Doors are some of the most important components in a given home, serving vital basic roles, but they also take quite a beating over time. Even interior doors that aren’t exposed to the elements on a regular basis will take plenty of impacts, dents and other forms of damage over time, this in addition to simple wear-and-tear — and there may come a time where such doors need to be replaced.
At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we’re proud to offer Utah clients a wide range of interior door options, including everything from solid hardwood to hardboard, MDF or various other materials. We’ll also help you determine when the time is right for a door replacement — here are several signs that may indicate such a need, especially if more than one of them are taking place simultaneously.
Loss of Function
The simplest and often most obvious sign that a door needs to be replaced is if it’s no longer opening and closing correctly, or if it’s become difficult or impossible to operate. This can be due to a variety of factors, including extensive damage or just plain wear and tear, so it’s important to get the issue checked out as soon as possible.
There may be some cases where a minor issue is causing this problem, one that can be repaired without a full replacement — but if it’s clear that the door is past its prime and needs to be replaced, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. In many cases, you’ll be able to tell if this is the case because several of the other issues we’ll go over here are also present.
Major Physical Damage
In other cases, simply looking at the door will reveal clear signs that replacement is in order. This could manifest as deep dents, extensive water damage, warping or any other major physical deformities. Again, these could be due to a variety of factors, including improper installation, extreme weather conditions or even an accident.
In addition, if the door has been painted multiple times over the years, it may start to chip and peel, exposing the material beneath — and in most cases, this is an indication that a full replacement is necessary.
Window Frames With Damage
While windows on doors is far less common for interior doors than for exterior options, these doors are used in some cases — and in such situations, damage to the window frame should also be considered when determining whether a replacement is necessary.
If the frame is severely damaged, warped or rotting, it can be difficult or impossible to find a door that will fit correctly and operate as it should — so in these cases, a full replacement is often the best solution.
Outdated Door Type
In other situations, your current door might not be in too much disrepair — but could simply be outdated, meaning they no longer serve a purpose in modern homes and typically are not produced any longer.
In these cases, a full replacement with an updated door type is often the best solution, as it can give your home a fresh and new look while also addressing any underlying issues with the old door.
Major Drafts
One role interior doors play in a home: Preventing drafts from moving through the home freely and impacting multiple areas. Drafts can cause a variety of issues, from making it difficult to keep a home at a comfortable temperature to increasing your energy consumption and costing you more money in the long run.
If you’re experiencing drafts coming in through your interior doors, it’s often an indication that those doors need to be replaced. Some interior doors, for instance, simply won’t stay closed and sealed properly and allow air to leak in, while others may not be as well-insulated as they should be.
If you’re noticing an increase in your energy bills, or if it’s simply been difficult to keep your home comfortable lately, this could be a sign that a replacement is necessary.
Small Issues Becoming Large Issues
Have certain small, minor concerns on your door recently begun to cause bigger and bigger problems? This is often a sign that the door can’t handle them anymore and needs to be replaced.
For instance, a small crack in the door may start to let in moisture and cause the wood to rot over time, or a broken hinge may make it difficult or impossible to close the door correctly. If you’re seeing issues like this crop up and they’re only getting worse, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Door Noise
In still other situations, the telltale sign that your door is wearing down will be noise. This can manifest in a few different ways, such as the door squeaking when opening and closing, rattling when impacted or tapping when winds are high. All of these sounds are typically indicative of underlying issues with the door that need to be addressed, whether that means repairing or replacing the door altogether.
Down similar lines, doors that used to provide quality sound barriers between rooms may begin to let sound through more easily over time. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s likely that your interior door requires replacement. We can help you figure out the best course of action to take, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Safety Issues
Finally, if any part of how an interior door is operating or connected to its frame is creating safety risks in your home, it’s time for a replacement. This could include things like doorknobs that are difficult to grip or handles that are too high up for children or seniors to reach easily.
In these cases, a full replacement is the best way to ensure that everyone in your home can be safe and comfortable using the door.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s likely that your interior door requires replacement. We can help you figure out the best course of action to take, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact the pros at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors today to learn about your options for new doors, plus how we’ll assist you in this process from start to finish.