Exterior doors are often purchased for their beauty. There’s no doubt that an eye-catching door can do wonders for your curb appeal, but it isn’t all you should consider. You have to consider safety and cost too.
The strongest doors are not only the safest option, they’re also likely to last for decades. Other doors are more decorative but have to be replaced more often. How long will your door installation last? Find out below.
Steel Entry Doors
You really can’t beat steel when it comes choosing a long-lasting door. Not only do they resist fire damage, they’re extremely secure and they can last for 100 years or more.
Look for doors with an insulated core to keep your energy costs low. You can also choose an affordable door. Steel doors start at around $75. Even the most expensive doors won’t set you back any more than a couple hundred dollars.
Wood Entry Doors
There’s no denying the longevity of a steel door, but it isn’t always the best choice. Especially if you have an older home, or you’re going for a more traditional, classic look.
Wood doors offer a bit more beauty, but most varieties won’t last as long as a steel door. A pine door will need to be replaced after 20 years, a cedar door after 40 years, and a mahogany door after 60 years. They can also be extremely expensive when compared to steel, and they aren’t fire resistant.
Fiberglass Entry Doors
If you’re looking for the beauty of wood, but you don’t want to have to replace your door after a few decades, consider a fiberglass door. These doors are nearly indistinguishable from wood doors, especially at a distance. They won’t warp, rust, or split, and they’re more thermally efficient than a wood door.
A fiberglass door should last you well over 100 years, and you can get one for much less than you’d spend on a wood door.
Patio Doors
It should come as no surprise that patio doors won’t last as long as other exterior doors, especially if they’re primarily made out of glass.
It’s likely that you’ll have to replace your sliding glass door or French doors after just 30 years. However, if you keep them in good working order with regular maintenance, you may be able to get a few extra years out of your patio doors.
Everyone’s needs for replacement doors is different. At Window Authority of Houston, not only do we carry a wide variety of door types and styles, we also offerprofessional installation.
If your door is past its prime, give us a call and schedule a free in-home estimate at your earliest convenience!
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FAQs
In general, any exterior door with an overhang protecting it and a reasonable amount of yearly or bi-yearly maintenance should last a homeowner 30 years. Gaskets, weather stripping, and exterior wood door frames may need to be replaced every eight to 10 years.
What is the life expectancy of an entry door? ›
Usually, the steel used to make doors is galvanized, meaning it's dipped in zinc. This adds resistance against damage and corrosiveness, meaning rust and scratches become less likely to impact the health of your front door. Most steel doors carry a lifespan that could last anywhere from 30 to 100 years.
How often should you replace your front door? ›
The best time to replace a front door is when it sticks as you open and close it. It may get stuck in the winter and be easy to open and close in the summer. In that case, there might be gaps or openings around the door frame where light comes in from the outside.
What is the longest lasting exterior door? ›
Steel Entry Doors
You really can't beat steel when it comes choosing a long-lasting door. Not only do they resist fire damage, they're extremely secure and they can last for 100 years or more. Look for doors with an insulated core to keep your energy costs low. You can also choose an affordable door.
How do I know if I need a new front door? ›
5 Signs You Must Replace Your Front Entry Door: Our Guide
- 1) Difficulty in Opening and Closing Your Front Door. ...
- 2) Weathered, Warped, or Cracked Door. ...
- 3) Presence of Dings and Rust. ...
- 4) Moisture Between the Glass Panes. ...
- 5) Water or Pest Damage. ...
- Conclusion.
In general, any exterior door with an overhang protecting it and a reasonable amount of yearly or bi-yearly maintenance should last a homeowner 30 years. Gaskets, weather stripping, and exterior wood door frames may need to be replaced every eight to 10 years.
Can you just replace a entry door? ›
If a door's frame is in good shape, and you don't want to change the size of the opening, you can simply swap in a new replacement door, also called a “slab” or “blank.” If your door's surround is worn, you can buy a door that's pre-hung in a new frame, an all-in-one assembly that arrives ready to install.
How much should you spend on a new front door? ›
Front Door Installation or Replacement Cost by Type
| DOOR TYPE | AVERAGE PRICE RANGE |
|---|
| Single door | $200 – $1,700 |
| Double door | $750 – $5,000 |
| French door | $600 – $5,600 |
| Bulkhead cellar door | $1,000 – $6,000 |
2 more rowsMay 2, 2024
The exterior door is an important focal point for visitors, neighbors, and potential homebuyers. Or that reason, your front door is crucial to your home's curb appeal and perceived value. In addition to ROI and curb appeal, investing in a quality entry door will provide protection and energy efficiency.
How much should I charge to remove and install an exterior door? ›
Normal range: $547 - $2,266. The average cost to install an exterior door is $1,382 , but it can range between $547 and $2,266 , depending on the door's size and material.
For security and durability, steel doors are the best option for their strength. If budget is a concern and you want a durable door that's more wallet-friendly, a fiberglass door would be the best option. Wooden doors make for a beautiful front entry, but they are more expensive.
What is the toughest front door? ›
Steel security doors are the strongest type of front door because steel itself is an incredibly strong material. Steel has very tight metallic bonds at the molecular level.
What is the best type of front door for security? ›
Fiberglass doors are strong and durable, but they're not as fire-resistant as steel doors. They can also be damaged by ultraviolet light. Steel doors are the strongest type of door, and they're also fire-resistant. They're the best option for security and durability.
How long does it take a professional to replace a front door? ›
Depending on the chosen style, an experienced installer should complete removal and door replacement within 2-4 hours. If you are installing a door without professional help, you can expect this to take up to a day. Although this can be slightly reduced by using pre-hung alternatives and installation kits.
Is replacing a front door easy? ›
Before Installing an Exterior Door
Exterior doors can be heavy and cumbersome, especially insulated doors made of steel. Some wood front doors can also be quite heavy. No matter what kind of door you select, ask someone to help you with your door installation. Working with another person will make the job easier.
How long should an interior door last? ›
However, if your doors are unprotected, it means they are exposed to external elements that have the potential to damage the door over a period of time. That being said, doors could last for around 30 years whereas additional door accessories such as weather seals or hinges may need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years.
When should I replace my car door? ›
If your car door has any dents or scratches in it, then replace it. A mark can make the vehicle look older than what it is worth and reduce its value if you are trying to sell it. Replacing damaged car doors can draw attention away from any imperfections on your car and make it more appealing to buyers.
How long do fiberglass entry doors last? ›
Expected Lifespan: On average, a well-maintained fiberglass door can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years or more. However, this lifespan can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
