When on the hunt for a new home, chances are, you have a whole laundry list of qualifications you are seeking. As you tour homes and attend open houses, it can be hard to remember all the little details that you should keep high on your priority list to check out.

As experts in exterior doors, we always encourage home buyers to be aware of the integrity of the exterior doors of any house they are wanting to purchase.

The importance of exterior doors can easily overlooked and over shadowed by fancy kitchen upgrades or nice hardwood floors. While an imperfect or damaged exterior door may not be a deal breaker when seeking to buy a new home it is something you should be aware of when purchasing a house. If any repairs or replacement of doors needs to happen it should be at the top of your to do list when you move it.

Exterior doors are important for so many reasons. They are your first line of defense in home security. A solid and effective exterior door can be effective in preventing theft in your home.

Exterior doors also are extremely important in separating your house from outdoor elements. Any damage to these doors could hike up your cooling and heating bill as outdoor air sneaks through.

Moisture is also a huge concern when you have damaged or ineffective exterior doors. We all know you never want excess moisture in your home, a properly installed exterior door will be effective in protecting your home from rain and any other elements your climate may encounter.

When we say exterior doors, what are we talking about? This includes, front doors, garage entry doors, overhead garage doors, and patio or deck doors. All of which, Springfield Overhead Doors has expertise in supplying and installing for home owners like you.

Here are a few signs we look for to determine whether it is time to replace an exterior door that you can add to your list the next time you tour an open house.

Is The Door Difficult to Open or Close?

If a door is difficult to open or close that is a sign it isn’t fitting into the door frame properly. This means you most likely have gaps where air and moisture can get in. If you can see light coming through the seal of your exterior door, this is also a clear sign you have gaps. All of this means it is time to replace your exterior door.

Is The Door Rusted, Dented, or Damaged?

If a door is really damaged or full of dents and dings, it could be a sign that the structural integrity of the door is compromised. Depending on your family and lifestyle you want a high quality door that can stand up to daily wear and tear, pets, and children.

Are There Signs of Moisture?

There are multiple signs of moisture you can look for around a door. This includes moisture in glass between window panes, water damage on floors and walls around the door, warping or water damage on the door itself.

Water damage is a big deal because it usually leads to mildew and mold, and is a sure sign it is time to replace your door.

Is There a Draft Coming in From The Door?

A noticeable draft coming through your door is sure to keep your energy bill high. The good news is that a draft could possibly be fixed with adjusting the door rather than replacing it all together.

When searching for a new house, keep these signs at the top of your list when checking out exterior doors for homes in Ohio. If any of these signs do come up, it doesn’t have to deter you from purchasing that home, simply call our professionals when you move it to mitigate any problems. Whether that be simple repairs or replacing doors, we will have your new home secure and protected from the elements!