A Comprehensive Guide to Front Door Replacements and Installations

Your front entry sets the tone for your whole home, and hence it’s also one of the smartest places to invest to reap benefits both short- and long-term.

According to recent “Cost vs. Value” data, exterior door replacements (steel) can recoup up to 216,4% of cost thanks to enhanced curb appeal and energy efficiency.

But it’s not just about resale. A properly installed, well-insulated door improves comfort, reduces drafts during those long winters, and anchors your home’s design.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything, from choosing the right material and frame to installation, custom features, and maintenance. Ready to upgrade your exterior doors and home entrance with confidence? Let’s dive in.

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What Do You Really Need From an Entry Door?

A front door has a big job. It’s your home’s first line of defence, its daily workhorse, and a key contributor to comfort and style. Yet many homeowners overlook the true performance features that make an exterior door reliable, until something goes wrong, of course.

Before opting for entry doors replacement, think about the functions that matter most to your household:

• Easy access (reliable, smooth operation)
• Security (strength and durability)
• Lower energy costs (thermal resistance)
• Safety (protection from fire, intruders, animals, inclement weather)
• Light and ventilation (windows, sidelights, screen doors)
• Curb appeal (improved look and home value)

If your existing door is damaged, drafty, rotting or simply outdated, upgrading could significantly improve your home’s efficiency, comfort, and appearance.

1. Entry Door Replacement Styles and Materials

Ecoline doors focus on two high-performing options for Canadian homes: steel and fibreglass entry doors. Both are designed for durability, energy efficiency, and a modern, secure entrance that stands up to Canada’s diverse climate.

Replacement wood entry doors

Wood entry doors offer a warm, luxurious look that many homeowners love. However, they are typically the most expensive option and require ongoing maintenance to prevent rot, warping and paint or stain degradation, especially in Canada’s freeze-thaw climate. While wood doors can perform well, they are generally less energy-efficient compared to steel or fibreglass, making them a less practical choice for most homes today.

2. Exterior Doors Replacement: Glass Options

Glass options can take an ordinary front door and make it the focal point of your home. Combined with replacement windows, a new matching entry door can provide the final component to achieve a stylish front elevation.

All glass options are made from two tempered glass panes with a third pane sealed between them. Choose from these style and performance options:

• Decorative glass. Handcrafted styles include: Beveled glass, stained glass, caming (zinc, patina or brass banding between glass sections like the lead in leaded glass) and wrought iron.
• Obscure glass. Available in a variety of textures and transparency for privacy and safety.
• Low-E Coating. For improved energy efficiency and UV protection.
• Impact-Resistant. For protection against severe wind and weather conditions.
• Mini-blinds. Built in between the glass for privacy and as a maintenance-free option.
• Grills. Decorative inserts are built in between the glass to add style and dimension. Available in painted or stained finishes.

All entry door replacement glass frames are reinforced to provide an air-tight, water-tight seal for optimum energy efficiency and protection.

• Sidelights. Full-length panels for one side or both sides of the entry door. Available in finishes and glass styles to match the door.
• Transom Windows. Built above the main entry door and available in rectangle, round-top or radius shapes.

3. Entry Doors Hardware Options

Your home front door is only as durable and stylish as the hardware you select. At Ecoline, all our doors come with hardware that ensures lasting security, smooth operation, and durability in Canada’s demanding climate.

Choose from four Lever-handle designs with built-in Multi-Point Lock System. Heavy-duty lock mechanism automatically engages the deadbolt and two latchbolts with the turn of the key for enhanced security, reduced air filtration and door panel warp protection. Available in brass, polished nickel, black and pewter finishes.

Choose from standard or heavy-duty, ball bearing door hinges. By selecting the premium ball bearing type, you can expect long-lasting durability and smooth, quiet operation. They’re also available in four finishes to match other door hardware.

4. Entry Door Installation Process

Investing in a high-quality entry door is only half the equation. Proper professional installation is vital to ensure optimal performance. Homes with poorly aligned or improperly sealed doors face higher energy bills, security gaps and warranty issues.

With residential break-and-enters increasing across Canada (for example, a 4 % rise in break-and-enter offences since 2022) and nearly half of burglaries occurring through unlocked or weak doors and windows, ensuring your new door is installed correctly is one of the best defences you can build.

At Ecoline, our certified installers handle every step carefully so your replacement door delivers lasting value, comfort and security.

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a. What every homeowner must know about replacement door installation.

Proper installation depends on a number of key factors:

• Accurate measurements
• Properly shimmed/adjusted to be square and plumb
• Reinforced door jamb
• Properly aligned latch and dead bolt to strike plate
• Tight fitting seal and weatherstripping

It’s common for seasonal temperatures and humidity changes to affect the door operation due to house shift , expansion and contraction. Adjustments may be needed. To check for changes and air infiltration, hold a lighter near the door frame. The door is installed properly when there is no flame flicker.

b. Understanding door slabs versus prehung systems.

