Ottawa Carpentry Services: Is It Time To Replace Your Front Door?

Your front door fulfills many roles: it welcomes visitors, keeps out strangers and maintains your home’s indoor climate. Over time, regular movement and exposure to the elements take their toll. Eventually, you’ll need to contact a carpenter in Ottawa to replace it.

How do you know when that time has finally come? When you notice any of the following signs.

It Doesn’t Lock Properly

If your door is made of wood, it will swell and shrink with temperature changes. These repeated adjustments can affect how it hangs. If the changes are extreme, the lock may no longer align with the strike plate, making it difficult to lock.

Even if your door is made of metal or unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, it can still hang differently over time due to natural wear. Once you realize there’s a problem with the lock, it’s best to replace the door, so you can start fresh with one that hangs properly.

You may also consider getting a stronger door during the replacement process, as the lock is only as solid as the door and frame. A deadbolted front door is your first defence against intruders, so choosing the right option is essential to keep your family safe.

It’s Dated

Your front door makes a big impact on your home’s curb appeal. If you’re trying to sell your house, replacing an old front door is a relatively inexpensive way to boost potential buyers’ interest.

Even if you don’t plan to move any time soon, replacing a dated front door can give your residence new life. If you can’t afford major renovations, updating your front door can still bring a sense of satisfaction and make your house look more modern. Additionally, it’s nice to come home to a front door you love instead of an eyesore.

It Lets in Air Around the Edges

Doors and windows pose major insulation concerns since they have a seam. Weatherstripping can create a tight seal, but it won’t work efficiently if your door hangs awkwardly. Even though the gaps are small, air can enter, and so can lots of unwanted guests:

• Ants
• Cockroaches
• Scorpions

If you don’t want an ongoing pest problem, you need a door that seals around the edges.

It’s Affecting Your Energy Bills

Drafts from old doors can also impact your comfort. If you notice the area by your front door is noticeably hotter or colder than the rest of your house, you probably have drafts.

There’s also the issue of material, as some are better at insulating than others. Today, Energy Star rates doors to let consumers know their energy efficiency. If your door is several decades old, it’s probably not as insulating as it could be.

Both drafts and insulation issues have the same outcome: higher energy bills. The more heat or cold comes in from outside, the longer your HVAC system runs and the more energy you consume, resulting in a higher electricity bill.

It’s Visibly Damaged

You should replace a broken door as soon as possible. Even minor damage can grow more severe over time and significantly undermine your door’s stability. Splintering can let airflow and moisture through, which increases the risk of rot.

A visibly damaged door also increases your risk of being burgled. Burglars look for easy prey, and a broken door presents the perfect opportunity.

If you want to replace your old door, Handyman Connection can help. We offer a variety of repair services in Ottawa, including door installation, maintenance and painting. Our experts are dedicated to providing top-tier service, so you know your new door will hang straight and keep out unwanted visitors. Call us or contact us online to get your estimate.