Generally, if your front door is left unprotected and exposed to the elements, it may not last longer than a couple of decades. This means that you will need to get a replacement door as it will no longer be able to perform optimally, causing you more stress and money in repairs.
Factors That Influence How Long Your Door Will Last
There are a variety of factors that will affect your front door’s life expectancy. These include what material the door is made of, how well it was installed and fitted, and how well you maintain it.
Material
There are three main materials used to manufacture exterior doors: steel, fibreglass, and wood. Steel doors do not typically last very long as they can be affected by extreme weather conditions, including too much rain, prolonged sun exposure, and even salty air. However, they provide the best security. Fibreglass doors last longer than steel and are well insulated, saving you money in utilities.All that being said, as long as your front door is properly protected by an overhang, it should last for a very long time.
Installation
The way that your front door is installed can actually affect its life expectancy. Poorly fitted replacement doors will wear out more quickly. They will require more repairs, which can become quite costly.
Maintenance
Like previously mentioned, your front door should be able to last you years and years provided that you maintain them properly. If you do not, they will succumb to age and various weather conditions, which will only speed up the degradation process. Luckily, there are some easy ways that you can maintain your entry door in order to increase its lifespan.
How to Increase Your Front Door’s Life
Here are four tips for maintaining your front door:
Frequently Clean It
You should clean your doors at least twice a year using a cloth with some gentle soap diluted with water. Making sure you use a non-abrasive cleaning solution will not damage the material your entry door is made from. A little elbow grease every spring and fall will ensure your front door’s life lasts longer.
Check Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is used to keep your home nice and toasty during the colder seasons. Every fall, you should check on the condition of your front door’s weatherstripping, which can deteriorate with age. There are different kinds of weatherstripping that exist to help avoid any heat leaks.
Check Caulk Joints
Caulking is used to seal your front door’s perimeter to ensure that it is properly insulated. Over time, the original caulking is going to naturally deteriorate due to age. This can result in further damage to your front door that can eventually lead to needing a replacement door. If you spot any cracks or shrinkages in your door’s caulking, remove the old and apply new caulking.
Lubricate the Hardware
To make sure your front door lasts longer, lubricate its hardware once a year with a spray lubricant. This includes the cranks, hinges, handles, and locks. Not doing so will not only ensure that your door operates more smoothly, but that you will need to replace its hardware a lot more frequently.
Signs You Should Get a Replacement Door
While practicing regular maintenance on your front door can help it to last for a long time, there comes a time when no amount of repairs or maintenance can help it. When this happens, it’s time to get a replacement door.You may be asking yourself is it worth it to replace your front door? Well, just like it can be worth it to replace old windows when they start to show signs of age and degradation, getting a replacement door has many benefits. Some of the most common signs that you should get a replacement door include:
- Difficulties opening and closing your door
- Visible dents and rusting
- Moisture between the panes of glass
- Your door is warped, weathered or cracked
- Your door lets in drafts
- Water or insect damage
Replacement Doors in Toronto
There are as many types of front doors as there are types of windows for your home. Picking the best one will depend on your individual needs and a variety of factors such as security, energy-efficiency, and style.Clera Windows + Doors offers brand new replacement doors to home and business owners in Toronto and the surrounding area. We offer long-lasting exterior doors that are made from steel or fibreglass so that you can rest assured knowing that your investment will last for years. To find out how we can fit you with the perfect replacement door you’re looking for, contact us today!
