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Exterior door and storm door...replace or not

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I have a den with an exterior door. It was an addition to my home in 1975. I need a new storm door for sure, but was wondering of I should keep or replace my original wood exterior door with the diamond window at the top. Because my storm door has needed replacement for some time, the elements have done some damage...chipping and peeling of the wood at the bottom and some expansion /contraction of the door itself. I love the door because it's original old school, but wonder how much more efficient an inexpensive new door and doorframe would be.

I just wanted to replace the storm door, but I don't want to go to that expense if the consensus is that my exterior door and frame needs to be replaced. I'm afraid the storm door would no longer fit and it would have been a waste of money. Also, what is the best type of exterior door for the least money? Since it is older construction, will it be a more difficult task fitting the door?

Thanks in advance for any help I get!

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Comments (4)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
6 years ago
Hard to replace the charm and feel of an old wood door if it is a solid candidate for restoration. How weathered is "weathered" here?
scrapses
Original Author
6 years ago
Okay, being a pro, you'll know what I'm talking about. Chipping and peeling of the wood at the bottom of the door, both front and back sides. I'm assuming this is a veneer layer and it has been mostly affected by moisture over the years. The threshold has never been maintained or replaced and the door is used multiple times a day. Some of the chipped pieces have come off, but it's not terrible yet. I just don't know if damage has gone deeper that meets the eye.

In the last couple of weeks we have noticed the keyed deadbolt is much harder to lock than it was before...the key won't turn all the way now unless we pull up on the doorknob slightly to give the door a little "lift".

Weatherstripping has never been replaced...it's the original nailed-on felt. There has always been a storm door until about a year ago. It rains a lot here and the door leads directly to an aggregate concrete patio which seems to stay wet and damp long after rain ends.

I do love the door, and know things used to be made much better than they are now. I don't have a lot to spend. Is there a way I can save this one? I'm a pretty good handyman with the proper instructions. If I can save it, what type of replacement weatherstripping would you recommend? There are so many choices.

For my storm door choice, I'm hoping to get a locking door with retractable screen from Lowe's or Home Depot.

This is super long but I'm just so excited to get some pro advice. :)
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PRO
toddinmn
6 years ago
im sure it can be saved, but you have to ask yourself what is your time worth. If the door is stained it will be much more difficult to rehab, if it is painted it is much easier to hide your repairs. Q-Lon weather stripping works the best in doors but can obtrusive in a retrofit.Most come problems on deadbolts is the deadbolt itself, settling of the door and framing and most common is loose hinge screws.
annied75
6 years ago
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