When should you replace your front door?

Last Updated: 5 September 2022

Composite door

Do you know how old the front door on your home is? You may have bought your home and replaced the door or moved in years ago and never given it another thought.

A uPVC door has an estimated lifespan of 20-25 years, composite doors and timber doors are expected to last at least 30 years but how do you know it’s time to get your door replaced?

There are a few key signs that it’s time to replace your existing front door:

1. The front door is difficult to open and close

Some doors can be adjusted to make them easier to operate but for others, it can be a real struggle. While grabbing a tin of WD-40 is a go-to move for many homeowners, it may not solve the problem in the long run.

Weather exposure and use can take its toll on even the sturdiest of entrance doors over time. Temperature fluctuation means that the door will expand and contract depending on the season, making the problem of a sticking door more pronounced in cold winter months.

2. It’s prone to draughts

Black timber door installation

Draughts and cold spots: both are problems that are highlighted most by the cold weather, and often it doesn’t take a visit from the ‘Beast from the East’ for these indicators to appear. Heat escaping your home could lead to the central heating being on for long periods to try to maintain a comfortable temperature. While draught excluders can help by temporarily covering up the problem, a replacement entrance door would ensure that the warmth remains in your home and save you money on energy bills.

3. The door is warped, weathered or cracked

Some entrance doors require a little TLC to make sure they last and look their best. Over the years, most doors will show wear and tear from the varied climate we have here in the North West. The entrance door could crack or warp if exposed to direct sunlight over an extended period of time, also affecting its thermal efficiency. 

4. Your front door is old

Even if your old door is in good condition, it may be time to consider a replacement. Doors that were built over 10 years ago, weren’t created to the standards of modern living, as indicated in the countries Building Regulations. U-value is a measurement of how much heat can be transferred through a structure. In the case of a door, the lower the U-value, the better it is at retaining a home’s warmth.

Yellow Composite DoorIn 2006, Building Regulations stated that doors in new build properties should have a minimum U-value of 2.0 W/m²K. Today, replacement windows and doors are required to have a U-value of 1.6 W/m²K, with select doors available from Reddish Joinery achieving U-values far lower than this minimum standard. With a replacement door, you could see reductions in energy bills with the home maintaining a more comfortable temperature throughout.

5. It’s an eyesore

While a retro look is frequently considered a hot trend in the world of interior design, tired and dated doors could negatively influence your home’s kerb appeal and even affect its value. Replacing your front door gives you a blank canvas to work with and a plethora of customisable choices to create the perfect entrance to your home.

Whether looking for a traditional or contemporary aesthetic, there is guaranteed to be a door in our range to fit your requirements. Choose from a diverse colour palette, including wood grain colours that provide the natural appearance of timber.

With our dual colour option, you can choose one colour to match the exterior of the home and a different one to complement its interior. You can also choose from a variety of top and side panels to boost the light at the front of your home.

Bespoke front doors in Manchester, Cheshire and across the North West

Reddish Joinery is one the North West’s most trusted destinations for secure and stylish doors. From uPVC to composite or timber doors, we offer a wide range of designs and styles to suit any home and personal taste. For more information, contact us online, request a free quote or visit our showroom.

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