Why Should You Upgrade Your Front Door? Home Decoration Home Improvement by Eric Minkiewicz - November 13, 2014November 13, 2014 Things to know before you upgrade your front door Your home’s entry door is one of the most important features of your home. Obviously, it’s most important function is to provide a secure entryway inside your home, but the entry door also serves a few other purposes. This is why you should make sure your door is always in top condition. If your door no longer functions properly, you should upgrade it as soon as possible. Image credit – www.bigstockphoto.com Better Security Your door acts as your home’s first line of defense against intruders. While doors are designed to last for many years, parts of it may deteriorate over time, compromising its ability to keep your home secured. Locks can rust and weaken over time, making it easier for potential burglars to disable, while worn out hinges make it more likely to get knocked out of the frame. If these door components are damaged, consider upgrading to a door that has two locks; or for maximum protection, add a chain. Some doors are reinforced with steel layers for better impact resistance and might be a good option if you have the budget to spare. Image Credit – www.bigstockphoto.com Better Weather Protection You think weather protection is just about the roof and siding? Think again, doors play a big part in protection against the elements such as rain, snow, and strong wind. Over time, gaps between the panel and the door frame get bigger, and can allow moisture to get in, causing moisture damage, mold formation, and a host of other problems. Upgrading to a new front door is highly recommended because newer doors have better weather stripping, which is designed to form a tighter seal around the edges compared to older doors (a lot of old doors completely lack weather stripping). Image Credit – www.bigstockphoto.com Greater Energy Efficiency Gaps in your old door can greatly hamper your home’s energy efficiency. Because air inside your house can seep through a deteriorated entry door, your heater or air conditioner may have a more difficult time keeping indoor temperatures at a comfortable level. This usually translates to higher electric bills and lowered life spans for your HVAC units. Image Credit – www.bigstockphoto.com Modern Aesthetics If you’re planning to give your home a new look, you should make sure the roof, windows, and siding have a nice-looking door to go with it. Upgrading the rest of your home without changing the outdated entry door can ruin your home’s entire curb appeal. If you ask me, I think the only time an old door looks good is if you’re specifically going for the classic look and regularly maintain it.. If you’re looking to upgrade your door, the first thing you need to do is find a reputable home exterior contractor. We offer high quality, energy efficient doors with many options. If you’re having trouble choosing, give us a call and we can help. Happy door hunting! Image Credit – www.bigstockphoto.com Author Bio: Eric Minkiewicz is the President of Huff N’ Puff, a company that offers doors, windows and roofing services. He likes sharing home improvement tips to people and hopes to share to a wider audience through blogging.