August 12, 2025
 

Introduction: Why Your Exterior Doors Matter

Your front doors do more than open and close — they secure your family, maintain energy costs, and create a powerful first impression. Eventually, even the best doors become worn, drafty, or outdated. That's when an exterior door replacement in Raleigh, NC, needs to be considered.

Here at Wingate Construction, we've been helping homeowners all over Raleigh and the Triangle with home renovations for over 20 years — from complete-home renovations and kitchen renovations to deck building, siding, and door replacement. Below, we'll discuss everything you need to know before you start your exterior door replacement project.



 

1. Signs You Need an Exterior Door Replacement in NC

Your outside doors on your home make a big impact on security, comfort, and even the curb appeal of your home. Even the best doors will eventually deteriorate with time. Watch for these no-brainer signs that it might be time to replace them:
 

Drafts and Air Leaks

When you feel a whiff of air when the door shuts, maybe your weatherstripping is older or the door frame is warped. These air leaks make it harder to maintain indoor temperatures constant.
 

Visible Damage

Cracks, dents, painted or rotten wood not only tarnish your house's appearance but also weaken the door's security and strength.
 

Problem Opening or Closing

North Carolina's humid climate causes doors to swell. Settling of the foundation can also shift frames, which can cause doors to stick, drag, or scrape.
 

Increased Energy Bills

A poorly sealed door allows hot or cooled air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and pay a higher bill on utility.
Your front door is one of the first that your visitors notice. Replacing an old door is a very easy way of improving curb appeal and showing your house with a new, clean face.



 

2. Choosing the Right Material for the Replacement Door

Selecting the right material for your new front door is one of the most important decisions you'll ever have to make. The material will define the appearance, durability, and maintenance cost of the door in the span of decades. The most desired choices to make are as follows:
 

Wood Doors

Advantages: An old school, timeless appearance which results in excellent insulation and can also be completely customized with special designs, color and finish.
Pros: Has a resistance to warping, rotting or swelling.
Drawbacks: Needs periodic sealing or painting against warping, mushrooming or rotting especially in humid climates.
 

Steel Doors

Pros: Affordable, very secure, and naturally energy-efficient. Highly resistant to intruders and can be finished in a variety of colors.
Cons: While strong, steel does dent when knocked and can rust if the finish is compromised.
 

Fiberglass Doors

Pros: Incredibly low maintenance, weather safe, and they could offer replicated rich coloring of true woods without the need of maintenance.

ShortCuts: In most cases, more expensive at the front-end when compared to steel doors.
Wingate Tip: Largely in the humid temperature-varying climate of North Carolina, fiberglass or high-quality steel doors can provide superior long-term performance and time between maintenance than plain wood doors.



 

3. Considerations of style and design

When selecting an exterior door that is new, the functionality has to find balance with the use of aesthetics. The appropriate designing may give your house a curb appeal and at the same time support the day-to-day needs of your family.

Glass Panels: It provides light in entry points through enabling natural light. To maintain privacy, frosted, etched or patterned glass can be provided and light still enters through it.

Color: Red or blue shiny door looks like a gorgeous decoration, white, beige, black neutral colors turn out to be an outside part of your home.

Hardware: Select good product locks and handles, and hinges that complement the structure of your home and serve a long useful life.




 

4. Energy Efficiency and Insulation

In Raleigh's hot summers and cold winters, an energy-efficient door can make a big difference in comfort and utility bills. Think about:
ENERGY STAR® qualification for demonstrated efficiency
Foam-filled cores to minimize heat transfer
Double- or triple-pane low-E glass to maintain temperatures year-round



 

5. Installation Process

Your job is handled end to end at Wingate Construction:

Measuring & Assessment We can measure the opening, state of frame, and sealing requirements.
Removing the Old Door-this is operated with the greatest of care that does not cause damage to the surrounding trim and siding.

Frame Preparation- repairing or replacing faulty framing with a firm fit.

