When Should You Replace Your Doors — and Should You Do It at the Same Time as Your Windows?
June 23, 2026
Article Summary
Doors fail the same way windows do — drafts, gaps, sticky operation — and they cost you the same money in January. Here's when to replace them, and when bundling with a window project pays off for Indianapolis homeowners.
We're called Modern Day Door and Window — and a lot of homeowners come to us focused entirely on windows and forget that their doors have the same problems.
So let me talk about doors for a minute.
Your exterior doors — your entry door, your back door, maybe a sliding patio door — are doing the same job as your windows: keeping the Indiana weather out and your conditioned air in. They fail the same way too.
What are the warning signs your exterior doors need replacement?
Raylen Dorrell: There's a short list of issues we see again and again on aging exterior doors:
Drafts around the frame
Difficulty latching
Visible gaps when you look at the threshold
Glass panels that have fogged over
A door that used to swing shut smoothly but now fights you
These aren't cosmetic problems. They're signs the door has stopped doing its core job.
Are drafty doors really as costly as drafty windows?
Yes — and that's the part most homeowners underestimate.
A drafty door is a drafty door, and in January it's as expensive as a drafty window.
You can install brand-new ENERGY STAR windows and still bleed conditioned air out of an old entry door or a failed sliding patio door. The envelope only performs as well as its weakest opening.
Should you replace doors and windows at the same time?
The question I get a lot is: should I replace them at the same time?
Honestly? Usually yes, if both need it. Here's the practical reason:
You're already in the project — the house is already disrupted
You're already in conversation with us — no second discovery cycle
You can often get better pricing on combined work than on two separate projects
You solve the whole envelope at once — no weak link left behind
The worst version of this is finishing your window project and realizing three months later that the door you ignored is undoing your energy savings.
What if your doors are still in good shape?
If your doors are solid — tight seal, smooth operation, no fogged glass, no daylight at the threshold — there's no reason to replace them just for the sake of it.
Come in and we'll take an honest look at both. We're not going to sell you something you don't need — but we will tell you the truth about what we see.
"A drafty door is a drafty door, and in January it's as expensive as a drafty window."
— Raylen Dorrell, Modern Day Door and Window
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my exterior door needs to be replaced?
Common signs include drafts around the frame, difficulty latching, visible gaps at the threshold, fogged glass panels, and doors that no longer swing shut smoothly. These point to seal failure or frame movement — not cosmetic wear.
Is it cheaper to replace doors and windows at the same time?
Often, yes. Combining the projects lets you save on overlapping labor, project setup, and disruption — and it usually earns better pricing than booking two separate projects months apart.
Will new windows alone lower my energy bills if my doors are old?
Only partially. A failing entry door or sliding patio door can quietly cancel out the savings from new windows, since the whole envelope only performs as well as its weakest opening.
How long do exterior doors typically last in Indianapolis?
Most quality exterior doors last 20–30 years, but Indiana's temperature swings, humidity, and freeze-thaw cycles can shorten that lifespan — especially for sliding patio doors and older steel entry doors.
Do I have to replace all my doors at once?
No. Most homeowners prioritize the worst-performing door first — typically the front entry or a failing patio slider — and address others over time.
Does Modern Day Door and Window pressure customers into unnecessary replacements?
No. If your doors are still performing well, we'll tell you. The goal is an honest look at your whole exterior envelope, not a sale on something you don't need.
Scott Dorrell
About the Author
Scott Dorrell is the Co-Founder of Modern Day Window & Door, known for delivering five-star customer experiences and hands-on product expertise. He’s dedicated to helping homeowners improve comfort, efficiency, and long-term value through high-quality window and door solutions.
