A Guide to Replacing a Front Door

December 17, 2024
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A Guide to Replacing a Front Door

Are you considering replacing your front door? There are several questions you may have. They range from “Do I really need to replace my front door?” to practical details like whether a DIY effort is worthwhile. Our guide will help you to explore all the ins and outs from a professional perspective, helping you to make informed decisions. 

Reasons For Front Door Replacement

There are dozens of reasons why a front door replacement might be right for you. We’re going to do our best to cover the most common ones. If one or more of these points resonate with you, you definitely do need a new front door. 

Your door is worn out: It’s warped. It’s cracked. It’s beyond repair: a clear-cut case for replacement. 

It’s not energy efficient: Perhaps your door is letting cold drafts into your home in winter. Or maybe, your door isn’t well-insulated and allows too much heat to escape by conduction. Replacing your front door will save you money in the long-term. 

It’s not sufficiently soundproof: Street noises are making their way into your home. You’re considering installing noise-damping doors and windows. Peace and quiet are precious commodities. You should definitely go ahead!

You want better security: A weak door set won’t benefit from good locks. A couple of determined blows could be all it takes to let burglars in. Whether you’ve already experienced an intrusion or are aware of risks and want to close the door to burglary, you have an excellent reason to consider a change.

You want a low-maintenance front door: Maintenance is a real bugbear for people with wooden front doors, especially south-facing ones. The onslaught of the elements cause paint or varnish to fade or crack, and every few years, you have to refurbish your door. You’ve had enough of it and want a low-maintenance finish. That means opting for a different type of door.

Your door is ugly or boring: Front doors have a huge visual impact, and living with an ugly front door means you’ll experience a moment of irritation every time you pass through it. Your home is one of the biggest and most important investments you’ll ever make. Having a home that makes you feel proud to be a homeowner is a worthwhile goal and your front door contributes to that. 

You have some door design ideas you’d like to implement: You’ve spotted ideas you like or came up with your own concepts, and you’d like to make a creative statement with a unique front door. Express yourself! 

What Types of Replacement Front Doors Are There?

Door Type Pros Cons
Wooden door Great looks
Good insulation if installed well
Requires frequent maintenance
Can crack and warp
Susceptible to damp
Fibreglass door Resists weathering
Low maintenance
Energy efficient
Not impact resistant
Limited choice of finishes
uPVC door Low maintenance
Can provide good insulation
Not susceptible to damp
Aesthetics
Limited options
Can fade when exposed to sun
Composite door Security options available
Energy efficient
Low maintenance
Customised options available
Durable
Variable quality depending on manufacturer
High-quality options are a little more costly

Best Material for a Front Door

Composite doors give you the best of several materials rolled into one. There are several approaches to construction, however, and some are better than others. A good composite door should last for many maintenance-free years, justifying the slightly higher investment outlay. 

Your supplier should offer you a wide selection of colours and finishes. Moving to the parts of a door one doesn’t see from the outside, there should be an insulating material, internal reinforcement to withstand attempts at forced entry, and secure locking systems. 

Can You Replace a Front Door Without Replacing the Frame?

The simple answer to this question is that you can replace the door and nothing else. However, there are several reasons why it isn’t the best idea out there. 

Doors are designed to fit snugly into frames while allowing for easy movement. That can be a difficult balance to achieve when you’re trying to install a new door into an existing frame. Besides this, an old door frame can be warped or swollen in places, making it hard to install a new door without gaps or spots where the door sticks. 

An old door frame may not have been designed for security. Even with the best locks, you won’t be safe if the door frame gives way when subjected to force.  Finally, there are aesthetic considerations. A door should match its frame. You can try to patch it up so that it matches your new door, but there will always be “tells.”

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Replacement Front Door?

You know why you are looking for a new front door. You should prioritise that, but also consider all the features you would like a door to have. If you choose a high-quality door, you will enjoy its benefits for many years. Soundproofing, insulation, a style that matches your home, low-maintenance finishes and enhanced security can all be yours at once. 

Instead of buying a door you’ll want to replace before long, choose a premium quality, custom-made security door from Stronghold Security Doors. With us, you needn’t bother about important details like how to measure a front door. Most importantly, you won’t risk a door installation that screams “DIY,” or a botched installation that you have to live with for years. Our skilled team will be at your service. 

Worried about the cost of replacing a front door? We balance quality against cost, and we’re sure you’ll see the value of your investment. You’ll get the peace of mind that comes with enhanced home security, and you’ll know your family and possessions are safe. 

All you need to do to achieve all this is decide how you’d like your door to look and we do the rest with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Our workmanship is guaranteed, and so are the doors we manufacture. Make your choice with confidence and get a new front door you’ll be proud of. Contact us today for more information.