Let me tell you about my neighbor Dave's front door saga. Last winter, he noticed drafts so strong they made his curtains dance. Turned out his 25-year-old wooden door had warped so badly you could see daylight through the cracks. He tried stuffing towels around it - looked ridiculous and didn't work. When his heating bill hit $450 that January, he finally called me asking about exterior door replacement.
Sound familiar? That's why we're talking exterior doors today.
When Should You Replace That Door?
Most folks wait until things get downright uncomfortable before considering an exterior door replacement. Bad move. Here's what to watch for:
• Visible damage: Cracks, rot (poke it with a screwdriver - soft spots mean trouble), peeling paint that won't stick anymore
• Operational issues: Sticking, scraping noises, locks that won't align properly
• Draft problems: Hold a candle near closed doors on windy days - flickering flames don't lie
• Energy bills creeping up: Old doors can account for 15-20% heat loss
• Security concerns: Hollow-core doors or weak frames are burglar magnets
Funny thing - my first house had a door that looked fine but rattled in wind. Turned out the frame was separating from the wall. Cost me $800 extra to fix when I replaced it. Wish I'd caught that earlier.
The Material Showdown
Picking door material isn't like choosing socks. Get it wrong and you'll regret it for years. Here's the real deal:
| Material | Cost Range | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | $150-$600 | Extremely secure, energy efficient | Dents easily, prone to rust | Budget security, cold climates |
| Fiberglass | $500-$2,000 | Low maintenance, wood look | Higher upfront cost | Most climates, curb appeal |
| Solid Wood | $1,000-$4,000 | Classic beauty, premium feel | Requires refinishing, warping | Historic homes, warm climates |
| Aluminum | $300-$1,000 | Lightweight, corrosion resistant | Poor insulation, noisy | Coastal areas, rentals |
I installed fiberglass doors at my place last year. Honestly? They look better than my original wood doors and I haven't touched them with paintbrush since. But my buddy in Arizona swears by steel - says they're the only doors that survive his kids' soccer balls.
What This Will Actually Cost You
Let's talk dollars. When I replaced my front entry, I budgeted $1,200. Final bill? $2,100. Ouch. Don't make my mistakes.
| Expense Type | Low End | High End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Steel Door Unit | $150 | $400 | Big box store special |
| Mid-Range Fiberglass | $800 | $1,500 | Most popular choice |
| Premium Wood Door | $2,200 | $4,500+ | Custom sizes cost more |
| Professional Installation | $300 | $1,000 | Varies by location |
| Hidden Costs (trim, etc) | $200 | $800 | Always surprises people |
Pro Tip: Get quotes in winter when contractors are slower. Saved me 15% on my exterior door replacement project.
Installation Reality Check
Thinking DIY? I tried that with my garage door. Big mistake. Took two weekends, three trips to Home Depot, and I still had to call a pro to fix my crooked frame. Unless you've done door work before, hire out.
What actually happens during professional exterior door replacement:
• Day 1: Removal of old door (2-3 hours)
• Prep work: Frame inspection, shimming, flashing installation
• Hanging: Setting new door unit (the critical part)
• Finishing: Insulation, trim, caulking
• Hardware: Lock installation and adjustments
Good installers bring temporary door covers - keeps your house secure overnight if needed.
Picking Your Installer
Not all door companies are equal. After my garage DIY disaster, I interviewed seven contractors. Here's what matters:
• Proper licensing: Ask for license numbers and verify online
• Manufacturer certifications: Pella, Andersen, etc.
• Local reviews: Check BBB and Google (ignore anything below 4 stars)
• Warranty specifics: Labor AND product coverage
• Insurance proof: Must show general liability
Watch out: Contractors quoting under $800 are probably cutting corners. Proper exterior door replacement requires specialized skills.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
• "Will you handle the permit?" (Most municipalities require them)
• "Who pays if measurements are wrong?" (Should be them)
• "What's your weather sealing process?" (Look for foam insulation details)
• "Can I see photos of recent jobs?" (Actual work, not catalog shots)
• "What time will your crew arrive?" (Late arrivals often mean rushed work)
Energy Savings Breakdown
Replaced my 1990s steel door with modern fiberglass last year. My energy bills dropped 12% that winter. Here's why:
| Door Feature | Old Doors | Modern Doors | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Insulation | None or minimal | Polyurethane foam | Blocks 50% more heat transfer |
| Glass Options | Single pane | Double/triple pane Low-E | Reduces UV heat gain by 75% |
| Seal Systems | Basic weatherstripping | Multiple magnetic seals | Eliminates drafts completely |
| Frame Materials | Solid wood | Thermal break technology | Prevents condensation/frost |
Honestly? The comfort improvement shocked me more than savings. No more cold spots near the door!
What About Glass Options?
Choosing door glass isn't just about looks:
• Double-pane insulated: Standard for most climates ($50-$150 upgrade)
• Low-E coatings: Reflective coating cuts UV damage (worth every penny)
• Laminated security glass: Shatter-resistant (great for sidelights)
• Decorative glass: Adds privacy but reduces light
My tip? Get the clearest glass you can afford. Natural light transforms entryways.
Your Exterior Door Replacement Timeline
From decision to completion:
• Research phase: 1-2 weeks (measure twice!)
• Quotes/ordering: 2-3 weeks (custom doors take longer)
• Installation: 1-2 days per door
• Finishing touches: Painting/staining adds 1-3 days
Critical timing tip: Schedule exterior door replacement during mild weather. Rain or extreme temps cause installation issues.
Maintenance After Replacement
New doors aren't maintenance-free:
• Monthly: Check weatherstripping for gaps
• Quarterly: Lubricate hinges with silicone spray
• Annually: Inspect caulking, refinish wood doors
• As needed: Touch up scratches on steel doors
Forgot to maintain my last steel door. Within two years, scratches turned to rust spots. Don't be like me.
Exterior Door Replacement: Your Questions Answered
How long should exterior doors last?
Properly maintained: Steel 20-30 years, fiberglass 30+, wood 25+ with refinishing. But replace when problems outweigh repair costs.
Can I replace just the door slab?
Sometimes, but frames often need replacement too. My contractor found rot in 90% of jobs. Budget for both.
Will new doors increase home value?
According to Remodeling Magazine's 2023 report, quality exterior door replacements recoup 75-90% at resale. Better than most renovations.
What time of year is best?
Spring/fall ideal. Avoid winter installations - cold affects sealants and adhesives. Summer heat warps doors during installation.
How disruptive is installation?
Expect 4-8 hours of noise/dust per door. Good crews protect your floors and clean thoroughly. Mine left the site cleaner than they found it.
Security Considerations
A beautiful door that fails security is worthless. Mandatory features:
• Deadbolts: Minimum 1-inch throw bolts (look for ANSI Grade 1)
• Reinforced frames: Steel plates prevent kick-ins
• Hinge protection: Non-removable pins on exterior hinges
• Peepholes: Wide-angle viewers at proper height
Tested my new door with a police buddy. He couldn't kick it in. Money well spent.
Final Reality Check
Exterior door replacement seems straightforward until you're knee-deep in quotes. My biggest lessons:
1. Never choose purely on price
2. Measure three times before ordering
3. Spring for professional installation
4. Don't skip energy-efficient upgrades
5. Maintenance starts immediately
Still think it's just a door? Go stand by yours on a windy night. Feel drafts? Hear rattles? That's your house begging for an exterior door replacement.
Last thought: I wish I'd replaced mine five years earlier. The comfort, security, and savings would've been worth every penny.
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