Homeowners often hear that their exterior doors should last the lifetime of the house, but this is rarely the case. Not only will your needs and design style change and evolve over time, but depending on when your house was built, the climate where you live, and the everyday wear and tear that your door endures, there are times when replacing your exterior doors may be the right option.
From the front entrance of your home to your side door and patio doors, the following is a list of our top 5 reasons to replace your existing exterior doors.
- You want to feel safer.
Enhanced security is one of the biggest reasons homeowners replace their exterior doors. If you have an older home with older doors and locks, they may not be the best choice for keeping your family safe—especially when you consider that 34% of burglars use the front door and 22% will enter through a back door.
Many older doors are made of wood, which can warp over time due to changes in weather and temperature, leaving gaps around the frame where would-be intruders can easily gain access. The locking mechanism matters, too. A simple doorknob and lock combination is easy to pick, while modern high-security locks are more likely to deter any opportunistic home invaders.
- Your existing doors are damaged.
Exterior doors can take a beating over time, especially in high-traffic areas or if you have small children and pets. If you have been noticing a lot of scratches, scrapes, dents, and dings, it may be time to replace your doors with upgraded, sturdier materials such as fiberglass or aluminum.
Weather and water damage can also cause problems, resulting in rusted hinges along with warping, splitting, peeling, and rotting—all of which can make it difficult to open your doors. Another sign your doors may need replacing is if you see moisture or mold in between the glass panes, which often indicates a broken seal.
- Your energy bills are higher than normal.
If your heating and cooling bills have been wreaking havoc on your wallet even though you’ve already installed energy-efficient windows in your home, it may be time to look at your doors.
Any gaps or openings can allow air to leak through, which can make it more difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. As a result, you may be cranking up the heat or air to remedy the problem, which can lead to higher-than-normal energy bills.
Consider upgrading to energy-efficient doors from XO Windows, which are created to have very tightly fitted frames and are double or triple paneled in order to minimize any heat transfer.
- You are getting ready to sell your home.
Replacing your exterior doors may not be the first thing that comes to mind when making your list of pre-sell home improvements, but it is definitely worth considering—for all the reasons listed above. Safe, sturdy, and energy-efficient doors may just tip the scales in your favor and enable you to sell your house more quickly and for a higher price.
- Your door no longer matches your style.
Efficiency and functionality aside, an ugly door is an ugly door. Your exterior doors are the first to welcome your guests and one of the most powerful elements of curb appeal for your home. If they no longer fit your taste or add to the beauty of your home, why not replace them with something more stylish?
XO Windows offers exterior doors to fit every taste and budget.
We combine high-quality materials with an intelligent manufacturing practice and unparalleled customer care to deliver doors that are functional, durable, and beautiful. Here at XO Windows, all of our doors are:
- Built with strength in mind to ensure they are stable, secure, and reliable
- Made to coordinate with a variety of architectural styles and types
- Available in a variety of glass types and textures for a decorative touch
- Architecturally designed to highlight fine details
- Available with internal shades and blinds
You can learn more here about what to expect when replacing your exterior doors.
Ready to schedule your new door installation? Complete our FREE estimate questionnaire or call (602) 455-6616 today to get started.