You may have recently moved into a new home, or it’s come to your attention that your door is no longer carrying out its duty of keeping your home safe. Whether it’s difficult to operate, has visible damage or doesn’t keep out those bitter winter chills, changing your front door might be the next step in keeping your home secure and warm.
How long does a front door last?
uPVC Doors – expected to last anywhere between 20 and 30 years. uPVC doors are ultra-low maintenance and last a fair amount of time, you probably won’t have to replace a uPVC door too often in your lifetime! They won’t warp, weather or rot; a simple sponge down every so often is recommended to ensure longevity and upkeep.
Composite Doors – made from uPVC, timber, glass reinforced plastic and insulating foam for an incredibly solid and durable door. A composite door will see you through 25 to 35 years of use, sometimes more if they’re looked after properly.
Wooden Doors – last the longest with an average lifespan of 50 to 60 years; however this does depend on the type of wood used in the doors’ construction. Solid wood or timber is highly durable and long lasting, wood types include oak and mahogany. Common softwood options include pine and cedar, lasting 20 to 40 years.
Does your front door need replacing?
If you’ve noticed even the faintest of cracks and visible deterioration, it might not look like much but the integrity of your exterior door could be compromised. Small cracks and damages could make it incredibly easy for someone to force their way into your home. It’s best to replace front doors and other external doors as soon as you notice any damages, just to be on the safe side.
For more information on replacing your front door or for a quote, contact Art Windows & Doors for a free, no obligation quote.
5 Signs it’s time to replace external doors
Difficulty operating
If you’re struggling to get in and out of your home thanks to a troublesome door it’s time to replace the door! If you find your door sticking, scraping or if you have to use force, the door may have warped or simply shifted with time, this makes it difficult to operate and is therefore no longer efficient in its sole purpose.
On the other hand, if your locks or handles suddenly become defunct, this is cause for an immediate replacement, no questions asked.
If you’ve noticed any squeaking or noisy hinges that won’t be silenced even after you’ve lubricated them it could be that you’ve got loose hinges or a much bigger issue like an internal strain or a weak point.
Damage, wear and tear
Cracks, dents and holes in the outer door all pose a great risk to your door’s structural integrity and should be addressed quickly. Water damage and temperature fluctuations can cause warping and decay in wooden doors, and rot easily spreads, weakening the wood, meaning it’s time to change your front door.
If you notice any rust, albeit on your door or its hinges, locks or handles, you’ll need to replace these as rust eats its way through metals, corroding them.
Compromised security
As your door ages and experiences natural wear and tear, your door’s security will deteriorate. Dodgy hinges or loose frames, weak or damaged doors, outdated locks and single pane glass can all make a break-in that much easier. Consider the age of your door too, if it’s been 20 years or so, it’s worth reviewing the state of your door and considering a replacement front door if in doubt. Older doors will also have outdated locking systems, energy efficiency and security, so it might be worth upgrading your entry point.
If you’ve recently moved into a new home, it’s worth finding out how old your door is and possibly replacing the entire door. Should you choose not to, we’d absolutely recommend changing the locks!
Poor insulation
Whether it’s noise, bitter drafts, high energy bills or visible condensation between glass panes, you’ll know your door needs replacing when it no longer keeps out the cold. External doors can shrink, sealing can also become ineffective with time, allowing precious heat to escape, your energy bills soar, and you’re left in the cold.
For more information on checking the efficiency of your windows and doors read our guide on leaky windows and doors here.
Deteriorating aesthetic
Doors looking a little retro? Want to upgrade your home’s exterior? The vintage look isn’t one we’d recommend for your front door or your home’s facade either. Your front door is the first thing potential buyers or visitors will notice when approaching your home, so it’s important your front door looks its very best. Replacing a front door can completely transform your home exterior, especially if you’ve just moved home and want to make it uniquely yours.
Choose from a whole range of options when replacing your front door, at Art Windows & Doors we fit front doors across Glasgow and the surrounding areas. Design your composite door online or speak to us about uPVC, triple and double glazed doors. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation.