC — your home will likely be colder or warmer than you want it to be.
• Mold and mildew: One of the more concerning consequences of drafts is the potential for mold and mildew to form. Drafts can cause cold spots that can cause condensation, and moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for mold. Mold and mildew look unsightly, can cause damage around your home, and can lead to health issues. 

Replacing a drafty door is well worth it to have a more comfortable home, a healthier environment, and lower energy bills.

3. Water Leaks

A door that leaks water when it rains means that there may be cracks, frame damage, a misaligned frame, or an issue with the weather stripping. 

If water comes into your home around your front door when it rains, you need a replacement. It may be from cracks, misalignment, deteriorated caulking, or problems with the material that covers the gap between the frame and the floor — no matter the cause, you want to upgrade as soon as possible if you're dealing with water leaks. 

Leaks can lead to water damage, which causes a host of serious issues, including structural problems with floors and walls, mold and mildew, wood rot, pest infestation, and an overall decrease in your property's value. 

Replacing an entry door that leaks is the best solution, and one that can save you thousands of dollars on fixing potential issues from excess water.

4. Visible Damage

If your door is cracked, dented, discolored, or compromised in any way, a replacement can be advantageous. Visible damage can become a safety issue, making your home look less secure and more vulnerable to unwanted access. It also negatively impacts curb appeal and takes away from the beauty of your home. 

5. Aesthetic Issues

You don't need to experience significant problems to choose a front door replacement project. If your current door is outdated or does not suit your personal style anymore, that's a perfectly valid reason to upgrade to a newer option. Exterior doors are available in a range of designs to suit various aesthetics and home styles.

Top Exterior Door Materials

Ready to upgrade the front door of your home? The following materials and options are the top choices.

Iron

Exterior iron doors are durable, secure, and extremely eye-catching. Whether you opt for ornate options or ones with a minimalist and contemporary appearance, iron instantly creates a visually pleasing focal point. This material also resists warping and pests, and can last for decades with minimal care and maintenance. 

At Home Center Outlet, you can get iron doors that are also energy-efficient due to insulation like polyurethane foam. Choose from several different styles, such as double doors or options with glass. Our iron exterior doors are ideal for creating an elegant entrance to your home. 

Aluminum 

Aluminum is an excellent choice for a long-lasting exterior door that is resistant to rust, corrosion, and various weather conditions. At Home Center Outlet, we offer the Alexues^® Series — a collection of exterior aluminum doors that are designed with superior functionality in mind. Alexues^® Series are thermally broken, meaning they have an insulating barrier that makes them energy-efficient. 

You can find bi-fold, prehung, and aluminum with glass. We also have sliding aluminum options and various styles, from classic to modern. 

Wood

Wood is a popular, classic option — and for good reason. It has a timeless appeal that can add value to your home. Quality wood is also robust and durable. With the right maintenance, it can last for years. 

You can also enjoy great versatility with wood doors, as they are available in various species, finishes, and designs. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is ideal for a durable, low-maintenance exterior door that resists wear and tear, warping, and corrosion. One of the greatest benefits of investing in this material is its high insulation capabilities, which make these doors more energy-efficient than standard steel and wood. They are also aesthetically versatile, making them perfect for any home style.

Shop Brand-New Exterior Doors from Home Center Outlet

If you are struggling with a door that is costing you your security, comfort, or finances, replacing it is the way to go. A quality front door can add value to your property and provide you with a stylish, functional entryway. 

When you need a reliable exterior door, explore the collection at Home Center Outlet. We are a family-owned and operated company that provides an extensive range of quality home improvement products, including doors, windows, and bathroom and kitchen products. With us, you also enjoy friendly and expert customer service at four convenient Georgia locations. 

You can visit our showrooms or shop for products online at your convenience.