How does one decide whether to repair or to replace a finicky front door?
If the following fact somehow wound up in Door Court (which is not, per se, a real thing—but nonetheless…), let it be known that the following determination would redefine our very concept of an open-and-shut case: Front door repair is an absolutely essential aspect of door maintenance. As the primary entryway to most houses—no offense intended to any (welcome) habitual window “ingressers”—front doors tend to become worn out over time. This’ll naturally affect both the general aesthetic and security of your home, and not for the better. Therefore, if ever you notice any changes in the operation or “feel” of your front door, it’s obviously pretty important to take expedient action. -But how does one decide whether to repair or to replace a finicky front door?
Read along below as we explore the most crucial factors to consider when tackling this decision.
Identifying the Problem
The first step? Figure out exactly what’s wrong. Wooden doors, for example, can swell due to extreme changes in temperature or otherwise absorb moisture in humid/rainy weather, leading to misshapen doors that no longer fit in their frames or get stuck easily. However, many home remedies can fix “door swell,” such as sanding it down to fit back into its frame and realigning locks, hinges, and other door hardware. Applying a wood preserver can also strengthen the wood and prevent future swelling. Just make sure you’re adequately prepared and equipped to cross this particular, a-hemm, threshold should you decide to.
Door furniture and hardware can also corrode or rust over time. Hinges and screws made of metal will rust with enough water exposure or dust accumulation, and forced-entry burglaries (heaven forbid) will very likely cause significant damage to hinges. Fortunately, removing and replacing old or broken hinges is a relatively easy task that doesn’t necessarily require a complete door replacement. But again, reminder: do your homework before any such undertaking and allow yourself the peace of mind and security of calling the pros to complete any work outside of your wheelhouse.
Assessing the Damage
The extent of damage to your front door is a crucial factor in determining whether to repair or replace it. Timber doors can warp due to changing weather conditions and heavy usage over time, affecting the door frame as well. Frames made of wood can be sanded down to shape, but this should be done with caution to avoid compromising the security and durability of the frame. Minor damages should be addressed immediately to prevent larger issues from occurring.
“Closing” Thoughts: Making the Decision
As we’ve seen, several factors should be carefully weighed when determining whether to repair or replace your front door. If the problem is minor—a swollen door, broken hinges…—repairs may be sufficient and cost-effective. However, if the damage is more extensive, like a severely warped doorframe or significant corrosion, a replacement may well be necessary. Budgeting, of course, is also an important consideration, and it’s essential to weigh the costs of repairs against those of the installation process, including additional materials and professional handiwork if need be. Ultimately, the decision should be geared toward finding that sweet spot of accord between the current-compared-to-the-desired condition of your front door and your budgetary needs. Afterall, we wouldn’t want you to wind up in any sort of jam.
Purchase Your Doors from Fisher Lumber
Be sure to visit Fisher Lumber’s Designer Showroom featuring displays of Andersen Windows, Therma-Tru entry doors, Simpson and Masonite exterior doors, and a wide selection of interior doors featuring Simpson, Masonite, Lemieux, and JELD-WEN. Our knowledgeable experts are ready to assist you! Contact us at 301-424-6500 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.