The Essential Exterior Door Repair & Replacement Guide for Arlington, TX

Is your front entry door driving you up the wall because it fails to close properly? If you have to pull hard on your door before it will latch closed, you're not alone. All the exterior features in every Arlington home and business are more exposed than any other area. Your siding, soffits, fascia boards and outside exits are all important for protecting you from the elements—but they're not immune to the effects of the outdoors—which is why exterior door repair is such a common project..

Your fiberglass entry door, sliding patio door and other gateways to the outdoors are all susceptible to the gradual wear that comes from constant exposure to the elements, so it's not surprising that they often develop issues that need repairs. In some cases, damage can be so severe that replacement is the only viable option.

You don't have to be an Arlington handyman service professional to repair doors around your property. If you have the right tools and knowledge, it's possible for anybody to invest their time and effort into dealing with damaged external doors.

If you don't have the time, tools, or confidence to handle those repairs yourself, the exterior door experts at Mr. Handyman of Arlington, Mansfield and Grapevine are always available to offer expert advice and a wide selection of popular services. Repair service for exterior damage is something that we can help with, but you might be able to help yourself by completing basic repairs.

What Are the Signs You Need Arlington Exterior Door Repair?

The effects of aging and daily use take a toll on everything inside a building, including entryways. Many people in Arlington are living with frustrating problems caused by that slow deterioration. In many cases, the solutions are simple and easy—especially for skilled technicians.

Failure to Latch

If your patio doors or front entry don't close properly, then you might be a victim of this common problem. It's often caused by misaligned latch bolts and strike plates. Is your latch still centered with the hole in your strike plate? If not, you'll need to repair that alignment issue before anything will latch closed properly.

It's possible that time has loosened the screws on your hinges, resulting in a lean that prevents proper alignment. Before you do anything else, tighten any loose screws and see if that fixes the issue. If not, then you'll probably have to relocate the strike plate so that it lines up better with your latch.

Repositioning your strike plate starts with removing it from the frame. Use the loose plate to determine a new position by lining it up with the center of the latch and marking the new position with a pencil. Use a chisel to cut away those marked sections, and then reattach the latch.

Rubbing and Sticking Against Other Surfaces

A patio door that sticks inside its frame and a wood door that rubs against the floor are inconvenient and frustrating—especially if they scratch or damage other quality materials inside your property. Simple repairs might be all you need to turn those exterior entry enemies into friends.

Start by checking that all your hinge screws are tight. It's possible for loose screws to cause these problems. Some Arlington locals even report that one or two screws are entirely missing when they investigate these cases. You can replace any loose or missing screws with longer options that will grip the sturdy frame behind your jamb.

It's also possible to fill the holes with wood glue and try your old screws with that new surface, but that repair project will take more time, effort and skill than simply replacing screws. Some improvement projects aren't worth investing the time if you're not certain that they'll work.

Don't be afraid of asking for help from an experienced professional if you're unfamiliar with, or uncertain about, any exterior repairs. A professional opinion will help you make an informed decision and restore your peace of mind.

Other Issues That Require Arlington Exterior Door Repair Service

Along with the common Arlington exterior door repair issues detailed above, here are a few more problems your local handyman can take care of effectively and efficiently.

• Peeling Paint or Wood Stain: Peeling paint on a wood entryway is a sign that moisture has gotten into the timber and caused it to swell up, pushing on the paint from underneath. That makes it lift and peel off in strips. But, the same issue can occur with older paint on composite, vinyl, fiberglass or steel entries as well. We'll remove the old, peeling paint and replace it, then follow up with a sealant to protect against moisture.

• Rust: All entries have some metal components, and some are completely metal. That leaves them vulnerable to rust and other types of corrosion, especially if they are exposed to excessive moisture. We can get the rust removed and apply an anti-rust coating that will help protect metal parts in the future.

• Creaky Hinges: If your entryway screeches or groans when you open it, the problem might be solvable by simply applying some metal lubricant to the moving parts. But if that doesn't do the trick, you'll need an Arlington exterior door repair professional to replace the hinges and rehang the slab.

• Loose Hinges: Does your door feel loose and wobbly on its hinges when you move it? Sometimes the screws that hold the hinge plate to the jamb or the slab just need to be retightened. If the hinges are damaged, they'll need replacing. But if the problem is related to rotting wood where the hinge plates are fastened on, the entire unit will need to be replaced with a new installation.

• Damaged Screen Mesh: If your exterior entry is paired with a storm or screen door, you know how convenient it is to be able to let a fresh breeze into the house while keeping insects out—but that doesn't happen if there are holes or rips in the screen mesh. We'll handle Arlington exterior door repair for storm doors by removing the damaged mesh panel and putting a new panel of mesh into the frame.

