Doors Can Make the Difference in Your Choice of Home

Doors can be exterior or interior. When you do interior home checking them, you will discover that exterior doors are much sturdier than interior doors. This is because they must be weatherproof and provide security for the house. Exterior doors typically include front entry doors, back doors, French doors, sliding glass doors and patio doors. French doors open on hinges and sliding doors glide along a track. Dutch doors have tops and bottoms opening independently. In cold climates, glass doors with high performance glazing and integrated weather stripping are said to be energy efficient. However, wood is said to insulate better than glass. Steel is even better, both on insulation and on security.

Interior Home Checking: Exterior Doors

Exterior doors must be in good condition. The overall operation and fit must be good. You will come across doors that are hinged, single/double doors of wood, steel, aluminum and plastic. The wood and plastic doors must be protected from the weather. If you live in a hot climate you might come across jalousie doors. Ensure that the louvers to these doors close tightly for weather tightness.

Check the track of sliding doors for dents, breaks and straightness. The glides of the panels you can operate must be checked for wear. Sealing for fixed panels must be weather tight. Are the doors physically secure enough? Are the locks secure and functional?



Interior Home Checking: Doors in Hurricane-prone Areas

You must also check the doors from the outside to see if the condition of their frames and sills is up to the mark. If the doors are not protected from the weather, check for the presence of essential flashing on top. If you live in a hurricane area check to see if there are dead-bolt locks with at least one inch throw length.

Your heating and cooling costs will be less if the weather stripping around the doors is in good condition and seals well, more so in winter. Check whether the glazing of the doors is good. There must be no broken or loose glass. The doors must align well and work smoothly. The screens on all the doors must be in proper condition without tears or holes.

Interior Home Checking: Know your doors

The doorframes must be free of rot and other damage. Caulking must be replaced if shrunken or cracked. Is there water penetration around the top bottom and sides? These will cost money to fix right away. When you open and close the doors, does it feel smooth? If the strike plates don’t align well with door latches and dead bolt, they won’t lock well and also prevent the weather-stripping from sealing properly.