Front door - repair or replace?

Our house's front door is about 10 years old, although we only moved in fairly recently. The door itself seems a pretty decent steel door. However the issue we have is that it doesn't really fit the frame (our neighbours have the same door and it fits much tighter so it seems that it is badly fitted but the previous owners obviously never complained) - there are gaps in places between the frame and the door such that in winter, the cold air coming through the gaps is noticeable.


We got some people in to look at the door a couple of years ago and they had partial success but it seems to be back to how it was before now. I've included a photo below which hopefully illustrates the issue and gives anyone who knows about these things an idea of how serious the problem is.


We are intending to replace the door and have had a number of quotes for new doors. However our existing door does seem fine for now if there is a way of getting it to better fit to stop the cold draft in winter - should it be possible to fix this for a relatively small fee and, if so, what sort of companies would do so?


Thanks in advance.

qsemWMV.jpg

Comments

  • Furts
    Furts Posts: 4,474 Forumite
    The gap looks good, though without a tape measure there it is difficult to say definitely. Which suggests it is your brush seal, or rubber seal which has worn. Look at what you have on the side of the door and the frame and see if you can replace these. Having identified there may be a youtube video to guide you.

    Ultimately a small draft is hardly a serious issue, all the more so when a replacement door to try and cure this could cost £1000. Which makes a draft look really, really cheap. Put a piece of cardboard in there at night, or whatever, because this is a money saving forum!
  • aecb
    aecb Posts: 20 Forumite
    Thanks - I've added another couple of pictures below - hopefully the first shows the issue as it is in daylight - you'll see that the gap is closed top and bottom but there is a large whiter bit for most of the gap where the daylight gets through. It may not look like a lot but creates quite a draft in winter!


    I did shove a scarf in there on the coldest nights but that doesn't seem a long-term option (although I agree it's the cheapest!).


    The other photo shows the front of the door - there isn't a rubber seal or anything like that so it's hard to see what could be done to the front without making the door look odd from the outside.


    Thanks.


    KW1wSV3.jpg


    9MHCSvT.jpg
  • Furts
    Furts Posts: 4,474 Forumite
    Also take a look at the hinges. Probably three sets and after ten years there will be wear. Plus if the previous owner has been slamming the door, and also not lubricating the hinges then the hinges will be knackered. The money saving way is to unscrew and then screw on new ones.

    A competent door fitter would be another answer, but they will be keen to sell you a new door instead of sorting your current one. But ask around locally and see what names crop up.
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