Windows and Doors: Knowing What You're Getting: Part 3: Replacement Doors - A Basic Guide for Homeowners

Doors are naturally built to last, but constant use and exposure to the elements can have them looking beat-up. Sometimes damage can be cosmetic but there will come a time when you’ll be faced with the task of replacing a door in your home. Has that time come for you? To help you decide, ask yourself the following:

• Does the door look weathered?
• Does the door have scratches and dents?
• Do you see cracks or other kinds of damage on door edges and/or panels?
• Do drafts get in through gaps around the door?
• Do you experience difficulty opening, closing, and locking it?
• Is it difficult to get the door to hang level on the hinges?

If you answered “yes” to most or all of these questions, then there’s no doubt about it: you need door replacement.

Choosing an Entry Door

Exterior doors including entry doors need to be durable enough to stand up to the elements and everyday wear and tear. But aside from durability, you also need to consider style and energy efficiency qualities. Here are some tips you can keep in mind when choosing entry doors:

• Replacement doors usually need to be custom-manufactured as standard-sized, ready-made doors may no longer fit in your doorway due to structural movements and differences. A professional door contractor can take measurements and customize an entry door for you.
• Your entry door needs to architecturally fit in with your home. However, you can also choose to intentionally choose a contrasting design to make your entry door stand out.
• Regardless of the type and style of an entry door, it should never compromise insulation value.

Choosing a Patio Door

Patio doors can effectively enhance the look of your home because of their expansive glass panels. Here are some tips for choosing stylish and energy-efficient patio doors.

• Patio doors come in either hinged or sliding styles. Both are beautiful but choose what will suit your current space situation. Hinged or French patio doors need room to swing open or close so they are great where space is available around entryways. If you’re tight on space, sliding patio doors will be the better fit because they need space no more than their own size to operate.
• Take advantage of a patio door’s ability to connect indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly by choosing a wider doorway that offers easier access.
• Because patio doors have a lot of glass, they’re akin to big windows so treat them as one when going over glass options. Choose the right type of glass by opting for low-emissivity coating that reduces heat let in without impeding natural light.
• Don’t forget about the door frame! Patio doors should have highly insulative frames to help in keeping your home energy-efficient.

Window and door replacement are cost-effective investments that are sure to make your home more beautiful and comfortable to live in. To get started, get in touch with a trusted window and door expert in your area.