Posted by Empire Siding & Windows in Uncategorized
Your front door is the first thing visitors notice about your home and one of the hardest-working parts of it. It keeps out the weather, keeps your family secure, and sets the tone for your home’s curb appeal.
If your front door is drafty, hard to lock, or just looking tired, an upgrade can make a bigger difference than most homeowners expect. In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of a new entry door, how the main door materials compare, and what Roanoke homeowners can expect to pay.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Front Door
- You can feel drafts or see daylight around the edges when the door is closed
- The door sticks, drags, or won’t latch without a firm push
- The lock is hard to turn or the door doesn’t line up with the strike plate
- Wood is rotting, warping, or cracking, especially along the bottom
- Steel doors are dented or rusting
- Condensation or frost forms on the inside of the door in winter
- The door simply looks dated and drags down your home’s curb appeal
If more than one of these sounds familiar, replacement is usually a better investment than continued repairs.
Benefit #1: Energy Savings
Older doors, especially solid wood doors and those with worn weatherstripping, let a surprising amount of heated and cooled air escape. Modern entry doors are built with insulated foam cores, tight-fitting frames, and multi-point weatherstripping that seal out drafts far better.
For Roanoke homeowners dealing with cold winters and humid summers, that means:
- A more comfortable entryway year-round
- Less work for your heating and cooling system
- Lower monthly energy bills
Look for ENERGY STAR® certified doors for the best efficiency. If your door has glass, insulated Low-E glass makes a noticeable difference.
Benefit #2: Curb Appeal and Home Value
Few projects change the look of a home as quickly as a new front door. A fresh color, decorative glass, or updated sidelights can completely transform your home’s appearance from the street.
Entry door replacement also consistently ranks among the home improvement projects with the strongest return on investment at resale. If you’re thinking about selling in the next few years, it’s one of the most cost-effective updates you can make.
Benefit #3: Security
An older door with a worn frame or a single deadbolt is easier to force open than most homeowners realize. Today’s entry doors offer better protection with:
- Reinforced frames and strike plates that resist kick-ins
- Multi-point locking systems that secure the door at several points along the frame
- Steel or fiberglass construction that’s much stronger than aging wood
- Impact-resistant or privacy glass options for doors with glass inserts
Steel vs. Fiberglass vs. Wood: Which Door Is Right for You?
Steel Entry Doors
- Most affordable option
- Strong and secure
- Good insulation with a foam core
- Can dent, and scratches may rust if not touched up
Fiberglass Entry Doors
- Resists dents, warping, and rot
- Excellent insulation
- Can mimic the look of real wood grain
- Low maintenance and holds up well in Virginia’s humidity
- Moderately higher cost than steel
Wood Entry Doors
- Beautiful, classic look
- Highest cost
- Requires regular refinishing and sealing
- Can warp or swell with humidity and temperature changes
For most Roanoke homes, fiberglass offers the best balance of durability, efficiency, appearance, and low maintenance. Steel is a great choice if budget is the top priority.
How Much Does a New Front Door Cost in Roanoke?
Prices vary with material, size, glass options, and hardware. General ranges for an installed entry door:
- Steel entry door: $2,200–$3,500 installed
- Fiberglass entry door: $2,400–$4,500 installed
- Wood entry door: $3,000–$7,000+ installed
- Adding sidelights or a transom: increases cost depending on size and glass style
Empire tip: Replacing your front door at the same time as your windows or siding is a smart way to give your home a complete, coordinated update, and often saves on scheduling and installation.
What About Storm Doors and Patio Doors?
The same benefits apply to other exterior doors. A quality storm door adds an extra layer of weather protection and lets in light and fresh air. Replacing an old, drafty sliding patio door can make a big difference in energy efficiency, since patio doors have a large glass surface area.
Thinking About a New Door Before Winter?
Fall is a great time to replace a drafty entry door, before the heating season is in full swing. (For more cold-weather prep tips, see our winter exterior checklist.)
At Empire Siding and Windows, we help homeowners throughout Roanoke, Salem, and the surrounding Roanoke Valley choose and install entry doors that fit their home, budget, and style. We’ll bring samples to your home and give you an honest recommendation, with no pressure and no obligation.
Call us today at 540-929-8010 or contact us online to schedule your free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does front door installation take?
Most entry door replacements are completed in a single day. Your home is secure again by the end of the installation.
Can a door be replaced in cold weather?
Yes. Door replacement can be done year-round. The door opening is only exposed for a short time during installation.
Do I need to replace the frame too?
It depends on the condition of your existing frame. If it’s rotted, warped, or out of square, a full replacement including the frame gives the best seal and longest life. We’ll assess this during your free estimate.
Is financing available?
Yes! Empire Siding and Windows offers special financing with approved credit through Wells Fargo.
Empire Siding and Windows is a locally-owned contractor serving Roanoke, Salem, and the surrounding Roanoke Valley. Contact us for a free entry door estimate.