Exterior wooden doors can be a stunning addition to your home, which is why they’ve been such a popular option. However, they do come with certain disadvantages that other door materials don’t have.
Let’s discuss the most common problem with wood doors, how they handle extreme weather, and the safety issues that they may create.
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What Are the Most Common Problems With Wood Doors?
Wood doors are riddled with issues that make them difficult to take care of.
These are the most common problems:
- Wooden doors can rot since they absorb moisture
- Quality timber and hardwood doors are expensive
- They require extra maintenance
- Wood doors suffer from termite exposure
Wood Doors vs The Cold Chicago Weather
It’s become well known that wood doors and extreme weather do not mesh well. When wood is exposed to weather elements, like the hot summers and cold winters in Chicago, it can sag, peel, crack, and warp.
Weatherstripping and other accessories will need to be constantly monitored and replaced when needed. You can also expect to have to repaint or stain your wood door every 5-7 years just to keep up its appearance and structural properties.
Wood doors are one of the least stable doors, allowing for exposure to cold drafts, which can not only make your home uncomfortable but also increase your energy bills.
Wood doors are not the best option for homes in the Midwest.
Wooden Doors Are Prone to Rotting
Wooden doors can easily rot due to the moisture that they absorb. It’s essential with wood doors to utilize maintenance services frequently and paint the doors with water-resistant varnish to try to avoid this problem.
This water-resistant coating is absolutely vital to avoid:
- Swelling
- Shrinking
- Cracking
Additionally, the coating helps to stave off decomposition and mold.
High Costs for Quality Wood Doors
The cost of quality door materials, like timber and hardwood, can be expensive. Cheap wooden doors won’t last long, so it’s essential to invest the extra money in a high-quality door that offers more longevity.
Wood Doors Require the Most Maintenance
In order to keep wood in a functioning condition, it needs frequent maintenance. This will mostly consist of getting them painted regularly with high-quality paint to keep them from looking old and help to protect them from the elements.
Termite Risk With Wooden Doors
Where there is wood, there can be termites, and wooden doors are no exception. You will need to check your door regularly for these pests and act immediately to exterminate them, or you may lose your entire door. Termites will target wood that’s untreated, which is another reason to keep your door well-maintained and painted.
Safety Concerns With Wood Doors
Wood doors require maintenance to keep them from being dysfunctional. However, if this maintenance isn’t done or isn’t completed quickly enough, your wooden door can be unsafe.
When your wood door isn’t maintained and functioning properly, you can be exposed to intruders. Those looking to rob homes look for vulnerabilities to break inside. While they may avoid doors that are more secure, wooden doors, particularly un-maintained wooden doors, are easier to break into.
Read More: Vinyl vs Fiberglass Doors: Which is Better?
Upgrade Your Doors With NEXT Door & Window
If you’re interested in upgrading your doors, NEXT Door & Window has you covered. We offer high-quality and long-lasting entry, patio, and storm doors. These durable doors are designed specifically to withstand the extreme Midwest weather, boost your energy efficiency, and secure your home.
Our doors come in a variety of quality materials, including steel and fiberglass. Fiberglass doors specifically can provide you with the aesthetic benefits of a wooden door without any of the disadvantages that actual wood doors suffer from.
We offer fiberglass doors that mimic wood in:
- Cherry
- Mahogany
- Fir
- Oak
We’re renowned across the Madison and Chicagoland regions for our premium products, unparalleled customer service, and consistently outstanding results. Each of our customers receives a red carpet treatment to ensure you’re fully engaged and up to date with your door upgrades by your dedicated project manager.
At NEXT Door & Window, we pride ourselves on:
- Custom Factory Paint And Stain Before Installation
- An A+ BBB Rating
- Experienced Technicians
- Exceptional Service
- Top-Quality Products
Increase your curb appeal, energy efficiency, and security today.
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