Your exterior doors are more than just entryways — they shape your home’s curb appeal, impact energy efficiency, and play a pivotal role in security. Being a homeowner in Colorado Springs, where sharp seasonal temperature swings and dry air put extra stress on exterior doors and windows, selecting the right exterior door replacement is crucial for both comfort and cost savings.
This exterior door guide from Judd’s Glass in Colorado Springs, your local exterior door and door glass specialists, explains why replacing outdated exterior doors is a worthwhile investment in Colorado Springs and how to make an informed decision.
Colorado’s Climate Calls for Strong, Efficient Doors
Colorado Springs is situated at a high elevation with low humidity and significant temperature fluctuations. These conditions cause wood to expand and contract, warp seals, and degrade weather stripping. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that properly installed insulated exterior doors can reduce energy loss by up to 25%, and new doors help restore insulation lost through warped frames or drafts. Signs it’s time to replace your door include drafts, difficulty opening or closing, visible damage, and rising energy bills.
Replacing a worn exterior door protects against harsh sun, ice, and wind. Modern Wood, fiberglass, and steel exterior doors utilize advanced materials and weatherproofing to maintain indoor temperatures, reduce noise, and prevent moisture damage from front windows. Steel and fiberglass options resist warping and cracking, while high‑quality wood doors offer timeless style but require more maintenance.
Your front door is the first thing visitors notice, and a faded or damaged one can detract from the appearance of an otherwise beautiful home. Upgrading to a stylish entry door can transform your home’s look and offer one of the best returns on investment among home improvements. Real estate studies show that a new exterior door can deliver a 70–80% ROI (imperiumexteriors.com), making it a smart upgrade if you plan to sell.
Judd’s Glass in Colorado Springs offers custom doors tailored to your style — whether you prefer a bold modern design, classic woodgrain finish, or energy‑efficient fiberglass. A professionally installed door also signals to buyers that the home is well-maintained and secure, increasing its market appeal.
Improve Security and Peace of Mind
Older doors often have weakened frames and outdated locks that are easily forced open. New doors use reinforced cores, solid wood, steel, or fiberglass skins, and multi-point locking systems to deter intruders. imperiumexteriors.com. Upgrading your exterior door is one of the simplest ways to enhance your family’s safety.
Judd’s Glass partners with trusted brands to provide high-security entry doors and professional installation, ensuring a precise fit and a weather-tight seal. Investing in a secure door gives you peace of mind, whether you’re at home or away.
Lower Your Energy Bills
A drafty door forces your heating and cooling system to work harder, resulting in higher utility bills. Modern replacement doors feature insulated cores, tight seals, and energy-efficient materials that prevent air leaks and help regulate indoor temperatures. Homeowners who replace old doors often notice immediate improvements in comfort — rooms stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
In Colorado Springs, where temperature swings are common, an energy‑efficient door helps maintain indoor comfort and lowers HVAC costs. Over time, the energy savings can offset the cost of the door itself, especially when paired with efficient windows and proper insulation.
Reduce Noise and Increase Comfort
If you live near busy streets or noisy neighbors, new exterior doors can make your home quieter. Many modern doors feature soundproofing technology and thicker insulating cores, which reduce traffic noise and provide a more peaceful indoor environment.
Replacing an old, thin door with a well‑insulated option also improves privacy by keeping conversations and other sounds inside your home from being heard outside. You’ll enjoy a quieter, more relaxing living space.
Save Time on Maintenance
Older wood doors require frequent painting, sealing, and repairs to prevent warping and rot. Fiberglass and steel doors, on the other hand, are durable, low-maintenance, and built to withstand Colorado’s harsh weather.
Instead of investing time and money in ongoing repairs, replacing your door provides long‑term durability and eliminates the need for regular upkeep. Many homeowners find that investing in a new door reduces overall maintenance costs over the years.
Enjoy Customization and Smart Features
A replacement door is an opportunity to customize your entryway with features that suit your lifestyle. Options include decorative glass inserts for natural light, sidelights or transoms, and even smart locks with keyless entry. Judd’s Glass offers a wide range of door styles, finishes, and hardware, allowing you to create a unique entrance that reflects your taste and provides practical benefits.
Smart locks can be integrated with home automation systems, allowing you to monitor and control entry from a smartphone. These features enhance convenience and security while adding a modern touch to your home.
Selecting the right installer is just as important as choosing the right door. Judd’s Glass has over 40 years of experience in glass repair and door replacement in Colorado Springs, juddsglass.com. Their experts understand Colorado’s climate and building codes, ensuring your door is properly sealed, insulated, and secure.
