Among all home exterior features, the entry door is usually the closest to the hearts of many homeowners. It’s often the focal point of the façade, which is regarded as an extension of the homeowner’s personality. If you consider yours exactly like that, it can be hard to let go of your original front door.
However, replacing it when the time is right has its own merits. After all, an entry door replacement project presents a world of opportunities to increase the livability of your home.
Replacing your entry door is all about timing. As the local authority on windows and exterior doors, Renewal by Andersen® of New Jersey-New York Metro shares the red flags to watch out for:
1. Physical Deterioration
Severe structural damage should be enough reason to get a new front door. From a security standpoint, a worn-out door system isn’t the most reliable line of defense for your home’s main point of entry. Cracks can also pave the way for pest invasion, while a sagging panel can scrape and ruin the floor. It’s imperative to repair your broken front door, but it’s also your responsibility to know when it’s no longer worth saving.
2. Jerky Operation
Does your door no longer work as smoothly as it used to? The constant cycle of expansion and contraction with extreme temperature swings for years might have taken its toll. When it’s bent out of shape, it can be troublesome to operate.
3. Poor Energy Efficiency
Drafty door systems are an energy drain. By allowing too much air infiltration, they don’t make a good cold air barrier. Modern doors with advanced weatherstripping can keep the drafts out. You should also make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR® seal to guarantee excellent energy efficiency.
Check the ratings too. Look for a product with a U-factor of 0.30 or less and a SHGC of 0.40 or less. Such a combination of energy performance ratings is essential when buying a glazed door with over 50 percent glass in Ocean and Somerset counties.
4. Maintenance Nightmare
The beauty of door and window replacement projects is reducing the upkeep of the unit dramatically. If you’re tired of scraping and painting your front door every few years, replacing it with a low-maintenance product spares you this difficult chore.
Let Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey-New York Metro help you choose the most suitable replacement entry door for your home. To talk about your aesthetic and functional needs, call us at (866) 609-5033 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate. We serve clients in New Jersey and nearby areas.
