Signs That You Might Need New Doors
Our front doors become so familiar to us that we stop noticing them. Although you probably go through yours multiple times a day, when was the last time you really looked at your front door? The same goes for the back, side, and patio doors, but it is important to check them all regularly to ensure they are secure and working hard to insulate your home. If you find your external doors aren’t up to scratch, it’s time to invest in a replacement.
Do I need new external doors?
Replacement doors aren’t cheap, but they are essential. They keep intruders out and the warmth in so they are an important part of your home. If you spot the following, it’s probably time to think about getting a new external door.
More light coming through
If you have glazing in your doors, then you would expect to see light pouring into your home. But it shouldn’t be coming in around the edges. This is a sign that the door isn’t fitting properly, and if light can get in then so can cold air. Warping at the top and bottom of a door can occur after many years, so check these areas to see if they still fit the frame snuggly.
Difficulty closing and opening the door
If you struggle to open, close or lock any of your doors, they need a repair or replacement. Over the years, the constant fluctuations of temperature will expand and contract the frame and structure. Gradually locks will misalign and thing can warp out of shape entirely. A well-fitting door won’t give you these problems so if you are having issues, get it checked.
Cracked glass
It should be obvious if you have a huge crack across the glazing but look carefully around the edges too. There might be cracks you haven’t noticed before, especially if there is a build-up of dust or dirt on the glass. Damaged glazing should be rectified or intruders might use the opportunity to break in.
Condensation between the panes
If you can see water or fogging between double glazed panes, the seal has been compromised. All the insulation benefits are lost if this is the case, as well as the fact it obscures the view of the outside. It also makes your home look unloved. Sometimes, condensation like this can be rectified, but it could mean it’s time to buy a new door.
Noise coming in from outside
This could be a sign that the seals are damaged. If you look closely, there is a black rubber seal around the door that keeps out the wind, rain, and noise. Examine the seal all around the door looking out for gaps, damaged pieces, flattened sections, and perished areas. Seals only last for so long before they stop working. In the meantime, you start to feel draughts and hear much more traffic noise than you used to.
Damaged frames
Bits of the door frame often become damaged over time, caused by careless furniture removal, pets or objects getting trapped when closing the door. You could be left with an unsecured door – get it checked by a professional.
Peeling or faded colours on the external doors
Is your place looking a bit shabby and unmaintained? Depending on which way the door faces, heavy weather will mean a door perishes. A smart, new double glazed door will instantly uplift your home.
Maintaining your home is part and parcel of owning property. External doors keep the inside insulated and help reduce your energy bills. Doors also keep out the rain – any leaks around a door can mean that flooring gets damaged over time. Of course, buying a new external door will change and improve the way your property looks and adds value and kerb appeal.
The great thing about upgrading doors is that you don’t have to do the hard work yourself. Here at Benchmark Windows, we have a trained and experienced staff of people who measure, supply, and fit quality external doors for homes and businesses. Front doors, porches, bi-fold doors, French doors, sliding patio doors, and back doors are all available in our range. If you think you need a new external door, get in touch with our team and we will take things from there.