They provide free estimates, carry top door brands, and offer professional installation backed by warranties. Whether you need a front door, patio doors, or French doors, Judd’s Glass delivers high‑quality products and craftsmanship. Contact them for a free estimate and transform your home’s entryway today.
Understanding Colorado’s Building Codes
Colorado has implemented updated energy‑efficiency standards for windows and doors based on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code. Beginning January 1, 2026, residential windows and doors with more than half glass must meet a U‑factor of 0.30 or lower to minimize heat loss. Opaque doors and those with less than half glazing are exempt. Local jurisdictions may enforce even stricter requirements, so it’s essential to check with the city before starting your project. Failing to meet the code can result in fines of up to $2,000 per non-compliant door. Working with a licensed installer ensures your new door meets these energy standards and that all required documentation is handled correctly.
The Exterior Door Installation Process, Step by Step
Replacing an exterior door involves more than just swapping out a door. Depending on the type of exterior door you choose, it can be a standard, double-front exterior door. When installing an exterior door near you in Colorado Springs, our exterior door installation crews follow a multi-stage process to ensure a perfect fit and long-lasting performance. First, they measure the opening, assess any frame damage, and remove the old unit. Next, they align and secure the new frame, checking for level and plumb to prevent sticking or drafts.
The door slab and hardware are then hung; hinges, locks, and handles must be adjusted precisely to ensure a secure fit. After the door is in place, installers apply caulk, foam, and weatherstripping to seal gaps and insulate. Finally, they make finishing adjustments and clean up the work area. A straightforward replacement typically takes a few hours, but projects with double doors or sidelights may require an additional half-day.
Budgeting for Your New Door
Most exterior door replacements in Colorado Springs cost between $800 and $4,000. The price depends on factors such as exterior door material (fiberglass, steel, or wood), style, and size. Fiberglass and steel often provide the best performance‑to‑cost ratio, while custom wood doors increase both material and maintenance expenses. When considering your budget, remember that a new door can deliver a 70–80 % return on investment and lower energy bills over time. Financing options and rebates for energy‑efficient products may also be available.
Maintenance Tips for Each Material
Proper maintenance protects your investment and keeps your door looking and performing its best. Wipe down the door and trim every few months and re‑caulk or reseal as needed. For wood doors, plan to repaint or refinish every two to three years to protect against UV exposure and dry air. Lubricate hinges and locks before winter to prevent squeaks and ensure smooth operation. Fiberglass and steel doors are generally lower maintenance, but they should still be cleaned periodically and inspected for dents or scratches. Regularly check weatherstripping for cracks or gaps caused by Colorado’s freeze‑thaw cycles and replace it when necessary.
Trending Entry Door Styles in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs homeowners often gravitate toward styles that complement the region’s natural beauty. Popular choices include fiberglass doors with woodgrain finishes in walnut or mahogany tones, decorative sidelights, and arched transom glass windows. Matte black or bronze hardware gives a modern-rustic look and pairs well with Craftsman and mountain-modern architecture. Neighborhoods like Flying Horse and Broadmoor often select doors that blend energy efficiency with warm visual character. When choosing an exterior style, consider your home’s architecture and the surrounding landscape.
What are the signs that it’s time to replace my exterior door?
Homeowners in Colorado Springs often wonder when a door should be replaced.
Common indicators include visible gaps or drafts around the frame, difficulty opening or closing the door, rising heating or cooling bills and noticeable damage like rust, rot or peeling paint.
A 1/8 inch gap around an exterior door is equivalent to drilling a 5½ inch hole in an exterior wall so even small drafts signal energy loss.
These problems worsen in Colorado Springs’ climate, where freeze thaw cycles and dry air cause frames to shift and weather stripping to crack If you notice these signs, a new door will restore insulation and security.
How long does exterior door installation take?
Professional installation usually takes just a few hours Installers prepare the opening, remove the old unit, secure the new frame, fit the door and hardware, and seal and insulate the perimeter.
If you’re switching from a single to a double door or adding sidelights, allow extra time—often a half day more. Working with a skilled installer ensures the door is level and airtight.
How much does it cost to replace an exterior door in Colorado Springs?
Costs vary based on material, style, glass inserts, hardware upgrades and labor.
Standard exterior door installations generally fall between $500 and $1,900, with front door projects ranging from $650 to $3,700 and double doors from $1,100 to $5,600. The average cost to install a new door is $338 to $1,488, including the slab, hardware and labor.
Fiberglass and steel doors often deliver the best performance to cost ratio while custom wood doors add character but require higher material and maintenance costs.
What materials are best for Colorado’s climate?
Fiberglass doors provide excellent insulation and resist warping in extreme temperatures.
