Did you know that a whopping 34% of burglars enter homes through the front door?
Front doors serve more functions than being the first thing guests see in your home. Front doors can offer you safety and security, but they must be in tip-top shape to serve all their functions.
If your door is starting to fall apart, it might be time for a replacement front door.
A door replacement can provide a much-needed upgrade to your home’s entryways. The right front door can increase your curbside appeal and give you protection. Read on and learn about door replacement costs, options, and regulations.
Knowing When It’s Time To Get New Doors
You don’t need a reason to replace a door, and wanting a new one is enough. But if you are the type to save money, then here are a few signs that a door replacement is in order:
1. Your Front Door No Longer Serves Its Function
The main purpose of a door is to separate one place from another. This means they have to open and close. If your door is unable to perform even these basic functions, then it is time you replace it.
You can get away with repairing some minor door issues. These include adding a door stop for a door that opens too much or a door lock for a door that won’t stay in place. But some issues won’t get fixed no matter your repairs.
Front doors can last you at least 30 years. You can stretch out the time before replacement by doing repairs. But there comes the point where the cost of repairs makes replacement the logical choice.
2. Front Door is Falling Apart
If your door has chirping, holes, or is starting to fall apart, then it’s a clear sign that you need to replace it. Doors are one of the most used furniture we have. After all, we can’t get inside our homes without them.
Did moving an oversized item scratch or crack your door? While some imperfections can get fixed, it doesn’t give your door more integrity. A door that is falling apart will collapse, despite your cosmetic repairs.
3. Outdated Design
Most old doors get made from wood and have styles that might not be up to par with modern times. Modern homes now have sturdier and even more efficient doors. If you want to upgrade your door’s functions and even design, it might be time for a replacement.
4. The Door is Drafty
You might have worries about drafty windows, but drafty doors are also a cause for concern. Having doors with holes and cracks can cause them to get drafty. This can increase your energy costs.
Having a new door can help you create better insulation for your home. This helps make your home cosy and stay at your desired temperature. Another plus is that a brand-new door is also likely to insulate sound better.
5. Door Features Have Damage
It might be time to replace your door if you have door features that include broken glass. Check features of your doors such as glass, windows, and frames. These features can be culprits to your door’s draftiness and even water leaks.
6. Doors Are Creaky and Noisy
A creaky door is one of the signs that your door is getting old. Having an old door doesn’t only fail to insulate temperature as well as it did but also fails to insulate sound. This can get annoying if you live near a noisy and busy street or in a city.
7. Doors Have Become a Safety Hazard
If your door has become loose on its locks or has a gaping hole, then it is time for you to replace it. This not only ruins the door’s functionality but also attracts thieves. Cheap doors will also be easier to kick open and break down, so invest in new, solid, and sturdy ones.
8. Doors Have Many Issues
You might notice that your old door needs a new repair every month. You might notice it rusting, showing signs of corrosion, and so much more. Having significant issues that always need maintenance repairs is an avoidable headache.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Front Door Replacement
Since most doors can get customised, the first thing you should consider is your needs. What style of door would suit your home best? How long should your front door last?
Knowing this would make it easier to decide what type of door material you need to buy to suit your needs. Once you have that settled, you also need to think about how big you want your door to be. If you’re replacing an old door, get the same measurements to make replacing it easier.
If you want a door with a feature, what feature would it be? Do you want it to have glass so you can see who’s knocking? Would you prefer it to get stained or glazed for more privacy?
These things are important for you to discuss with the people you will hire to replace your door for you. It is essential to ask them if the door type you want can get customised to your needs. This ensures that you have a door that serves its function and can last you a lifetime.
Cost of Getting a New Front Door
Now that you know when to replace your old door, it’s now time to discuss its cost. The cost of getting a new front door will depend on its size, material, and where you’re getting it from. There are many factors to consider when getting a door, but the most important one is the type you want.
Types of Doors
There are many types of doors available on the market today. Doors can become customised based on your preference, so the material is what you should focus on. Here are a few recommendations to consider for your next front door:
1. Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors are common in most modern homes. These weigh less than solid wood and steel doors but are still as durable. This makes opening the door while carrying a load of groceries much easier.
Don’t let its light weight fool you, as these offer protection as much as their counterparts. They offer great insulation against the outside temperature and can last 70 years.
Fiberglass doors are perfect for those who work from home. This is because they offer great sound insulation.
2. Steel or Metal Doors
Steel and metal are perfect for interior or exterior doors. They make a great alternative to wood doors and last longer. They help give you that instant modern look and don’t need as much upkeep as wooden doors.
It doesn’t get better than metal doors if you want to level up your security. Metal doors are the most secure door material you can get on the market. This makes it tougher for thieves to break into your house.
3. Wood Doors
Wood is a classic material when it comes to doors. This is because it is easy to carve, paint, and decorate a wood door. Wood remains a great choice as it has a high level of durability.
These are also easy to find as most furniture stores carry them. With proper care, wooden doors last up to 30 years.
4. Aluminum Doors
If you are into modern homes, there is no better staple than aluminum doors. These doors can get customised into sliding or the classic hinged door. They make any entrance stunning and can get styled based on your preference.
5. PVC Front Door
If your door is falling apart and you are on a tight budget, then a PVC door might be perfect for you. These door types are on the rise as they are affordable and easy to make. They are low maintenance and solid enough to perform their function.
Building Regulations on Doors
Building regulations vary depending on your location. But if you live in England, there are basic door regulations and guidelines you have to follow.
The first regulation is your door size. Your external door has to be at least 200 centimetres in height and 92 centimetres in width. This ensures that you and emergency services can enter your door when needed.
Different kinds of doors also have separate regulations. It should also get placed in an unobstructed area. For safety reasons, it might be best to ensure your doors are placed in open areas.
If your door to has more than 50% of its material made of glass, you would need to get a FENSA certificate to install it. But if your door leads to a front porch or has other external doors for entry, you won’t need a FENSA certificate.
If you are replacing a door for a public building, then you have to consider wheelchair access. This means that your door frame has to be at least 82 centimetres in width. Following these rules can cost extra, but it is better to follow them than pay a hefty fine and replace your door again.
Get a Quote For Your Door Replacement From Apex Windows
Now that you know what kind of door replacement you want, you might want to know if you can afford it. Stop guessing and create your custom door and get a free quote!
Apex Windows are a FENSA-registered company. This gives them the authority to customise doors and install glass doors. They are GGFi Insurance Backed, meaning all their works have 10-year insurance.
Apex Windows only use door replacement experts to give you the best door your money can buy. If you want a door that will last you a lifetime, get door replacement services from Apex Windows.
Get a Door Replacement Today
These are only a few things you need to keep in mind when you want to replace your doors. Why stop here when there are more things you need to know to get a good door replacement?
Want to hire door replacement services but don’t know whom to trust? Then we have got you covered! Contact us today for trusted door replacement services.