Replacement Door FAQs: Is It Time?

August 28th, 2007

If you have interior or exterior doors that are drafty or ill fitted to their frames, it may be time to replace them. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you invest your time and money in what can be a tricky project.

What is the condition of your current doors? Doors are made in a range of materials and levels of quality. If you have flimsy, lightweight doors that were not properly sized for the space, it would be costly to fix them. Replacement doors, often purchased “prehung” with the door framing around it, can save you the hassle and cost of trying to plane them down or make them level. You’ll also be getting a better quality door.

If you have a solid oak door and your major concern is flaking paint, consider just stripping it and sanding it down. (Take caution when stripping paint that may have lead, however. You may have a beautiful, solid door on your hands and not even know it.

Do the doors leak? This is a problem with many old doors. If you can see gaps between the sides, top and bottom of the door – or feel air coming in – then consider replacing it. Your energy bill will thank you.

How is the weather-stripping on your exterior door? If your exterior door has large gaps under the bottom, weather-stripping may prevent air leaks. If the gaps are too big, consider a replacement door.

Is the bottom of the door rubbing against the carpeting? Some doors were installed with wood floors in mind. Chances are you can take off the door and plane down the bottom.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.

By Allison E. Beatty

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