Your front door should make an impression. When wear-and-tear takes a toll, there’s a good chance that impression isn’t as positive as you’d like. Whether your door has sustained damage or is simply aging, replacing it for the first time can be daunting. Do you really need a new door? What kind of door should you choose? To help you prepare for your first front door replacement, New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. takes a look at everything you need to know about replacement doors for your home.

When Should You Replace an Entry Door?

Sometimes, the need for a new door is obvious. If your existing entry door is warped, cracked, chipped, or dented, replacement is the right call. However, there are a few other good reasons to replace your door, including:

• Your entryway is cold, drafty, or damp: When a door’s seal shrinks or warps, it allows cold air and moisture inside to make your home less comfortable and drive up utility bills.
• The door no longer opens and closes easily: If your door sticks or must be slammed to close, a new door will make entering and leaving the home easier.
• The locking mechanism doesn’t work: Doors keep our homes secure. If yours no longer locks properly, your family and belongings are exposed to elevated risk.
• Your door is dated and/or unattractive: Even when a door works well, a dated style reduces curb appeal and the overall look of your entry.

Choose the Right Door Material

Now that you’re sure it’s time to say goodbye to your old door, you must pick a material for the replacement. The most popular choices include:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are a great choice for Northern NJ homeowners. The material is strong and durable, guarding against impacts, moisture, and other damage to prevent rot, denting, scratches, splintering, cracks, and more. It’s also energy efficient to keep cold air out and help lower utility bills.

Steel

When security is your main concern, steel doors are the right choice. Their strength increases peace of mind when it comes to the safety of your property and family. Steel doors are also durable in the face of weather damage, although they may scratch and dent in high-traffic areas. Depending on their construction, they can also offer good energy efficiency.

Finding the Right Look

You may find that choosing the look of your first front door replacement is the hardest part of the decision. Fortunately, that’s only because you’ll have so many color and style options. Steel and fiberglass doors are both available with sleek, smooth finishes. Fiberglass doors are also offered with natural-looking wood grain finishes for the beauty of wood with greater durability.

Would you like more natural light for your entryway? If so, choose a door with glass panels or sidelites. Not only will glass permit sunlight into your home, but you’ll be able to choose from designs featuring contemporary motifs, natural inspirations, and more.

Schedule Your First Front Door Replacement

No matter which materials and styles you prefer, it’s important to work with a trusted contractor for your first front door replacement. If you’re ready to update your home with a new door, contact New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. today. We’ll provide a free quote and help you find the best doors for your Northern New Jersey home. To get started, call 973-895-1113 to speak with a member of our team.