10 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Front Door

Want to give your home an instant facelift, ramp up security, and improve energy efficiency without moving? Start at the front door! This highly visible focal point sets the tone for the rest of your property, so investing in a new entry door is a great way to make a durable statement in style. The benefits of replacing your home’s front entry door run much deeper than simply enhancing curb appeal.

Some signs that you need a new front door are clear, while others are less obvious. Let’s explore how to know when your current front door has served its time and needs to be replaced.

Clear Signs That It’s Time to Replace a Front Door

Are you unsure whether the time has arrived to replace the main entry point to your home? The following are 10 signs you need a new door.

1. Changing Holdhold Needs

Have you welcomed a new baby who gets taken out in a stroller, or have there been any changes in a family member’s mobility? Replacing your current front door with a practical double-entry design that allows more comfortable access will be a game-changer. Say goodbye to struggling with equipment by replacing your current front door with one that has the practical design features the household needs.

2. Visible Signs of Damage

As the main gateway into your home, your front door sees a lot of action. Over time, wear and tear become evident, and your once-pristine door can start showing irreparable dents, breaks, cracks, and scuffs. In addition to diminishing your home’s aesthetic appeal, a damaged entry door is a significant security risk. Criminals may notice vulnerabilities and see your home as an easy target.

3. Drafts Around the Door

If you find yourself stuffing gaps around the door to keep cold air out, it’s time to invest in a new front door. In addition to being uncomfortable, a drafty entry strains your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, which drives up your energy bill.

Gaps around the door aren’t always obvious, so a good way to check for drafts is to hold a candle near the door frame. If the flame flickers, there is likely an incomplete seal around the frame, and a new door will help reduce your energy bill.

4. Difficulty Opening and Closing

Opening your front door should feel welcoming, so if your door sticks, squeaks, or needs a particular motion to use, it’s time to bid it farewell. A failing door can result from loose hinges, lack of lubrication, or misalignment. If you have tried to repair your door issues without success, a new front door with smooth functioning should be on your horizon.

5. Warping

Your front door is the physical shield between the cozy interior of your home and the elements. After a few years of exposure to the changing seasons, your exterior doors can become weathered or warp. Even a slight change in a door’s shape means it will no longer form a reliable seal with the frame, reducing your home’s energy efficiency.

Use the following four steps to check if your front door is warped using a string:

  1. Wrap the door: Wrap a length of string around the top and bottom edges of your front door, similar to tying a gift ribbon. Start with the side closest to the door handle and lock.
  2. Pull the string taut: Ensure the string is not slack, and look for gaps between it and the door.
  3. Measure the spaces: Use a ruler to measure the gaps. A warped door will have gaps of around ¼ inch or more between the taut string and the door surface.
  4. Repeat on both sides: Repeat this procedure on both sides of the door to check for any signs of warping on the other side of the front door.

Unfortunately, a warped wooden door cannot be repaired, and it is a clear sign that it’s time to invest in a new front door.

6. Rot or Insect Damage

Check your front door for signs of spongy wood, which could indicate that it has sustained moisture damage. Tiny holes in the wood or fine sawdust under your door are clear signs of insect-related deterioration.

Issues caused by rot or insects impact the door’s structural integrity, affecting your home’s safety.

7. Moisture Between the Glass Panes

If the double-pane windows in your front door appear foggy with condensation, the seal in the glass frame is compromised. This can be frustrating to deal with and ruins the fresh, welcoming appearance a front door should have. Over time, the trapped moisture can also become a breeding ground for mildew and mold, especially if the door doesn’t get much direct sunlight.

8. Outdated Design

Some trends are memorable for all the wrong reasons. Remember when having an avocado green or burnt orange bathroom was all the rage? If your front door hasn’t changed since big hair and bellbottoms were hot, it’s time for a front door style update. Investing in a modern front door gives your home an instant new look and improves its value.

a wooden front door next to the words investing in a modern front door

9. Inadequate Privacy or Security

Security needs to be top of mind when assessing your current front door. Modern entry doors offer enhanced security features, including multipoint locking systems and extra thick strike and backer plates. There is no substitute for complete peace of mind that your loved ones and assets are protected from criminal activity.

10. Ready for Change

If you want to give your home a style makeover, it’s time for a new front door! Enhance the beauty of your home by creating a charming, welcoming entry that reflects your unique character. Swapping out your tired front door with a fresh design you love will make you love your home even more.

How Often Should You Replace Your Front Door?

Your front door must be replaced immediately if it shows any signs of wear or damage that compromises your home’s security. Professionally fitted, quality front doors should last for decades.

When replacing your front door, choose a company that stands by their workmanship and provides comprehensive aftersales service. Renewal by Andersen boasts the best warranty coverage in the nation, so you can be sure that your new front door will stand the test of time.

Unlock Curb Appeal With a New Front Door From Renewal by Andersen

a porch with a blue front door next to the words contact us

Deciding when to replace a front door is up to you, but when you are ready to explore your options, Renewal by Andersen has you covered. Whether you need a new entry door or custom-manufactured patio doors, our experienced team offers comprehensive door replacement and new door services.

Take the next step toward getting your dream front door, and schedule a complimentary consultation today!

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