When you choose an entry door or system, you are making a terrific investment in your home. With the right selection, you can increase curb appeal, security, and energy-efficiency, while reducing maintenance. As a homeowner, it’s always nice to cut down on your to-do list!  To ensure that your purchase continues to perform optimally for years to come, investigate exterior door warranties.

Does the manufacturer stand behind their product? Do they offer reassurance on its durability and quality — and do they back that up with a comprehensive entry door warranty?

The specifics of your warranty depend on the manufacturer and the region in which you live. For example, if you’re in a coastal region, your warranty may not be as long or as comprehensive as those for customers in other areas. Sea salt isn’t much of a concern in Indiana, fortunately!

Another major factor in your warranty is the material from which the door is constructed: 

Fiberglass. These entry doors typically carry a limited lifetime warranty on the product, along with a 7-10 year warranty on the finish (if they are factory-finished).

Steel. Because the quality of the steel used in doors varies so greatly, warranties here run the gamut from 5 years to about 15.

Wood. Wood entry doors are vulnerable to the elements; moisture and extreme temperatures can cause warping, twisting, and rotting. Warranties are typically short — just 1-2 years.

Wood Clad. With the addition of cladding, you can earn yourself additional years on your external door warranty. These generally run between 10 – 20 years. Your manufacturer may also offer a warranty for glass (~20 years) and hardware component (~10 years) failures, as well as exterior finishes (~10-20 years).