Steel doors are ideal for heightened security concerns, with an internal foam core and full weather stripping that makes them strong and energy efficient.
Wood doors are timeless and elegant but require regular upkeep—Home Depot notes that using a wood door with a storm door can void its warranty and that wood doors need repainting to preserve their look.
Many homeowners choose fiberglass or steel to balance durability, energy efficiency and maintenance
Will a new exterior door lower my energy bills?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that your home’s exterior doors can contribute significantly to air leakage when they are old, uninsulated or poorly sealed.
New exterior doors often fit and insulate better than older types and replacing them can reduce heating and cooling cost.
Steel and fiberglass doors with polyurethane foam cores typically have R values of about R 5 to R 6—more than five times the insulating value of a solid wood door.
Upgrading to a well sealed, insulated door helps maintain indoor temperatures and lowers utility bills.
Will a new exterior door lower my energy bills?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that your home’s exterior doors can contribute significantly to air leakage when they are old, uninsulated or poorly sealed.
New exterior doors often fit and insulate better than older types and replacing them can reduce heating and cooling cost.
Steel and fiberglass doors with polyurethane foam cores typically have R values of about R 5 to R 6—more than five times the insulating value of a solid wood door.
Upgrading to a well sealed, insulated door helps maintain indoor temperatures and lowers utility bills.
Do I need a permit to replace my exterior door in Colorado Springs?
For most direct replacements—where the existing frame size, structure and wiring remain unchanged—no permit is needed.
However, projects involving structural changes, added sidelights, transoms or altered electrical components may require a building permit.
Consult your installer or local building department to ensure compliance.
Can I install a door myself?
While experienced DIYers might attempt it, professional installation is recommended.
Door installation requires precise leveling, secure framing, airtight sealing and knowledge of local codes and energy standards.
Mistakes can lead to energy loss, water intrusion or warped frames. Hiring a licensed installer like Judd’s Glass ensures the job meets performance standards and manufacturer warranty requirements.
Will replacing my exterior door increase home value?
Yes. Entry door replacement consistently ranks among the top home improvement projects for return on investment.
Zonda’s 2025 Cost vs Value report lists steel entry door replacement among the highest payback projects, recouping roughly 216 % of its cost at resale.
A new, energy efficient door enhances curb appeal and signals that a home is well cared for, making it a smart investment if you plan to sell or simply want to boost your home’s marketability.
Why choose Judd’s Glass for my door replacement?
Judd’s Glass has served Colorado Springs for over 40 years specializing in energy efficient glass and door replacement.
Judd’s Glass has served Colorado Springs for over 40 years, specializing in energy-efficient glass and door replacement. Their team understands the area’s climate and building codes, offers free estimates and carries high quality door brands backed by warranties.
Working with a local expert Judd’s Glass in Colorado Springs ensures your new wood, fiberglass or Steel exterior door is properly sealed, insulated and built to last in Colorado Springs’ unique environment.
What door styles are popular in Colorado Springs?
Homeowners in Colorado Springs often choose fiberglass doors with woodgrain finishes and decorative glass accents. Matte black or bronze hardware and craftsman inspired detailing are trending.
These styles balance energy efficiency with mountain modern aesthetics and work well in neighborhoods like Flying Horse and Broadmoor.
How do building codes affect my door choice?
Colorado’s updated performance requirements stipulate that residential doors with more than half lite glazing sold after January 1, 2026 must have a U factor of 0.30 or lower, while opaque and ≤½ lite doors are exempt.
Local jurisdictions may enforce stricter standards and may require permits for structural changes, so working with a professional ensures your door selection meets all local and state requirements and includes the proper documentation.
What maintenance does my new door require?
Regular cleaning, re caulking and lubrication keep any door in good shape. Wood doors need periodic refinishing to protect against sun damage and dry air Inspect weatherstripping annually for cracks from freeze thaw cycles and replace it to maintain an airtight seal.
What factors influence the cost of door replacement?
Material choice (fiberglass, steel or wood), door size and style, glass inserts, hardware upgrades, labor and structural modifications all impact cost.
Removing and disposing of the old door and frame can also add to the total. Discussing your needs with a trusted installer helps you select options that fit your budget while meeting energy and design goals.
Ready to enhance your home’s exterior door, providing security, efficiency, and style? Contact Judd’s Glass in Colorado Springs at 719-687-3895 today for a free consultation and discover how a new exterior door can transform your Colorado Springs home.
All Citations
This article references the following sources for facts and data: energy.gov, warmlyyours.com, homedepot.com, homedepot.com, homedepot.com, zondahome.com, worldmillworkalliance.com, homeguide.com,homeguide.com, homeguide.com.
