Should I change my teak door?

Comer1

I have a teak front door since the house was build in 1996. It's in an alcove under a balcony so gets no weather whatsoever. It's in absolutely perfect condition, exactly as it was the day it was installed by Munster Joinery. It has triple locking and I also fitted a mortise lock a couple of years ago.

The only issue is a bit of condensation on the panels and single glazed glass panels during very cold weather. My wife wants to change it for a composite door but I'm not sure if it's really necessary. Would I be mad to take out (what I consider) a very good door or would the advantages of a composite door over this one be worth it?

Thanks

Outkast_IRE

How are it's seals , is it drafty any noticeable air getting in ?

I have s new Palladio with no letterbox and it's a different class to the previous teak door , but I had issues with the old door sealing so the improvement was always going to be massive

The Continental Op

Tell your wife to get her sowing machine out and run up some curtains to put on that wall that can be pulled across the door. Would look nicer and be cozier than a lump of white plastic

Comer1

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

How are it's seals , is it drafty any noticeable air getting in ?

I have s new Palladio with no letterbox and it's a different class to the previous teak door , but I had issues with the old door sealing so the improvement was always going to be massive

Thanks for the reply. No noticeable drafts so seals must still be good.

CoBo55

The Continental Op wrote: »

Tell your wife to get her sowing machine out and run up some curtains to put on that wall that can be pulled across the door. Would look nicer and be cozier than a lump of white plastic

He could always get a brown composite door.

CoBo55

Comer1 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. No noticeable drafts so seals must still be good.

Resistance is futile.
Start getting those door catalogues aul son, at least try and get one you like. You'll probably get a few quid for the old door on DD.

chooseusername

The Continental Op wrote: »

Tell your wife to get her sowing machine out and run up some curtains to put on that wall that can be pulled across the door. Would look nicer and be cozier than a lump of white plastic

Be a bit boaring though.

Alun

Depending on the model of Palladio door you can get the inside any colour you want. Ours is white, but it's a woodgrain pattern, just like the outside so doesn't look like a tacky piece of white plastic at all.

Comer1

CoBo55 wrote: »

Resistance is futile.
Start getting those door catalogues aul son, at least try and get one you like. You'll probably get a few quid for the old door on DD.

Decision will ultimately be mine (I think :rolleyes::) ), just want to know if the substantial cost will be worth it for the upgrade.

Our current door isn't worth upgrading for appearances sake only, I just don't know if the difference in performance will be worth it.

chicorytip

Work out your budget first of all. A composite (Palladio) type of door will cost significantly more than a teak one but may not be worth justifying the extra cost.

Government buildings

Why not paint the teak door? Benefits of teak door is that it can be repainted over and over as you get tired of the colour. PVC doors? No taste!

CoBo55

Comer1 wrote: »

Decision will ultimately be mine (I think :rolleyes::) ), just want to know if the substantial cost will be worth it for the upgrade.

Our current door isn't worth upgrading for appearances sake only, I just don't know if the difference in performance will be worth it.

Let us know what door you get:D The mil has a lovely wood grain type pvc door it looks very well and it's a few years old at this stage.

mr_cochise

Would I be right in thinking that the fact there is condensation occurring means the door is acting as a cold bridge, i.e., the house is losing heat through the door?

ShatterProof

No. A good heavy curtain.

mr_cochise

ShatterProof wrote: »

No. A good heavy curtain.

Would definitely be a cheaper option.

CoBo55

mr_cochise wrote: »

Would definitely be a cheaper option.

Yea, in 1900 to stop the draught blowing out the candles...

Comer1

mr_cochise wrote: »

Would I be right in thinking that the fact there is condensation occurring means the door is acting as a cold bridge, i.e., the house is losing heat through the door?

Yes, but would how long would it take to make back the 2.5k cost of a new door in heating savings?

I'm slightly the wrong side of middle aged so might not even live long enough to make that saving :rolleyes:

listermint

Hard to give you and answer without seeing airflow. If you know someone with a FLIR camera could check the cold levels on door. And also use a incense stick lit to see if there smoke is moving around the door edges.

If yes then ya new door. Wouldn't bother with curtains personally.

The Continental Op

CoBo55 wrote: »

Yea, in 1900 to stop the draught blowing out the candles...

So in 2000 we should be living in plastic boxes?

mr_cochise

Comer1 wrote: »

Yes, but would how long would it take to make back the 2.5k cost of a new door in heating savings?

I'm slightly the wrong side of middle aged so might not even live long enough to make that saving :rolleyes:

Yeah, that's the nub of it really, cost versus benefit.

listermint

Comer1 wrote: »

Yes, but would how long would it take to make back the 2.5k cost of a new door in heating savings?

I'm slightly the wrong side of middle aged so might not even live long enough to make that saving :rolleyes:

I do tend to think of things through comfort and not return on investment though. You could get less than a Palladio door with similar UValues for less than that though.

Something like this or adverts.

https://instagram.com/wholesalepvcireland?igshid=1jnr6nyp8gc9m

Outkast_IRE

As it's just a door with no side panels a Palladio composite could be gotten for 1500-1600 . Yeah the condensation on the glass is a sign heat is escaping . I think they are a worthwhile investment assuming you have tackled the other low hanging fruit such as attic insulation , cavity wall insulation etc.

CoBo55

Comer1 wrote: »

Yes, but would how long would it take to make back the 2.5k cost of a new door in heating savings?

