A misaligned, unsecure entry door installation defeats the purpose, and those are the results many enthusiastic DIY homeowners get when they install their own front door. The indoor drafts that can occur from poor installation not only make your home uncomfortable, but also spike your utilities bills when Raleigh’s extreme temperatures arrive each winter and summer.
You may have contemplated installing your own front door, but we’re here to let you know why for the best long-term outcome, it’s to your advantage to let a professional like Kelly window & Door do your entry door installation.
Common Problems Homeowners Run Into When Installing an Entry Door
Cutting corners on your home’s new entry door installation can cost you. Here’s why:
1. You may end up compromising your home’s security
One of the main purposes of your home’s doors is the safety and security of those you love. When you install your own front door, it may not turn out as secure as it should be. Don’t risk the possibility of having an intruder enter your home due to improper installation. Entry doors need to be securely fastened to your home’s structure to be strong enough to resist someone attempting to break in.
2. You set yourself up for higher energy bills
If you attempt to install your new front door yourself, chances are, it won’t be a snug fit, which leads to leaks and shows up in your utility bills. Homes settle over time, and door jambs and entryways may need additional shimming or carpentry work to get your entryway aligned correctly. If you see light around your door frames after installing your new door, your door wasn’t installed squarely or plumb to the jamb. This causes the door to not seal as well to the weather stripping and can make your new door difficult to open and close.
3. You risk injuring yourself
Even if you have a helper, trying to manage a heavy front door’s installation can cause you personal injury. It’s not easy to balance the door or place it at the correct angle for proper installation, and you risk hurting your back or knees. You can also risk racking the door out of square when you attempt to install it on your own.
4. You risk damaging your new door or your door frame
Entry doors are difficult to maneuver. One false move, and you could damage the brand-new door you were so proud of, or the door frame that surrounds it. Your walls may even take a dent or two if you’re not careful. Knowing how to handle your door as you install it is key to avoiding damaging your new door.
5. Needed repairs may be left lingering
When an old entry door is removed, sometimes wood rot or other damage is found. Problems like these need to be addressed properly before installing a new front door so the damage doesn’t get worse. Mold and wood rot can spread over time, compromising your entryway and creating more of a hassle to overcome at a later date. If rotten or damaged wood is not repaired before the new door is installed, it could also cause the door to slip or twist in the opening, making removal, repair, and re-installation your only option.
6. You may incur water intrusion
Mistakes during a DIY installation can lead to moisture penetration, mold, mildew, and wood rot down the road. When your door does not seal properly or does not have the correct flashing or caulking, water leaking into your walls or flooring can become a problem that would force you to replace the door all over again.
7. Incorrect caulking and weatherstripping
Many DIYers either don’t caulk their entry door properly or use the wrong kind of caulk for this application. The result: a poorly insulated, leaky entryway. They may also neglect to add window tape across the bottom seal—which leads to draftiness. It’s likely they won’t find the right balance of insulation on the top and sides of the door, creating drafts and leaks.
8. Your door may not end up perfectly square or plumb
DIY entry door installation may mean your door isn’t “plumb”—or vertical. This problem causes it to stick when you try to open and close it, creates annoying squeaking noises, and can even lead to uneven flooring. You’re sure to end up with heating and air conditioning loss, and it will cost you in not only extra energy spending, but also wear out your heating and air conditioning unit quicker.
9. Your door may not be level—horizontally
When entry doors are installed, even in more recently constructed homes, there’s a good chance the door won’t fit snugly as the home as settled. As a result, the locking latch won’t line up properly, and you’ll see gaps either along the top or sides of the door. This requires additional carpentry work to repair.
Before Choosing Your New Door
Surprisingly, there are many choices when it comes to selecting your new doors. From style to hardware and installation, you’ve got some decisions to make. At Kelly Window and Door, we come alongside you and guide you so you can enjoy a stress-free process from concept to completion. Take a look at our Homeowners Guide to Replacement Doors.
Get Your New Entry Door Installed Right the First Time
You can avoid the hassles of DIY installation and get the premium long-term performance you deserve from your new front door. We install only the finest doors by a trusted manufacturer: ProVia. Our doors excel in beauty, endurance, and energy efficiency.
Kelly Window and Door is the premier replacement door installation company serving the greater Cary, Raleigh, and the entire Triangle area with precision, worry-free door installation. Contact one of our friendly team members and schedule a free consultation.