The front, or exterior door, is one of the most essential elements of a home. Apart from making a first impression on people who walk up the porch, the door also affects other aspects like a home’s energy efficiency, security, and comfort. An exterior door is subject to wear and tear and will eventually require attention. While it may be possible to repair the existing door, replacing it with a new exterior door can have various benefits.
Enhanced home security
The front door is the first line of defense against intruders. If one upgrades the exterior door, one could consider a more secure option and a better frame than their older door. The upgrade could give homeowners and other family members an enhanced sense of safety and security. One could also make other additions to improve security, such as installing new door locks, automatic lighting to ensure the front area is well-lit to detect movement, and installing security cameras.
Improved appeal
Since a door is the first thing people see when they walk up to a home, looking at an old, worn-out entryway may not be appealing. Installing a new exterior door could help improve the overall aesthetic of the front of the home and make guests, as well as family members, feel good about walking through the upgraded structure.
Improved energy efficiency
Old exterior doors, particularly wooden options, and their associated framing might deteriorate with time. This could create gaps for drafts, consequently affecting one’s heating and cooling. Because of this, one might see higher energy bills with each passing month. Replacing this with a new entry door and framing will help plug these gaps, reduce drafts, and lower the monthly energy bills.
Easy accessibility
Most older doors sit within a narrow frame, making moving in and out of the space difficult. Further, taking furniture in could also be troublesome. With a new exterior door, homeowners can make it as diverse as possible. For instance, during installation, one could opt for a wider door with zero clearance threshold and trading steps for ramps, making it easier to handle baby strollers, wheelchairs, or walkers.
Low maintenance costs
While one could continue to use an old door, the worn-out material could require regular maintenance, especially with a wooden option. This door type also absorbs lots of moisture and requires resealing or painting every few years. Instead, one could go for a steel and fiberglass door, which is less susceptible to warp or rot. The benefit of installing such a new exterior door is that it is less likely to need repairing than its wooden counterparts, which could help reduce maintenance costs.
Improved home value
Changing the exterior door could improve the home’s overall appeal and subsequently increase the property’s value. For instance, reports show a new steel entry door had over 65% return on investment (ROI). Plus, an appealing front door could attract potential buyers, increasing one’s chance of selling the property.
