When to Consider Door Replacement in Calgary: Signs You Need a New Door

Written by Western Windows Created on August 21st, 2024
Categories: Door Replacement

Is the need for a door replacement knocking on your door?

Doors often do so much more than we give them credit for. They provide security, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home. With such a big role that they need to carry out daily, it’s vital to ensure that these fixtures are always in their best condition.

In Calgary’s unique climate, the wear and tear on doors can be accelerated due to extreme temperature changes and weather conditions. So, how do you know it’s time to say goodbye and replace your exterior doors in Calgary?

Read our guide below to find out!

Table of Contents | When to Consider Door Replacement in Calgary: Signs You Need a New Door

Visible Damage
Poor Energy Efficiency
Difficulty Operating the Door
Lock Issues
Mould and Mildew Growth
Noise Issues
Signs of Rust and Corrosion
Moisture Between the Glass Panes
Frequent Maintenance
Style Update
Meet Your Ultimate Source for the Finest Windows and Doors in Calgary

1. Visible Damage

From the blazing hot sun rays in summer to heavy rains and thick snow, your door has seen it all and dealt with it all like a tough soldier. Beyond these environmental elements, let’s not forget how front doors in Calgary put up with knocking, slamming, and maybe even kicking at times. As a result, it’s bound to suffer from weathering and the inevitable wear & tear over time—no matter how high-quality its materials are.

You often don’t even need to dig deep in order to confirm that you need door replacement. Rotting, cracks, dents, warping, holes and deep scratches beyond repair are common reasons to opt for new door installation in Calgary.

2. Poor Energy Efficiency

If your home’s temperatures don’t exactly feel comfortable despite your thermostat settings, then there’s a chance your exterior doors in Calgary could be the culprit. That’s because doors that aren’t performing optimally can lead to significant energy loss and drive your HVAC systems to work harder than they should. It’s important to note that new doors are usually equipped with better insulation and sealing technology that can help you cut back on energy costs.

Here are some ways to check if your doors are still thriving in the energy efficiency department:

Drafts

To test your door for drafts, simply stand near the door inside your home when the temperatures are very high or low. Then, check to see if you feel any drafts coming through. If it’s drafty, that means there are gaps or cracks around your door that are enabling cold or warm air to escape. Try replacing the weatherstripping and raising the threshold of your doorway. If the issues persist, then the door frame or the overall structure or the door itself could be the problem.

Hissing Sounds

Another factor to look out for is hissing sounds. If you hear these noises around your Calgary exterior doors, that could be an indicator of air escaping through small gaps.

Visible Light Through Seals

Do you notice light shining through the edges of your doors in Calgary even when they’re closed? That could mean the edges aren’t properly sealed, leading to excessive energy loss.

3. Difficulty Operating the Door

Daily tasks can be stressful enough—and you don’t need your door to add to the list of difficult things to deal with.

Whether it’s warping, misalignments, or sticky/sinking hinges, there are plenty of factors that can contribute to a stubborn or malfunctioning exterior door in Calgary. Ultimately, this isn’t just an accessibility issue—it can serve as a security weakness as well. If your door isn’t operating as it should, you might need to opt for new door installation in Calgary to ensure smooth access.

4. Lock Issues

If the struggle is real to get your door to lock properly, this could be another indicator that you need to start looking for new doors in Calgary.

Here are the most common causes behind deadbolt issues for front doors in Calgary.

A misalignment between the door frame and the strike plate, which can occur due to settling or warping of the door over time.
Dirt and debris buildup within the lock mechanism, preventing it from fully engaging.
Worn-out or damaged components, such as the locking cylinder or bolt itself, can hinder smooth operation.
Using the wrong key or forcing the lock can also lead to misfiring or jamming.

If it’s caused by a door shifting on its hinges or warping over time, you’ll likely need to replace your door to ensure a reliable and secure locking system for your home.

5. Mould and Mildew Growth

When it comes to exterior doors in Calgary, mould and mildew are a common problem. This is especially prevalent in humid areas.

Typically, mould and mildew can be cleaned and disinfected using commercial cleaners or distilled vinegar, but if the growth is persistent and significant, then it might be time to start looking for new front doors in Calgary to protect the health of your home. After all, you don’t want mould and mildew welcoming you home every day!

6. Noise Issues

Did you know that new doors often come with enhanced acoustic properties that can create a more peaceful living environment? If you notice excessive noise coming from outside, your door’s lack of sufficient sound insulation is likely to blame. You’ll want to start looking for doors in Calgary that provide ample noise reduction.

7. Signs of Rust and Corrosion

Metal doors have been rising up the charts in recent years as a popular choice amongst homeowners. Here’s why:

They’re exceptionally durable and resistant to a variety of external threats, such as fire, weather, and forced entry, providing enhanced security and longevity.
They’re low maintenance; they do not warp, crack, or rot like wooden doors, and they can easily be painted or coated for aesthetic preferences.
Their energy efficiency can also be superior, especially when properly insulated, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs.
They often offer better soundproofing than other materials, contributing to a quieter indoor environment.

However, the downside to these types of exterior doors in Calgary is that they’re prone to rust and corrosion in the long run. If these problems aren’t attended to as soon as possible, it could become a widespread issue on the entire structure—resulting in the need for a door replacement in Calgary.

8. Moisture Between the Glass Panels

If there is moisture between the glass panes of your exterior doors in Calgary, it typically indicates a failure in the seal that separates the panes, allowing humidity to seep in and causing condensation. Over time, it could also lead to mould and mildew growth.

In some cases, it might be possible to replace just the glass within the existing frame, but this depends on the type of window and the extent of the damage. Ultimately, if the integrity of the door is compromised due to moisture, it may be more practical and efficient to replace the door altogether to ensure improved energy efficiency and aesthetics.

9. Frequent Maintenance

Sure, you need to dedicate time to maintaining your door. But if it calls for way too frequent upkeep, such as excessive repainting or other repairs, then that likely means a door replacement in Calgary is necessary.

Not only is frequent maintenance time-consuming, but it could even end up being more costly than just buying a new exterior door.

10. Style Update

Sometimes doors are doing just fine, but you feel like replacing them anyway simply because you want your home to have a fresh new look—and that’s totally okay too.

Aesthetics are a valuable element of any home. And if, at any point, you feel like your exterior doors in Calgary no longer match your property’s current style, don’t hesitate to change things up. Aside from elevating your home’s curb appeal, it could also increase property value—so it’s definitely an investment worth considering.

Meet Your Ultimate Source for the Finest Windows and Doors in Calgary

If your exterior doors in Calgary are exhibiting any of the above-mentioned signs, don’t let them hold on for dear life any longer.

Talk to us at Western Windows for expert advice on door replacement in Calgary. Since 1977, we’ve been providing beautifully designed and structurally sound windows and doors to the homes of Alberta.

Start browsing through our collection to discover top-tier windows and doors in Calgary.

Contact us today to request a free estimate.

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Western Windows

At Western Windows, we understand that your home is your sanctuary, and we believe that the right windows can make all the difference in enhancing its comfort, beauty, and energy efficiency. Through our blog, we aim to provide you with valuable insights, tips, and inspiration to help you make informed decisions about your window needs. Whether you're looking to upgrade to energy-efficient windows, enhance your home's curb appeal, or simply seeking guidance on maintenance and care, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Thank you for choosing Western Windows—we're committed to exceeding your expectations and helping you achieve the home of your dreams.