• Missing or Deteriorated Weather Stripping: Exterior doors are typically lined with weather stripping to help block out air drafts. If the weather stripping has deteriorated over time or was never there to begin with, it can cause your HVAC system to operate for longer periods of time and cost you money on your monthly energy bill. We'll remove the old, damaged material and install new weather stripping.

• Scuffs: Cosmetic damage such as scuffs, dings and faded colors can usually be solved pretty easily with Arlington exterior door repair techniques. Your entryway may just need exterior painting and sealant to get it looking its best again.

When Should You Consider Exterior Door Replacement in Arlington, TX?

Generally, you should be considering installation services any time that the damage to an area of your property is so severe that repairing it would cost more than just replacing it. Unless you have some kind of sentimental attachment to a destroyed feature—or replacement would ruin an architectural style you're trying to preserve—then replacement is a superior solution for particularly problematic portals.

Leaking Air

If an exterior entryway is difficult to open or close, it can let air leak out of gaps near the top or bottom of your frame. That will decrease any effective protection your exterior portals provide and also increase your monthly energy costs by forcing your HVAC system to use more energy as it works harder. If you notice such issues, it's time to consider adding more energy-efficient doors to your existing entries.

Excessive Dents, Dings, and Rust

Many exterior entries are quite vulnerable to damage from even little kicks and bumps. Plus, the steel gauge on top of wood frames will rust over time. If it's just a few small marks or dents, your handyman can probably take care of it with Arlington exterior door repair service. But if the damage is more widespread across the whole unit, it indicates that the overall structural integrity is compromised, which is a sign that your current entryway won't stand up against many more impacts. The other problem is that many small repairs would be time-consuming and therefore costly. In that situation, replacement is probably the more cost-effective choice.

Moisture Between Double-Pane Glass

If your exterior glass doors have any moisture accumulating inside their double-pane glass, that's an issue that must be resolved quickly, so you can avoid further issues with mold, mildew, and water damage. If you notice this happening with smaller windows inside your wood doors, that's an even more serious problem that could lead to issues with wood rot. Replacement might be the least of your worries if that happens.

Insect Damage

Insect infestations can reduce the structural integrity and energy efficiency of entryways. If an exterminator or any other expert tells you that pests have reduced the structural integrity of wood surfaces below fifty percent, that means your home is not only now easier to break into, but also losing significant amounts of warm or cool air. Plus, it will only be easier for more insects or other pests to get inside.

Vandalism or Attempted Intrusion

If your exterior entryway has been the target of vandalism or a home intrusion, it may have issues that range from surface damage or a broken latch to ripped-up jambs or a missing knob. Arlington exterior door repair may be possible if the damage isn't severe, but if it's anything more than minor, replacement is the best solution to give you back your peace of mind so you can rest assured your home is back in safe, secure condition.

Can Arlington Exterior Door Repair or Installation Decrease Energy Costs?

If your current exterior entryways are in poor condition and have issues such as wood rot and deteriorated weather stripping, the answer is yes—Arlington exterior door repair or replacement can absolutely make your home more energy efficient and decrease the amount you have to pay on your monthly utility bill. That may seem counterintuitive at first—after all, your door doesn't use electricity—but the real problem here is heat transfer.

According to natural law, thermal energy will always attempt to move from a warmer place to a colder place. In the summer when you're running your air conditioner, heat from the sun comes into your house. In winter, the reverse happens and warm air from your furnace escapes to the colder outdoors. Any break in your siding like a window or exterior entry is a weak point that lets heat transfer happen.

But why does heat transfer increase your energy charges? It changes the temperature in your house from what is set on your thermostat so your HVAC system needs to operate for longer periods of time. It costs a lot to operate your HVAC because it needs to draw a lot of fuel, whether it's electricity or natural gas, to maintain your indoor comfort. When the operation time increases because of heat transfer, it can cause your already considerable energy costs to skyrocket. As entryways age, they suffer damage and lose their ability to prevent heat transfer. Meanwhile, manufacturers are constantly trying to improve the energy efficiency of their products. Getting Arlington exterior door repair or a new installation will restore efficiency to your home by blocking heat transfer.

Do You Need Arlington Exterior Door Repair or Replacement?

Mr. Handyman of Arlington is your local expert, serving Arlington and many surrounding areas, like Mansfield, Colleyville, and Southlake. Our experienced handyman service professionals always provide professional quality service and a safe, worry-free experience. Plus, with all our popular services such as door installation and maintenance, we can also take care of everything else on your to-do list. From storm door repair to deck repair to Sheetrock repair, you can do it all with one call!

If you have more questions or want to schedule a convenient appointment, contact our team or fill out our online appointment request. We're happy to assist you!