There are two types of replacement doors available:

1. Door slabs – this is only the door component and does not include a frame. This is typically used when the existing framework is sound and can support the new door.
2. Prehung system – this is an all-inclusive package that includes the frame, hinges and hardware to hang the door without an existing frame in place.

c. How to take exterior doors replacement measurements

Your contractor will probably take door measurements for you, but it’s important to understand how it’s done so you’ll have a better understanding of what is needed.

Measuring a Door slab:

1. Record the smallest of three horizontal measurements to get the width.
2. Record the smallest of three vertical measurements to get the height.
3. Take the thickness of the door (typically 1-3/4″.)
4. Measure the three hinge locations from the top of the door to the top of the hinge.
5. Note the hinge width and height.
6. Remove door hardware (handle and deadbolt) and measure from the door top to the centre of the bore hole and from the door edge to the centre of the hole.

Measuring entry door frame replacement (prehung):

1. Measure the width and height of the door (see above).
2. Take three horizontal measurements inside the door opening and keep the smallest figure. This is the rough opening width. (R.O.)
3. Record the smallest vertical measurement of three to obtain the rough opening height. (R.O.)
4. To obtain the jamb width, measure the horizontal thickness of the jamb.

To minimise drafts and heat/cooling loss, there should be no more than 1/8″ clearance between the door and the frame.

d. Entry door installation how-to (DIY):

1. Remove packaging (including skidboard and duplex nail/removable plug.) Leave security plate and shipping straps until directed to remove them as they will keep the door system aligned properly.
2. Inspect for any cosmetic damage, squareness and correct product.
3. Inspect the rough opening and adjust to accommodate the finished interior floor height.
4. Install the sill pan.
5. Install the door buck (wood, metal or masonry doorframe used to support the door during installation) or prepare stud-framed wall.
6. Install the door by:
   • Remove pre-hanging clips
   • Apply sealant to back of trim
   • Temporarily fasten in place with nails or screws
   • Shim jambs, at strikeplate, and between sidelights and the wall (if applicable) until the door is square in the opening.
   • Place nails/screws through holes provided—don’t set yet.
   • Once door is square, then securely fasten in place.
   • Removing pre-hanging clips, test door swing and adjust as needed.

e. What to expect from Ecoline Windows

To provide a complete finished project to any front door replacement project, the experts at Ecoline will custom order and deliver doors for your home, follow the proper installation instructions and offer a warranty on installation.

5. Replacement Entry Doors Warranty

When buying new front doors, what you have with the warranty isn’t just paperwork, it’s security for the years ahead. Many homeowners only discover limitations when something goes wrong.

Some warranties cover the product but not the installation. Others include clauses that void coverage if the installer isn’t approved or that only offer short-term protection for key components like finishes or hardware.

✅ What to look for:

• Full coverage: both product and labour
• Clear terms: no confusing exceptions
• Transferability to the next homeowner
• Long-term protection that matches the average door lifespan
• Coverage across Canada’s climate (temperature shifts, humidity, UV exposure)

❌ Red flags:

• Labour not included
• Coverage under 10–15 years
• Unrealistic maintenance requirements
• Warranty voided by common usage or minor alterations

At Ecoline, every entry door installation comes with a 25-year full product and labour warranty.

6. Top Expert Tips for Entry Doors Maintenance

To keep your exterior replacement doors looking and operating their best, you’ll want to keep them properly maintained. Follow these suggestions and your home will be the most talked about one on the street:

Front door cleaning:

• Wipe down steel, fibreglass and wood doors regularly with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner such as diluted dish soap or baby shampoo.
• Wrought iron doors and trims can be cleaned with diluted Murphy’s Oil Soap.
• Wash glass panels with glass cleaner.
• Clean out dirt and grime from sliding patio door track with a toothbrush or wire brush. Then vacuum the track to remove all debris.

Front door lubrication:

• Lubricate hinges and door closers every six months with a few drops of penetrating oil. Apply to top of hinge between pin and housing so it permeates the entire fixture.
• Sticking lock mechanisms can work smoothly after a spray of dry graphite.
• Use a silicone-based lubricant to keep your sliding patio door track operating smoothly.

Front door inspection:

• Check for loose hinge screws. Wood door frames dry out over time and screws become loose. Fill, redrill and replace screws.
• Adjust pneumatic closer cylinder screws so the door closes against the stop properly.
• Look for cracks in the frame or glass and replace as necessary.
• Refinish any cracked, faded, chipped or peeling paint or stain finish.
• Watch for fogging between glass panels that indicates the seal may have been broken. Call for glass replacement.
• Inspect wood door frame for moisture damage or rotting.
• Replace weather stripping that has gaps, cracks or discolouration.
• Replace the bottom door sweep when it becomes loose, has tears or gaps, or gets ripped off.
• Adjust or replace worn patio door rollers.

The doors in your home are subjected to a lot of traffic and wear and tear. Keep them looking and working their best with regular maintenance and inspections. Now that you’re more familiar with what to look for in exterior door replacements, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your own project.