How to Evaluate Doors for Repair or Replacement

Article from Jeld-Wen.com

1. Examine Doors and Frames
Start by closely inspecting all six sides of the door, the frame and how well they are attached. Does the door stick? If so, the frame could be out of alignment, or moisture might have entered the door and changed its shape. Moisture is a door’s worst enemy, causing swelling, cracking and warping over time.

For wood doors, make sure the door is adequately finished on all six sides. Check for signs of finish failure, an indication that restoration is needed. Dulling of the finish, a whitish cast on the door’s surface, raised grain or checking, dark streaks forming at the bottom of the door or panels, flaking top coat, extreme discoloration or fading of the wood are all signs that a door needs to be refinished. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

JELD-WEN experts say it’s important to remember that wood doors will adjust to their climate during the first year they are installed. During that time, changes and some degree of movement are normal. But for badly warped doors that have been in this condition for more than one year, consider a replacement door system that holds up against moisture, such as one made of fiberglass, steel or wood like JELD-WEN® AuraLast®, the worry free wood®, guaranteed to resist decay and termites for 20 years.

2. Determine Energy Efficiency
Front doors and patio doors are extremely important to overall energy efficiency. If exterior doors are drafty at the sides or top, but otherwise satisfactory, a simple weatherstrip replacement may suffice.

If your goal is to minimize energy costs and install the most efficient door possible, shop for replacement door systems that are ENERGY STAR qualified and feature cores designed for energy efficiency, like JELD-WEN® Premium Fiberglass or Custom Fiberglass exterior doors.

3. Consider Security
As with windows, start by evaluating the lockset. Make sure it’s easy to use and offers sufficiently strong protection against break-ins. Other low-cost security measures for exterior doors might include installing a kick plate and adequate lighting. Storms are also a threat to the home’s security. The most secure replacement doors will come with impact and design pressure (DP) ratings, indicating how well the door will stand up to a storm.

4. Select the Right Material
Recent developments in manufacturing technology have expanded the range of materials used for exterior doors. Increasingly popular, fiberglass doors can now achieve the look and feel of wood to a remarkable degree, yet are more durable than steel. Fiberglass is also a good choice for doors that must stand up to extremely sunny, dry or wet conditions. With new types of engineered wood and better warranties, wood is practical as well as popular in many parts of the country, especially for remodelers who want to upgrade the curb appeal of a home with a custom wood entry door. If you select a wood door, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for the proper overhang and maintenance requirements. Steel remains widely available and affordable.