Wood front doors should not only serve their aesthetic purpose but also live up to their functional aspect. They need to be secure and energy-efficient. That is why some people often think about replacing the door when it is missing one or two of these aspects. However, is it really better to replace your wood front door or is it more worth it to have it repaired instead? In this article, we will assess whether or not it would be the right time to replace your door.
Energy efficiency
This is one of the main concerns of people when dealing with house structures. It is cost-efficient to be energy-efficient and that is why it is such a major concern if your door is losing you more energy than it keeps inside your home. Your door should be able to retain heat during the colder climates and retain cool air during the hotter climates. If your door does this poorly, then replacement might be an option. However, it is important to note that doors and windows can be transformed to be more energy efficient by simply sealing off gaps and slits around them. Thus, you might have to consult with this first before going for that purchase.
You might also want to check out: Can a new front door add value to your house?
Rot in different parts of the door
Rot does not also mean it is beyond repair. What restoration experts usually do to preserve your door is to remove the rotten sections away and replace them. This would be cheaper if the rot is within your door, especially on the edges. However, it may not be the same when the rot is on the door jambs. Although it is not irreparable, it will not be long until the same problem arises again. So this might be something to highly consider when checking the rot around the door.
Warping
This is very common with solid wood doors, unlike solid- or hollow-core types. Solid wood doors are built with the usual frame and panel type which you may often see especially in period properties. They are prone to warping because of the humidity and other weather conditions. This is a more unlikely scenario in solid or hollow core door types, so if you are having this problem, you probably have a solid wood door. Should you replace a wood door if it is warped? The answer can actually be an overwhelming no. There are other solutions to reverse the effects of warping even without needing to replace your wood front door. In addition to that, because you most likely have a solid wood door, your door is exceedingly more durable than other replacements you may find. Solid wood doors are very valuable, especially for those properties in which the heritage of the building is critical. Replacing just won’t get you the same quality at a reasonable price.
These are the most important factors to consider when assessing whether to replace your wood front door. While it is completely up to your discretion, it may be of big help to consult experts to tell you the best course of action when dealing with the issues you may be having with your door!