Replace or fix front door on 1905 house?
Just purchased a 1905 Victorian in NJ and need to decide whether it is better to replace or fix the front door.
The door has no weatherstripping and has single pane glass. The locks are trash and are not original. It could be an original door and has been patched with triangular shim to adjust for out-of-square frame. It is a simple design with two panels below a large square glass, and while functional, the door is of unremarkable design. The glass is not original.
It’s certainly possible to fit double pane glass, replace the lockset and mess with the weather stripping. My thought was silicone cornerseal gaskets from Resource Conservation Technology around the top and sides. On the bottom my thought was to install a door-bottom system in a channel in the bottom of the door.
However, if I had to pay someone to do the repair work, would I be better off to replace it with a new door of suitable design? If you think replacement is the way to go, can you recommend a good door company that manufactures doors with a style suitable for older homes?
Thanks for the advice
Replies
Would be nice if you could post pictures.
That said, it sounds like the entry is not special and is in need of attention and upgrading.
"Original" doesn't count for much in this situation. Join the real world (with feul at $2.00+/gal.), and replace the door. You will probably get something nicer and better when you are done.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
If the glass were original, I'd say save it.
I have an 1880 farmhouse. The original front door is long gone. I'm trying to decide if I should save the back door. It's out of square. I'd have to custom make any sort of storm door.
I know if you go through the effort to save it, you'll be happy with it.
I also know if you do go through the effort, you might wish you had trashed it and went with new.
That's my two cents. I know I did'nt answer any of your questions - probably made more-
The front door is where you want to spend the time and money to get what you want.
That's something you can take to the bank!