Toronto and GTA winters are famous for their severity, with heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and generous usage of road salt on the roadways. These elements have a way of entering your home’s front doors, leading to early wear and tear, overpriced energy consumption, and compromised security. The winter season becomes more encouraging for you to protect your entry doors, maintain and even upgrade them!
At ALDA Windows and Doors, we provide entry door installation withstanding the coldest Canadian winters. With over 20 years of experience dealing with Ontario residents, we are aware of Ontario’s unique weather requirements and provide factory-direct, locally manufactured products built to withstand the test of time.
This blog will take a complete look at winter’s impact on doors, how to prevent damage, and why replacing with new, energy-saving doors will save you money and make your home warm and stylish.
How Winter Affects Your Entry Doors
1. Moisture Damage and Warping in Entry Doors
Winter brings excessive moisture from snow and freezing rain, which can penetrate wooden front doors and fiberglass doors, causing them to swell, warp, or even rot. Steel entry doors are generally more moisture-resistant, but if their protective finish is damaged, they can rust and deteriorate.
2. Road Salt and Chemical Corrosion on Exterior Doors
Road salt and de-icing chemicals commonly used on sidewalks and driveways can splash onto black front doors, double front doors, and entrance doors. These chemicals accelerate corrosion, causing the paint and finish to peel, exposing the door to further damage.
3. Ice and Slush Accumulation Around Door Frames
When snow and ice accumulate around door thresholds and frames, they can prevent the door from sealing properly, leading to cold drafts and increased heating costs.
4. Drafts and Energy Loss Through Poor Insulation
Older doors, or doors with worn-out weatherstripping, allow warm indoor air to escape and cold air to enter, making your home less energy-efficient. Front doors replacement with insulated steel doors or fiberglass entry doors can reduce heat loss and lower utility bills.
5. Frozen Locks and Hinges Making Entry Difficult
Cold temperatures cause door locks, hinges, and mechanisms to freeze, making it difficult to open your door, which can be dangerous in emergencies.
How to Protect Your Entry Doors from Winter Damage
1. Choose the Right Winter-Resistant Entry Door Material
Different door materials have varying levels of resistance to winter weather. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for entry doors installation:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Fiberglass Doors | Highly moisture-resistant, durable, energy-efficient | Can crack under extreme impact |
| Steel Entry Doors | Strong, secure, resistant to warping | Prone to rust if coating is damaged |
| Wood Doors | Classic appearance, good insulation | High maintenance, susceptible to moisture damage |
For Toronto homeowners, the best option is typically fiberglass entry doors or steel entry doors due to their durability and insulation properties.
2. Apply a High-Quality Protective Sealant or Weather-Resistant Paint
Applying a weather-resistant sealant or exterior-grade paint protects wooden and steel doors from moisture infiltration, preventing warping, swelling, and rust formation.
3. Upgrade to High-Performance Weatherstripping for an Airtight Seal
Inspect the weatherstripping on your glass front door, front door with sidelights, and double front doors. If it’s worn out, replace it with high-performance rubber or foam weatherstripping to prevent air leaks and reduce energy costs.
4. Install a Storm Door for Extra Protection
A storm door adds an additional insulating barrier to your entrance doors, reducing drafts, blocking snow and ice, and extending the lifespan of your primary door.
5. Keep Your Entry Door Free from Salt and Slush Build-Up
Regularly clean double doors, sliding patio doors, and black front doors with mild detergent and warm water to remove salt and slush. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that can strip protective coatings.
6. Lubricate Door Locks and Hinges to Prevent Freezing
Use a silicone-based lubricant on entry door locks, hinges, and moving parts to keep them operational throughout winter.
7. Inspect and Maintain Your Door Frame and Threshold
Regularly check the frame and threshold of your entry door installation for cracks or gaps. Applying high-quality caulking can prevent water infiltration and heat loss.
8. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Entry Doors for Better Insulation
If your doors are outdated, upgrading to modern entry doors replacement options like fiberglass entry doors or steel entry doors with insulated cores can improve energy efficiency by up to 30%.
How Replacing an Entry Door Can Transform Your Home (More Than Staying Warm)
While keeping out the cold, salt, and not being frozen in with lock-ups are all gigantic reasons to winterize doors, let’s talk about the bigger picture. A new entry door installation is more than security, it elevates your home’s appearance, protection, and efficiency to the next level.
Boosting Your Home’s Curb Appeal Instantly
Your front door is the initial impression visitors have when coming to your home. You can choose a sleek black front door, elegant double front doors, or a dramatic fiberglass entry door with sidelights, but a well-planned, strong door makes a lasting first impression.
Improving Home Security
Let’s be realistic, a thin, old door is the first thing to go for any intruder. New steel front doors and fiberglass doors have multi-point locking mechanisms, solid core construction, and advanced security elements that protect your family and valuables.
Lowering Your Energy Bills
Did you know heat loss through poorly insulated windows and doors is among the biggest reasons for large winter energy bills? Replacing a door with an ENERGY STAR-qualified entry door can prevent much of the heat flow, and heat your home without exhausting your furnace.
Fewer Maintenance Hassles
Sick of repainting, resealing, and having jammed doors? Installing a new fiberglass or steel front door requires little maintenance, no warping, no rot, and no need to repaint annually.
Boosting Your Home’s Resale Value
A well-insulated, stylish, and secure front door replacement isn’t just a winter upgrade, it’s an investment that adds value to your home. If you’re thinking about selling in the future, potential buyers will appreciate the energy efficiency, security, and modern appeal.
Why ALDA Windows and Doors is the Best Choice for Entry Door Installation
At ALDA Windows and Doors, we offer expert entry door installation, front doors replacement, and storm doors installation to protect Toronto homes from winter’s harsh conditions.
- Locally manufactured, factory-direct products ensuring durability.
- 20+ years of experience in door installation and replacement.
- Licensed and insured professionals for a seamless, stress-free experience.
- Customizable doors, including black front doors, double doors, and fiberglass entry doors.
- Energy-efficient materials to help lower heating costs.
- Strict compliance with Ontario building codes and safety regulations.
- Competitive pricing and free consultations to help homeowners choose the best door solutions.
Winter-Proof & Protect Your Entry Doors Today
You don’t have to put up with drafty, outdated doors that struggle to perform in the winter. At ALDA Windows and Doors, we specialize in front door installation, entry doors replacement, and exterior doors. We offer customizable options! From black front doors and double front doors to energy-efficient fiberglass and steel entry doors. We ensure your home is protected, stylish, and well-insulated.
Call us today or visit us to explore our selection of windows and doors. This winter, let’s make sure your home stays warm, secure, and beautiful.