Your front door is one of the most important aspects of your home. Not only does it keep your home secure, it’s also the first thing people see when they visit. When it’s time to replace your front door, consider choosing something decorative and long-lasting, like a wrought iron door.
How do you choose a front door for your home? Security, longevity, and style are the three most important factors to keep in mind when selecting a new door. Choosing a sturdy, secure material is an important deterrent for crimes of opportunity.
Investing in a stylish material turns your front door into a statement piece, in addition to being a functional part of your home. Here are some signs it’s time to replace your door with something new.
How Long Does A Front Door Last?
How long a front door lasts really depends upon the material and how well it is maintained. Most front doors are made from either wood, fiberglass, or glass, and sometimes a combination of the materials. Wrought iron is a door material that’s sure to help you stand out.
The lifespan of a wood door depends on the type of wood it is made out of. Pine doors, for example, usually last about 20 years. More durable woods can last decades longer. One point of consideration for doors, though, is that they are vulnerable to the elements and can warp or get damaged easily.
Fiberglass doors can last about 15 to 20 years, and they’re often designed to look like wood. As fiberglass ages, it becomes weak and brittle.
Glass doors are attractive, and generally last from 20 to 30 years. Many glass doors are now made of a double-paned glass, designed for better insulation.
The seal in that double-pane design can break, however, leaving you with cloudy, even mildewed glass. Glass can also crack or break, causing you to need a new door.
When Is The Best Time to Replace Your Front Door?
Most doors are expected to last for a few decades, so if your door is coming up on that milestone, it may be a good idea to replace it. If your door is having issues, that’s another sign that it should be fixed.
If your door has started to show any signs of damage, it’s time to replace it. Your front door should project an image of strength and security to your neighborhood.
Warping is a common problem with wood doors, and it can make your door hard to open or close. A door that sticks can be hugely inconvenient. Nobody wants to deal with the frustration of trying to open and close it fully each time you leave the house. It can also affect the seal under your door and make your home less insulated
When your door is damaged with lots of scratches or dings in the material, that’s a potential sign that it is worn out.
This is especially relevant to materials like fiberglass, which can weaken over time. Steel doors with dings can become exposed to the elements, leaving them vulnerable to rusting.
When your door stops functioning as it should and becomes an eyesore, it’s time to look into replacement options.
What Are the Best Front Doors to Keep Your Home Secure?
When it comes to choosing a home door, security is an important factor. Look for materials that will hold up well in your climate and give you the most impact for your money.
Steel is a popular option because it is quite durable, and it’s fairly low-maintenance. Some doors offer a wood exterior with a steel core, for an unexpected addition of strength.
However, steel can be dented or scratched easily. When steel is scratched, the paint wears away and exposes the metal to the elements, leaving it vulnerable to rust.
Wrought iron is a uniquely durable material. It can withstand a lot of force, and will stay in great shape for years with some basic upkeep. When cleaned properly and painted regularly, wrought iron can last a lifetime. It also gives your home a unique, elevated look.
Another advantage to wrought iron is that it’s very hard to break through, unlike glass or wood. This material presents an imposing front to your home, which is great for security.
What Style Door Should You Choose?
Once you have a material in mind, you can move on to the other aspects of choosing a door. There are plenty of door styles available, especially for wrought iron doors.
The style of your front door sets the tone for the rest of your home. Whether you want something simple or elaborate, there’s a wrought iron door for you.
If you love the minimalist look, for example, you can choose an elegant but minimal style for the front door. To add a touch of luxury, you can incorporate ornate scrolling designs into your door design.
You might also want to consider if you want a single door or double front doors. A single door is classic and understated. However, if you really want to add some drama to your home, consider having double iron doors installed.
Wrought iron gives your home some instant personality, so the choice is yours. Our designers are happy to work with you to find the style that would look best with your home and complement the existing decor.
If your door is getting old and not functioning as it should, it’s time to invest in a new one. There are plenty of options for replacements, but why not choose something unique and eye-catching?
Wrought iron is beautiful and functional, and it can transform the look of your home. Look for skilled manufacturers with the knowledge and ability to install a wonderful iron in your home.
Baltic Iron Doors specializes in quality custom iron doors, and our skilled employees can bring your ideal front door to life. We can create a design for you, or work with a design of yours. Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about our door services.