Wood front doors are proven to last a lifetime, as wood door panels in Rome had lasted for more than a millennium without losing their intricate details and carvings. However, you might just look at your door and say, “Well, mine certainly isn’t going to last for long,” and although historical pieces can last long, it is mostly because of the preservation and maintenance methods that help them stay in their condition for a long time. If your door is poorly maintained, then it might show some signs that it is ready to give. Here are three signs to look out for before replacing your front door.
Warping
Warping is a common problem in solid wood front doors. Any exterior solid wood door is more susceptible to warping because it is exposed to the weather elements outside and the varying humidities can cause its shape to change. These doors are the typical frame and panel build because as its name suggests, it is made of solid slabs of wood put together, opposite from solid- and hollow-core doors which use processed wood.
Should I replace my door? No. There are restoration solutions that can counter the effects of warping and can put your door back into shape. Solid wood doors are very durable as compared to newer materials that come at reasonable prices.
You might also want to check out: Can a new front door add value to your home?
Rot
This is a common problem with wood front doors. Again, due to exposure to outside weather and other factors, rot can build up in your wood door. This is not entirely irreparable, however, the location and how widely the rot is spread can matter. While rot can be removed by cutting away sections infected with it and replacing them, a wider area might be more difficult to restore. Also, if the door jamb has rot as well, then this might only be delaying the inevitable, and replacing would fare better than regular repairs which are imminent with damaged door jambs.
Should I replace my door? It depends on the scale of the rot within the door and whether or not repairs can only be a temporary fix.
Energy efficiency
This is one of the most popular concerns when dealing with issues with doors and windows. A door should be able to retain heat or cool air whenever it is applicable. Doors usually have poor energy efficiency if they have holes, gaps, or slits that can let draught enter inside your home.
Should I replace my door? It depends on how your door effectively retains the energy within your home. Some doors are more energy-efficient than others and if you are big on saving on energy consumption then this might benefit you. However, simple draught-proofing to seal your doors or double-glazing glass panels may well help you transform your door to be more energy efficient.
These are three major signs to look out for when assessing the door’s current condition. However, it is still important to consult experts as they would know better what could benefit you in the long term.
You might also be interested in: Maintenance At Home: Steps To Maintain Your Wood Front Door
Pieter Boyce
Wooden Window and Door Specialist
This article was written on behalf of Fortis & Hooke by Pieter Boyce. Pieter has an intense passion for English Architectural history and has been specialising in the conservation of original wooden windows and doors for decades. His exceptional knowledge of timber windows and doors, both listed or non-listed, is attributed to his hands-on approach to learning all aspects of the complete restoration of original features as well as having personally surveyed thousands of items throughout his long tenure as a head surveyor for one of the largest window and door restoration companies in the UK. He now runs a boutique wooden window and door consultancy and fervently champions the retention of original windows and doors. To learn more of Pieter’s services, visit his website at www.boultonboyce.co.uk.