How Long Do Doors Last
It’s the focal point of your entryway, but a front door should be about more than curb appeal—you want a door for your home that will last. So, which type of door has the longest lifespan? A few factors will most likely “hinge” your decision.
What is the most durable type of front door? Generally, any exterior door with an overhang and reasonable yearly or bi-yearly maintenance should last a homeowner 30 years. Gaskets, weather stripping, and exterior wood door frames may need to be replaced every eight to ten years. The material of your front door, whether wood, steel, or fiberglass, is by far the essential factor in determining its lifespan. If you need help with quality door locks replacement, ask Slotenmaker Voorschoten.
Steel Entry Door
Because most steel doors are made of 24-gauge steel, they protect from elements and intruders. This thickness is also more energy-efficient, and steel doors are frequently the first choice for homes in areas with long and cold winters.
Unlike other types of doors, steel doors require less effort to maintain and look good for years to come. Most steel doors are made of galvanized steel, which is rust and scratch resistant because it is coated in zinc oxide. They come in various colors, and you can even personalize them with weather-resistant metal paints. Steel doors have a lifespan of 30 to 100 years.
The Wooden Door
Many older homes have wood doors that serve as porch centerpieces, and the material also adds a traditional element to newer homes. Wood doors have various styles, from contemporary to mid-century modern to country cottages—there’s a door for every home style! They can be factory painted in vibrant colors or left unfinished and ready for your personal touch. So, what are the drawbacks of a wood door? Wood doors need extra care, such as yearly sanding and paint touch-ups, to look their best. They are not fire-resistant, unlike steel doors. The type of wood determines the lifespan of a wood door, but most that have been properly maintained can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years or more.
They can be factory-painted in bright colors or raw and ready for your personal touch, but if you have intermediate DIY skills, you can also build a solid wood door yourself.
Fiberglass Entry Door
Fiberglass doors have different styles to complement most entryway designs. Despite weighing less than steel or solid wood doors, fiberglass doors are typically more durable and provide adequate protection from the elements. They are also less expensive than heavy steel or custom wood doors. Fiberglass doors can last up to 70 years on average.
The Glass Door
Glass doors are an aesthetically pleasing entry door option, with styles ranging from traditional French doors to modern contemporary. They let in natural light and come in various wood-glass and fiberglass-glass combinations. But keep in mind that your door cannot be just any glass. It should be hard to break and made of safety, tempered, or reinforced glass. Choose double-glazed glass for maximum insulation.
While glass doors are more common in southern climates with mild winters, homeowners in colder climates can still enjoy the snowy view in comfort and safety.
Glass doors can last 50 years or more, usually much longer. And because they contain less wood susceptible to rot, they require less maintenance than others.
What Other Factors Influence the Lifespan of My Front Door?
Before deciding the type of door you want, consider a few other factors to determine which exterior door is best for your home.
Weather
A door with an overhang or a small roof over it will last significantly longer than a door without one. Rain, heavy snow, and hail can damage even the strongest doors. Sun and wind exposure can also affect your door, especially if it is made of wood.
Coating or painting
The correct door finish makes a significant difference. Any door with weather-resistant paint or a sealed coating will last much longer than a stained door.
Storm Windows
While storm doors are frequently chosen to make your home more energy-efficient, they can also provide some protection from the elements, extending the life of your exterior door.
