The Dangers Of DIY Door Replacement In Fairfield, IL
Watch Out For These Dangers When Trying
DIY Door Replacements In Fairfield, IL
With These Costs, Is DIY Really Cheaper?
When you need door replacement in Fairfield, IL, there’s a lot to consider. Will you hire a professional or do it yourself? Who do you hire? Where do you get the door?
For the DIY types, it can be tempting to just look for a door at the hardware store. If interior door replacements are easy, exterior door replacements can’t be much different, right?
Wrong.
Exterior doors carry a lot more weight in your home. They’re literally heavier, and they have to stand up to the weather, keep your home energy efficient, and provide security, among other things.
With so much hinging on quality door installation, it’s a job that can be downright dangerous to do yourself. Wondering what could go wrong? We’ll explain.
Basic Hazards Of Front Door Replacements
Like any other DIY project, there’s always a risk of getting hurt when the power tools come out. Not only that, but exterior doors are actually surprisingly heavy – they have to protect you from storms and burglars, after all.
It’s common for homeowners to hurt their backs or knees while trying to awkwardly move an entry door into position. Also, DIY-ers who attempt installation on their own can get in a real pickle if they don’t do everything just right.
It’s too easy to pinch your fingers or hurt yourself having to stand in awkward positions when you aren’t experienced with door installation. This is why it’s important to have someone else on hand to prevent serious accidents (and to call an ambulance when accidents do happen).
Doubling Your Front Door Replacement Costs
As we’ve established, front entry doors are heavy and awkward to move around. Most people don’t realize this, since quality hinges mitigate a well-installed entry door’s weight.
But when you’re dealing with a door that hasn’t been installed yet, it’s easy to lose control. Many homeowners have decided to save money on door replacement – only to find themselves buying a second door and patching up their drywall when things go wrong.
A Bad Fit When Installing An Exterior Door
One of the hardest things to get right is making sure your door fits perfectly. That’s why experienced entry door installers are so important. Getting the perfect fit takes knowledge, experience, and a playbook of what to do when the numbers don’t add up.
Your Energy Bills
Having a door installed incorrectly can cost you. When a door doesn’t form a good seal against outside air, you’ll lose heat in the winter and warm up your house in the summer. This means your heating and AC are working overtime.
The extra strain on HVAC systems means you’re paying to run them more often. Over time, it can also lead to costly breakdowns and repairs.
Your Family’s Safety
A bigger, more important problem with a poorly installed entry door is security. Poorly installed entry doors may have misaligned latches or locks, making it simple to break into your home.
Additionally, low-quality and inexpertly installed entry doors often have weaknesses in the hinges. For example, homeowners can use the incorrect screws, or manufacturers may use less durable materials. This, combined with a loose-fitting door, can make a door far easier to force open.
The Little Things
Apart from the serious dangers of a botched door installation, it can just be plain annoying. A door with anything less than a perfect installation will suffer from tons of minor problems like:
- Creaky, squeaky hinges
- Difficulty latching or locking
- Cold drafts through the gaps
- Sticking when opening or closing
- Light coming through around the edges
No one wants closing their front door to be a fussy process of lifting and shoving, especially if you’re going in and out every day. It’s not very inviting for guests, either.
Plus it just looks sloppy. Our professional, beautiful door installations don’t suffer from the messy look common to DIY installations.
Imperfect Waterproofing During Door Replacement
Another issue that can arise during DIY door replacements in incorrect waterproofing. While caulking seems like a straightforward affair to most DIY-ers, there’s a lot that can go wrong.
If you:
- Miss small areas
- Use low-quality caulk
- Use the wrong type of caulk
- Or make other minor mistakes
Water can easily find its way into your woodwork. Water in your walls is a sure recipe for mold and rot. Over time, this can not only damage your door but also the frame. This means major structural damage, which can be expensive to fix.
Entry Door Replacements That Void Your Warranty
Another issue is warranties. With Window Shopping, you can expect to enjoy the benefits of our manufacturers’ warranties.
With common hardware store window brands, though, you can’t. Because of all those common DIY mistakes, manufacturers void warranties for doors that aren’t professionally installed.
This means if you mess up during installation, that’s it. You don’t get a second try, and you certainly won’t get a refund if the door’s poor quality creates problems down the line.
If you don’t feel like taking the risks of DIY replacement door installation, we get it. Call Window Shopping at 800-867-5157 to schedule a free estimate for your Fairfield, IL door. Get ready to design the door of your dreams – and to have it professionally installed for you!