How much do you know about door replacement? Before we get into the qualities and features of French doors as a door replacement, it’s good to become familiar with some important details.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Door

Draftiness. If your doors are closed but you can still feel a draft, the seals around your door may have shrunk, cracked or become worn down over time. Seal failure of your door is a sign your door needs to be replaced.

Squeaky hinges. When it comes to that annoying squeak, oiling can only go so far. Loose or damaged hinges mean they can no longer support your door properly, and may indicate further damage to the door itself.

Visible damage. Structural damage is the most straightforward sign your door needs replacing. Cracks not only let in bugs and drafts, but also serve as a warning that your door may already be too weak to function properly.

Scrapes on the floor. Over time, doors can warp and sag against the floor, especially if they are made of wood. Scraping along the floor or along the tracks needs to be addressed immediately as they cause damage to your floor every time you use your door.

Peeling paint and decay. Aside from being unsightly, peeling paint as well as rot and decay are signs your door is no longer adequately blocking the moisture, heat and UV rays it is exposed to.

Factors in Door Replacement Selection

Weight and size of door. One of the biggest mistakes in door selection is the use of lightweight hardware on heavyweight or oversized doors — or vice versa. Whether it’s an entry door or a patio door, weight and size should be considered carefully as over- and undersized door hardware may result in misalignment and obstruct functional usage.

Amount of use. Residential doors are typically subjected to more than 20 uses per day and are expected to last up to 30 years or more. It’s important to know the level of use of the particular door you’re replacing so you can select a door that will last.

Environment. The materials and protective finish of a door should vary according to local climate. Temperature extremes, for example, can interfere with door operation as they cause door materials to expand and contract.

Installation and maintenance. Proper installation goes a long way to prevent damage and decrease the amount of maintenance needed. Most professional door replacement contractors offer warranties to ease the hassle and cost of repair and maintenance.

So supposing you have decided on a French door: what advantages can it bring to your home? We’ll find out in the next installment of our blog series.