Nobody likes drafts. They make your feet cold, bring in allergens, and add to your monthly energy bill to keep your home comfortable. If you are experiencing drafts around your entryway, then your exterior door may be to blame. In this blog post from New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., we discuss replacing exterior doors to address drafts, moisture problems, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Exterior doors wear down over time, resulting in worn weatherstripping, sagging thresholds, uneven frames, or a warped door.
- Signs of a deteriorating door include drafts, moisture intrusion, cold or soft flooring, a sticky door, or uneven closure.
- Replacing your exterior door can resolve draft and moisture problems in your entryway while helping you save on energy bills.
Why Do Exterior Doors Become Drafty Over Time?
Your exterior door plays an important role in keeping cold air outside. Over time, however, even the most premium-built exterior doors begin to wear down. Steel doors can last up to 50 years if well-maintained. Fiberglass doors are even more durable, with a possible lifespan of over 70 years. Depending on your door’s exposure, this estimate can be dramatically lower. Moisture, sun damage, hail, and wind cause incremental damage until the door develops issues such as:
- Worn weatherstripping
- Sagging threshold
- Uneven door frame
- Brittle seal
- Warped door material
All of these issues create gaps between the door and its frame. Even gaps that are too small to see are still big enough to let cold air and water through, leading to decreased home comfort and rising energy bills.
What Are Signs of a Drafty Door?
The signs of an aging door aren’t always obvious. While your entry door might display visible damage, you are more likely to experience subtler issues, especially with fiberglass doors that don’t easily scratch or dent. Some common problems experienced by homeowners include:
- Cold air or flooring near the entryway
- Light under the door or around the frame
- A sticky door that’s hard to open or shut
- Doors that close unevenly
- Water intrusion without an obvious spill
- Soft flooring near the entryway
- Loose threshold, sill, or frame
- Soft spots on the doorframe
All of these signs indicate a warped or settled frame, air intrusion, or water intrusion. That means that your entry door is no longer doing its job properly. Your energy bills are probably higher than they need to be, and the water intrusion may even damage your home’s framework if it isn’t addressed.
Choosing a New Exterior Door for Comfort and Durability
Replacing your entry door can fix draft and moisture issues caused by a faulty door. Modern entry doors are designed with advanced insulation, improved weatherstripping, and updated aesthetics, giving you plenty of options for your upgrade. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. offers a wide variety of exterior doors to choose from. Our selection includes:
- Fiberglass doors: Modern fiberglass doors are durable, well-insulated, and immune to rot and rust. They deliver the best in longevity and energy performance.
- Steel doors: Steel entry doors are insulated and ultra-strong, making them the preferred choice for homeowners who value security as much as they do efficiency.
We also offer professional installation. Even when starting with a premier door product, the quality of your installation has a major impact on your long-lasting satisfaction. Our technicians take precise measurements, evaluate your frame, perform minor repairs, and ensure that the door is properly hung to keep out drafts and moisture for decades to come.
Learn More About Replacing Exterior Doors in NJ
Are you ready for a new entry door? Trust New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. We are exterior door suppliers and installers with over 20 years of experience serving New Jersey homeowners. We can perform an inspection and plan a door replacement project to fix your draft and moisture concerns. Contact us to learn more about replacing exterior doors, including products, installation, and quotes.
FAQs about Replacing Exterior Doors
What draft and threshold problems commonly affect exterior doors?
Draft and threshold problems with exterior doors include worn weatherstripping, an uneven or sagging threshold, and warped door material.
When can a door be adjusted or repaired, and when should it be replaced?
Door weatherstripping can be replaced, and thresholds can sometimes be adjusted to ensure a tight seal. If the frame has settled or the door has warped, then it’s time to get a replacement.
What should a quality exterior door replacement fix?
A quality door replacement should fix draft problems, moisture issues, and frame issues. It also provides an upgrade to energy efficiency and security.
Should I DIY my exterior door replacement?
While DIY seems like a way to save, it can cause more problems than it fixes. Inexperienced installation work can result in imprecise measurements, frame damage, or an installation that isn’t level. All of these issues may result in recurring draft and moisture problems that cost more to fix.
Which exterior door material is the most efficient?
Fiberglass doors are the most energy-efficient, especially if you invest in good insulation. Steel doors are also insulated to minimize thermal transfer between the outdoors and your home.
