There are several things to think about when you are replacing your exterior door. First, obviously, it's what people see first. It’s the image your home projects. Do you want your image to be cracked paint, dents, outdated and not exactly secure looking? Of course not.
Let's take a look at some reasons why you should replace your exterior door:
It’s not an inexpensive project, but the good news is that it’s a project that pays off. According to Remodeling Magazine replacing your entry door is a worthwhile project because the value nearly exceeds the cost. The look of your front door can add – or subtract from the curb appeal of your door. Looks as well as security makes it a high-value rated project for homeowners. The Marling sales team can help you navigate your way through the different options as well as help you out with a price point you are comfortable with.
Exterior door samples, glass options, interactive displays that allow you to switch out glass and color options are on display at Marling Lumber and HomeWorks stores.
If opening and closing your front door is a replacement for a workout at the gym – you need a new door. It should stick at the top or around the lock area. Sometimes sticking or squeaking hinges can be adjusted, but if its sticking anywhere else, start shopping.
Can you stand outside your house at night and see light leaking out around the door and/or can you stand inside the house and see light coming from outside? Do you feel a breeze coming in even when the door is shut? Do you automatically put something at the bottom of the door during the winter to prevent drafts on the floor? Then. your door isn’t protecting you from the elements nor is it very secure. If there is moisture between the glass panels, that means the seal has failed. While this may seem like a minor annoyance, moisture sitting there can lead to warping and mold.
Set a price, how much are you comfortable spending? Then think about upfront cost versus long term benefits. What is the estimated “door life” of the door you are looking at?
Maintenance – is it worth it to spend a little more so you don’t have to paint or re-stain your door? Energy efficiency, weather protection and performance are also important. Depending on which way your door faces, is the sun going to be beating down on it for most of the day – then pick a door that isn’t going to “weather” because of the sun. And this raises an additional point, if you pick a great door that will fade over time if subjected to long stretches in the sun or beating rain – will you have to add an overhang to the house?
Will a new door mean new lighting and stairs. And, don’t forget the cost of locks, doorbells and decorative hardware if that’s what you want – oh, and remember you’ve got hardware on the inside and the outside of the door.
Not to worry – a sales associate can help you with the add-ons as well as get you a complete quote before you order.
Steel, wood or fiberglass are your door construction options. Steel doors usually have a high-density foam insulation between two pieces of steel. The finish is baked on but may need periodic resealing. Premium steel doors may have a vinyl coating to help with weather resistance and they may have a wood veneer that can take a stain. Some steel doors get very hot when exposed to extended periods of direct sunlight – so hot they radiate heat back into a home. Cold can also be conducted through a steel door unless there is a thermal break incorporated into the door’s construction.
Wood doors are popular because of their aesthetics. They come in a wide variety of species, stains and colors. Some wood doors are veneer skins over an engineered wood core which helps them resist shrinking, swelling and warping that is common with solid wood doors. You get your best results with a wood door if the door is somewhat protected from the elements with and overhang or they are in a shaded area.
Fiberglass and composite doors are tough and virtually maintenance free. These doors can mimic the look and feel of wood. They are made of molded skins of fiberglass on a frame of wooden stiles. They are usually filled with polyurethane foam insulation.
Depending on the intricacies of your door it can take between eight to 14 weeks for delivery and that puts you putting in your door in the Fall. You don’t want to stretch it into the winter. You can install doors and windows in the winter, but it makes it a little uncomfortable for those in the house as well as the installers. Check out the different options at the Marling locations and give your home’s appearance a nice boost!