Entrance doors are a fundamental part of any home, serving a practical purpose daily. But amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, we rarely stop to think about their durability. You’re in the right place if you’re here seeking straightforward answers. In this article, we’ll cut through the jargon and explore the practical aspects of entrance doors’ longevity. We’ll discuss the factors that influence their lifespan and provide no-nonsense tips to help you understand how long your entrance door can last. Let’s get straight to the facts without the frills.
Which Front Door Material Offers the Longest Lifespan?
Typically, an exterior door that benefits from the shelter of an overhang and receives regular maintenance can endure for about 30 years in a homeowner’s possession. Components like gaskets, weather stripping, and exterior wooden door frames might require replacement every eight to 10 years. Amongst these considerations, the material of your front door—whether it’s wood, steel, or fibreglass—plays the most crucial role in determining its overall lifespan.
Steel Entry Doors
A steel entry door provides robust protection against harsh weather conditions and potential intruders, owing to the typical use of 24-gauge steel in construction. This thickness enhances security and contributes to improved energy efficiency, making steel doors a popular choice for homes in regions with long, cold winters.
Their low maintenance requirements set steel doors apart, ensuring they maintain their aesthetic appeal for years. Most steel doors are crafted from galvanized steel, coated with zinc oxide, making them resistant to rust and scratches. Moreover, these doors come in various colours, allowing homeowners to personalize their appearance further. Weather-resistant metal paints enable easy customization.
With proper care, steel doors can endure anywhere from 30 to 100 years, making them a durable and practical choice for homeowners seeking long-lasting security and style.
Wooden Doors
Wooden doors are standard in many older homes, serving as captivating centrepieces for porches. Their timeless appeal also makes them a popular choice for newer homes, adding a touch of tradition to modern architecture. Available in various designs, from contemporary to mid-century modern, and even country cottage styles, a wooden door complements any home aesthetic. These doors can be factory-painted in vibrant hues or left raw, allowing homeowners to add flair.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Wooden doors require additional care to maintain the appearance, requiring regular sanding and paint touch-ups, unlike their steel counterparts. Additionally, it’s important to note that wooden doors lack fire resistance, unlike steel doors.
The lifespan of a wooden door varies based on the type of wood used and the level of maintenance. Properly maintained wooden doors can endure anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Homeowners have the option to choose factory-painted options or unfinished doors for personal customization. For those with intermediate DIY skills, crafting a solid wood door from scratch is also viable.
Here are the average life expectancies of common woods used for solid exterior doors:
- Cedar: 40 years
- Mahogany: 60 years
- Oak: 30 years
- Pine: 20 years
- Maple: 30 years.
Fiberglass Doors
Fibreglass doors are a lightweight yet durable option, offering various styles to complement diverse entryway aesthetics. Despite being weightier than steel or solid wood doors, fibreglass doors provide robust protection against external elements. Moreover, they are generally more budget-friendly than heavy steel or customized wooden doors.
Fibreglass doors boast a lifespan of up to 70 years, making them a long-lasting and cost-effective choice for homeowners.
Glass Doors
Glass doors present a visually appealing entryway alternative, ranging from classic French doors to contemporary designs. These doors allow natural light to illuminate the interior and are available in various combinations, including wood-glass and fiberglass-glass options.
What Other Factors Influence the Longevity of My Entrance Doors?
A traditional front porch featuring a wooden door and glass window.
Before deciding the type of door for your home, several other factors should be taken into account to determine the most suitable exterior door.
Weather Conditions
A door with an overhang or a small roof lasting much longer than one exposed directly to the elements. Rain, heavy snow, and hail can all inflict damage, even on robust doors. Over time, sun and wind exposure, particularly on wooden doors, can also take a toll.
Paint or Coating
The choice of door finish is crucial. Doors with weather-resistant paint or a sealed coating outlast those stained, significantly extending their lifespan.
Storm Doors
While storm doors are commonly selected to enhance energy efficiency, they also provide additional protection from the elements, thus prolonging the life of your exterior door.