If you're planning on buying a house, selling your current one, or simply staying put but want to ensure your home is in top condition, performing a thorough exterior door inspection is essential. Doors play a crucial role in your home’s comfort, safety, and curb appeal — and identifying issues early can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Exterior doors are exposed to harsh weather conditions, daily wear and tear, and fluctuating temperatures. These factors can cause subtle problems that may go unnoticed until they become bigger, more expensive issues. Whether you’re in the middle of a real estate transaction or just taking proactive care of your home, a door inspection helps ensure your doors perform their best year-round.

Below, we’ll walk through the key steps of a comprehensive exterior door inspection and explain what to look for — along with what to do if you discover air or water leaks.

Checking Your Door's Swing

The way a door swings can impact both its performance and its lifespan. During your inspection, open and close the door multiple times to check for smooth operation, sticking, or uneven movement.

Exterior doors that swing outward often perform better against water infiltration than inward-swinging doors because they typically feature more effective threshold designs. This can make a big difference in preventing rainwater from entering your home, especially in heavy Midwest storms.

Also, examine the hinges carefully. Your exterior door should have exterior-rated hinges — these are corrosion-resistant and designed to withstand exposure to moisture and temperature extremes. Many also have non-removable pins for added security, making it harder for intruders to tamper with the hinge.

If your door is difficult to open or close, the problem may be due to settling, warped materials, loose hardware, or even improper installation. Addressing this early prevents more serious issues like drafts, misaligned locks, or damaged weatherstripping.

Inspecting the Threshold

The threshold is the slightly raised, sloped piece at the base of the door that seals against the door’s bottom edge. It serves as your home’s first line of defense against water, drafts, pests, and dust. Without a functioning threshold, air and water leaks are inevitable.

Check if your door has a threshold at all — some older installations may be missing one entirely. If one is present, look for standing water, sagging, cracks, or signs of rot. Also, make sure the threshold is sloped slightly away from your home to direct water outside, not inside. It should also feel solid and immovable when stepped on; a flexible or bowed threshold often means it’s failing.

If the threshold shows signs of damage, replacing it is a good first step. However, if water has been seeping in for a long time, the underlying sill or subfloor may be damaged, in which case a full exterior door replacement might be necessary.

Examining the Hinges

Hinges are more than just pivot points — they bear the full weight of your door and help keep it aligned. Begin by determining whether the hinges face inside or outside when the door is closed. Hinges exposed to the elements must be exterior-rated, made from stainless steel or brass to resist corrosion.

If you spot rust, pitting, or a dull, worn appearance, the hinges may not be weatherproof. Non-weather-resistant hinges should always face inward to avoid accelerated wear and potential security risks — regular hinge pins can be removed from the outside, allowing the door to be taken off its frame.

Even if the hinges are the correct type, check for loose screws, bent leaves, or sagging. Replacing or tightening hinges can restore smooth operation and improve security.

Inspecting the Door Sweep

The door sweep, located along the bottom edge of the door, seals the gap between the door and the threshold. It’s a small component, but without it, drafts, water, and pests can easily enter your home.

Look closely for cracks, gaps, or worn rubber. Even a small tear can compromise the sweep’s effectiveness. If your door doesn’t have a sweep at all, installing one will significantly improve energy efficiency and weather protection.

Overall Door Frame and Seal Check

After checking individual parts, perform a complete visual inspection of the door frame and surrounding area. Open the door fully to inspect the jambs, weatherstripping, and sill for water stains, warped wood, peeling paint, or rot.

On the interior, check the flooring just inside the door. Warped wood, buckled laminate, or damp carpet could indicate a long-term leak. If you have carpet, carefully pull up a corner to check underneath for hidden moisture damage.

Lastly, inspect hardware like locks, knobs, and deadbolts to ensure they work smoothly. On a windy or cold day, run your hand along the edges of the closed door to feel for drafts.

Don’t Forget Your Garage Door

Your exterior door inspection shouldn’t stop at your entryways — your garage door is often the largest exterior door in your home and just as important. A poorly functioning garage door can lead to energy loss, security risks, and even injury if it malfunctions.

Check for dents, rust, frayed cables, misaligned tracks, and worn weatherstripping. Test the automatic opener for smooth operation and make sure the safety sensors work properly. If the opener is broken or the door has significant damage, replacement is the safest option.

In the Midwest, a steel-insulated garage door provides the best balance of strength, weather resistance, and thermal performance.

Why Routine Door Inspections Matter

Exterior doors are more than just entry points — they’re part of your home’s insulation system, security barrier, and aesthetic appeal. A regular inspection helps prevent costly repairs, keeps your home energy efficient, and ensures safety for everyone inside.

Some issues can be resolved with simple fixes like replacing a hinge, sweep, or threshold. But in cases of severe damage or poor energy performance, a full replacement may be the most cost-effective solution in the long run.

Feldco has provided over 400,000 Midwest homeowners with durable, energy-efficient entry, patio, storm, and garage doors. If your inspection shows it’s time for an upgrade, get your free quote today and discover why we’re the region’s most trusted door company.