A front door says a lot about your home. It’s your first chance to make an impression on visitors and adds special flair to your home to separate it from others in your neighborhood. That’s why you should consider replacing your front door if it is damaged, worn, or just not fitting your aesthetic.
Front door replacement might seem like a basic home improvement project, but there’s more involved than you might realize. Here, the team at New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., helps homeowners in northern New Jersey better understand the process to determine if they should look to the professionals.
What Does Front Door Replacement Involve?
Replacing interior doors isn’t an overly complex process. While it may take time and effort to get the door to fit just right, most interior doors are similar and usually just require the door itself (also called a slab or a blank). Exterior doors, like your front door, however, are involved and generally much more costly to replace.
When replacing your front door, you’ll first need to determine whether you just need a need slab or if you’ll want to replace the frame as well. If the front door is old and beat up, there’s a good chance the frame could use a replacement as well. Replacing both allows you to purchase a pre-hung door, which comes pre-assembled with the frame, hinges, and door jamb attached, making it ready for installation.
Installing a new slab is simple but you’ll find there are far fewer choices, so most homeowners opt for pre-hung options. While you can do this yourself, you’ll need experience with carpentry and to know how to replace trim on the inside and outside. You may even need to add or replace a storm door, which creates more work.
Some of the tools you might need include:
- Miter saw
- Reciprocating saw
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Utility knife
- Nails and screws
- Levels
- Caulk gun
- Tape measure
The process involves taking accurate measurements and then removing the old door, trim, and jambs. You will then install the sill and flashing tape, tack in your pre-hung door, shim the side jambs, and insulate around the door jambs before installing the trim.
Why You Should Trust the Experts
As you can see, there is a lot involved with replacing front entry doors. Because of this, most homeowners will turn to professionals to get the job done right. Many mistakes can happen if you attempt to do it on your own, including:
Improper Fit
Because you use your front door nearly every day, it needs to fit perfectly. If you don’t accurately measure, you could wind up doing the process all over again.
Leaks and Drafts
The whole point of a home is to have a comfortable space that keeps the weather out. If your door is not installed properly, you might be letting cool air in during the winter or heat in during the summer. This means you’ll end up with higher utility bills as your HVAC system struggles to keep your space at the set temperature.
Insulation
Entry doors available to homeowners off the shelf at a local retailer are oftentimes the bare minimum in both quality and insulation. The materials and hardware pale in comparison to what you can receive from a qualified remodeler.
Inviting Pests
Allowing air to enter and escape also leaves room for critters. It’s hard enough to keep bugs from getting in, but if you don’t properly install your front door, you’re practically leaving it open for them.
Damage
You’ll be using several tools to install your new door, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make nicks, scrapes, or dents. You could damage the frame around the door, the interior walls, or the new door itself.
Look to Our Team for Front Door Replacement
At New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., our team of professionals can help with installing exterior doors. Because front door replacement can be challenging, our specialists can help make the process go smoothly. Our team has been helping homeowners in northern New Jersey for over 20 years, providing high-quality service. We are a family-owned company and pride ourselves and treating each customer like a partner to help make their visions come true.
We offer some of the highest-quality materials and premium products that will stand the test of time. We even help homeowners get new windows, siding, roofing, decking, and attic insulation to help ensure their homes stay safe, energy-efficient, and stylish for years to come. Our free estimates and financing options help make the process more affordable. If you are interested in replacing your front door or have any questions about our services, contact us today.
