The exterior doors in your house play an important role in protecting your Tinley Park home from the outside elements. If they’re old or worn, living conditions indoors can become uncomfortable, utility costs can skyrocket and water damage becomes a growing concern. But how do you know when it’s time for Door Replacement in Tinley Park? Here are some clues that your doors are no longer doing their job.
Doors are More Than 20 Years Old
Depending on the material your doors are made of, you may want to consider replacing them after as little as 20 years. According to the National Association of Home Builders, vinyl doors only have a lifespan of around 20 years, and screen doors will last 20-60 years depending on their quality. While wooden doors can potentially last a lifetime, they’ll have a much shorter life expectancy if they haven’t been properly maintained over the years.
Signs of Wood Rot
If your doors are made of wood, rot is a serious concern that can make Door Replacement in Tinley Park a necessity. Gently push a screwdriver or sharpened pencil into your door and the wood of the door jam. If the tip of it slides into the wood easily or the wood crumbles or flakes, your door is probably suffering from wood rot caused by water damage or termites. Talk to an expert to see if replacement is necessary or repairs can be done.
Drafty Doors
Your doors should create a tight seal between the interior of your home and the outside elements. If drafts or breezes are the norm, it could be a cost-conscious move to replace your door entirely. To test if your doors are doing their job, try sliding a dollar bill under the door from the outside in. If it slides in easily, your doors are allowing precious heat to escape from your home. Wooden doors are also prone to warping; hold a small flame up to the seams of your closed door to see whether or not it stays lit.
Replacing aging or failing exterior doors will make the interior of your home more comfortable and save you money on energy costs. If you suspect it’s time for a replacement, Visit www.evergreenwindow.com to talk to an expert or schedule a home inspection.