New Door Hanging -- Making it absolutely straight, vertical and water tight.

Finishing Touches Included in the Final Appearance: Trimming, painting and hardware.





 

6. Why Call a Professional to Replace Doors in Raleigh

It's simple to assume that replacing a new exterior door is a task for a lazy weekend afternoon, but the truth is, it requires skill, accuracy, and the right tools to get it done correctly. A door even slightly out of square will produce persistent air leaks, harm from water, sticking or slamming doors, and, in the worse case, weakening of adjacent frames or walls.

Hiring a professional ensures your new door not only looks great but functions exactly as it needs to for many years to come. Wingate Construction brings the experience and attention to detail that guarantees a smooth fit and durable outcome.

We offer you:
Over 20 years of construction experience in Raleigh and the Triangle.
Understanding of the regional climate, weather patterns, and building code in North Carolina.
Full-service expertise that goes beyond door installation — including construction, renovation, home remodels, bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, and general construction.





 

7. How Exterior Door Replacement Fits Into a Larger Remodel

Replacement of outside doors is generally most cost-effective to do as a part of a larger home renovation process. Most Raleigh residents choose to replace doors as part of a whole home renovation, kitchen remodeling, or exterior remodeling to be cost- and time-effective. By scheduling projects, you minimize disruption and have a unified, cohesive appearance.

For example:
Adding a screened porch? We can include a coordinating exterior door that provides easy access as we complete the new addition.
Kitchen remodel? A new modern back door can increase natural light, optimize energy efficiency, and complete the transformation.
Siding replacement? We will see that your doors, trim, and exterior finishes are perfectly coordinated for an even finish.



 

8. Factors that need to be considered under Costs

Raleigh exterior door replacement cost depends on:
Material & Style
Custom Sizes
Glass Panels
Hardware Upgrades
Repairs Requested Structurally



 

9. New exterior door maintenance tips
Wash in soapy water.

Examine weatherstripping.
Repaint or reseal wood doors every few years.
Lubricate hinges to avoid squeaking and rusting.



 

10. Why Hire Wingate Construction for Exterior Door Replacement

When the time comes for new Raleigh, NC exterior doors, you don't want anyone who'll just put in a door — you want someone you can trust to get the job done at your home. At Wingate Construction, we've been building a reputation for over 20 years by giving the best service, superior workmanship, and long-lasting results.

We’re proud to be a local, trusted, and highly reviewed construction company serving Raleigh and the entire Triangle area. In fact, nearly half of our projects come from repeat clients or referrals — a true sign of the trust and satisfaction we’ve earned over the years.

As an all-around construction contractor, we get rid of the hassle of contacting multiple firms. We can arrange your exterior door replacement with other upgrades such as:

Bathroom remodeling for more comfort and functionality
Kitchen overhauls that transform your kitchen space
Home remodeling to enhance your property's value
Structural repairs to render your home secure and safe
Siding repair and installation to enhance curb appeal
From initial consultation to final touches, Wingate Construction treats every detail with utmost care and precision. Your satisfaction is our top priority.




 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take to replace an exterior door?
A: Most standard replacements take a day, but special or structural repairs will take longer.

Q: Can you match my new door to my existing trim and siding?
A: Yes — we can paint, stain, and finish your new door to blend with the outside of your house.

Q: Do you offer custom-sized doors?
A: Absolutely. We can special-order and install custom doors to accommodate any opening.

Q: Will a new door really make my home more energy efficient?
A: Yes. Properly installed new exterior doors may decrease energy loss and drafts considerably.

Q: Do you offer other home repair services besides replacing doors?
A: Yes — Wingate Construction offers construction, remodeling, home remodel, bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel, general construction, and more.


Conclusion
Replacing your exterior doors is one of the best investments to raise your home's curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency. As part of a larger remodel or as a stand-alone job, Wingate Construction offers professional results you can count on.
If you’re in the Raleigh area and ready to upgrade your home, call us today at (919) 924-9478 or request a free estimate online.