As a new year approaches, now is the perfect time to think about a fresh start for your home’s exterior. A new front door is a budget-friendly way to give your house an entirely different look. Reasons to greet the New Year with new entry doors include improved energy efficiency, increased functionality, and boosted curb appeal.
It’s Time
Just like any other element of your home’s exterior, doors can become worn, drafty, or damaged. Signs it’s time to replace entry doors include:
- Fading or peeling paint
- Gaps between the bottom of door and the threshold
- Cracks, pinholes, soft spots (wood rot)
- Missing glass panes
- Old/missing hardware
- Doesn’t open/close easily
- Mold on trim and siding around the door
Upgrading your front door and/or back door improves its durability, weather-resistance, and performance.
Improve Your Energy Efficiency
Front doors and back doors that are damaged, drafty, or beyond the manufacturer’s lifespan compromise your home’s energy efficiency. If you’re heating the outdoors instead of the interior of your house, consequences include higher energy bills, increased operating HVAC maintenance costs, and safety risks due to using alternative heat sources.
Features to improve energy efficiency include:
- An insulated core
- Double-pane glass
- High-quality seals
- Durable materials
- A multi-point locking system designed to hold the door tighter in the frame
Improve Security
Choosing new doors with improved security gives a homeowner peace of mind. Doors are available with a variety of security features including:
- Burglar-proof locks and hinges
- Solid core construction
- Reinforced frames
- Wide-angle peepholes
- Integrated smart technology
- Impact-resistant glass
- Security film (for glass doors)
More Light
Hallways or foyers by front doors and back doors can be dark due to small or no windows, especially in older homes. A replacement door with a transom, sidelights, or both will allow more natural light into your home. Floor-to-ceiling glass entry doors (residential application) bring in the maximum amount of light.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
Some ways a new entry door boosts curb appeal are:
- Choose a front door in bold contrasting tones for a pop of colour
- Make it a focal point – install oversize or double doors; use custom hardware and/or accessories such as a door knocker or decorative mail slot
- Select entry doors featuring unique architectural features such as cathedral-style (rounded top), stained glass panels, or sidelights with a transom
- Create visual interest with textured finishes, frosted glass panels, or oversized vintage hinges
- Simple, yet elegant, wood has a naturally warm, organic appeal
New Door Home Improvement Project Tips
When considering replacement entry doors for a home improvement project for the New Year, here are some helpful tips.
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- Make a budget. It might seem like a “small” home improvement project but knowing how much materials and labour will cost will help you get the final result you want.
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- Hire an experienced and reputable contractor – even a skilled do-it-yourselfer can run into issues that might cause problems if the door isn’t installed correctly.
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- Choose quality materials that will be low-maintenance, durable, and energy-efficient.
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- Select entry doors to specifically enhance the architectural style of your home’s exterior.
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- What features do you want your new door to have?