I'm slightly the wrong side of middle aged so might not even live long enough to make that saving :rolleyes:

Ah for God sake would ya stop, either you (the wife) want to change the door or you don't. Put the spreadsheets away and make the decision. Life is too short to be measuring things in sips of oil saved.

cute geoge

I would be interested in the teak door if you are changing .In fact I had top of range door fitted by MJ a few years back .the door panels all cracked within 12 months and mJ wanted E80 to just to come out to see the problem .Lucky I knew one of the managers and got it sorted but to see door stripped down there was not much in them ,I reckon you could drive in the panels with a good kick .I would say warranty and repair service by mj is just a joke but reasonably good quality otherwise

Government buildings

The door is perfect. Paint the frame around the door. Then paint the door a different colour, so it stands out. Your wife will be delighted! Of course, she will choose the colours.

John Hutton

Had a similar door in the past, I stuck a curtain up, it feels snug and blocks out annoying street-light as well as helping with heat.

There's nothing wrong with your door, maybe paint it if its the looks she is on about. Otherwise you are just wasting money that could be better spent on something else.

Your house is coming up on 30 years old, so maybe consider replacing the cold water tank in the attic, or the kerosene tank outside (if you have one) or replacing all the electrical sockets and light switches in your house, or there are other jobs that could be done for not far off the money a new door (to replace a perfect door) would cost.

listermint

John Hutton wrote: »

Had a similar door in the past, I stuck a curtain up, it feels snug and blocks out annoying street-light as well as helping with heat.

There's nothing wrong with your door, maybe paint it if its the looks she is on about. Otherwise you are just wasting money that could be better spent on something else.

Your house is coming up on 30 years old, so maybe consider replacing the cold water tank in the attic, or the kerosene tank outside (if you have one) or replacing all the electrical sockets and light switches in your house, or there are other jobs that could be done for not far off the money a new door (to replace a perfect door) would cost.

Wtf has light switches and cold water tanks got to do it with heat retention....


Bizarre

John Hutton

listermint wrote: »

Wtf has light switches and cold water tanks got to do it with heat retention....


Bizarre

Nothing, I'm pointing out there are more important jobs to be done on a house pushing 30 than replacing a perfectly fine door.

CoBo55

listermint wrote: »

Wtf has light switches and cold water tanks got to do it with heat retention....


Bizarre

Woosh....

JustAThought

there’s a major world recession coming. Paint the door - you might well rue the day you spent a couple if grand in an entirely unnecessary dior & vanity acessory to please your wife when the bottom falls out of the ecomomy entirely. Say no and pInt it if needs be. Few folk in my area have jumped on the MDF/Composite doors aNd its just another house fashion fad - few have had problems with fit and huge delays due to covid/factory ordering/availability uncertainties - keep your money in the bank for the emergency you might need and leave the beautiful solid teak door where it is.

Lumen

That door is probably leaking about 100W in very cold weather, assuming seals are good. That's maybe 300kWh over the heating season, costing less than 20 euros in heating.

That makes the payback time on a 1500 euro door about a hundred years.

Exact numbers arguable but there is no economic case for replacing that door.

listermint

John Hutton wrote: »

Nothing, I'm pointing out there are more important jobs to be done on a house pushing 30 than replacing a perfectly fine door.

Not sure what the other fellas woosh is for.

What is specifically wrong with a light switch or wall socket from 1996 that is important that it needs replacing

I really need to understand your version of these mistruths your spreading. Because I mean there's a national crisis at hand here we've alot of houses built in the 90s this could be a time bomb.

Triboro

Painted my MJ door too,
Much happier,

John Hutton

listermint wrote: »

Not sure what the other fellas woosh is for.

What is specifically wrong with a light switch or wall socket from 1996 that is important that it needs replacing

I really need to understand your version of these mistruths your spreading. Because I mean there's a national crisis at hand here we've alot of houses built in the 90s this could be a time bomb.

How am I spreading mistruths? Wind your neck in.



Could be grubby or old. Plug sockets may not have switches, or could be beginning to wear out with plugs no longer snugly fitting. Light switches may be getting worn out too. Light outlets may be getting grubby too. I'm not saying that they will burn the house down, but they are perishable items that do need to be replaced. Replacing them can given a good aesthetic, and practical, upgrade.



Plastic cold water tanks have a life of about 30 to 35 years, no harm replacing before the end of their lifespan, because a leak can be a disaster. Replacing the kerosene tank should be done every few decades, a leak there is an even bigger disaster.



I don't know why you are so put out at my suggestion that there are other jobs around the house that could be done - remember, this in the context of should the OP replace a perfect door - how you have someone leaped from this to things being a "time bomb" is beyond me. The things I mentioned are ones which I would consider more useful to do before replacing a door which has zero wrong with it and likely wont need to be replaced for decades to come.

CoBo55

Unfollowed. My new years resolution.

looksee

I thought teak timber didn't paint too well, because of the oils in it? Or am I out of date? Anyway the issue isn't the colour of the door, its the bit of condensation. I'd agree with the curtain, but then, I am an aul wan. They make an amazing difference to a door though.

jack of all

I've a MJ door with side glazed panels in my 22 year old house, like the OPs it is sheltered in a porch so is in great nick and I've repainted twice and looks fine. I know it's not airtight and is a source of heatloss but I I couldn't justify spending up to €2500 to replace a door that is perfectly sound. If you're not short of money go for it, but I too would be worried about what the next few years may bring!

Thespoofer

Neighbour of mine insulated the inside of his teak door ( anywhere a recess was ) and covered in white back thin ply, painted the rest.
Looks great, keeps in the heat and I'm considering doing my own.

Comer1

Thespoofer wrote: »

Neighbour of mine insulated the inside of his teak door ( anywhere a recess was ) and covered in white back thin ply, painted the rest.
Looks great, keeps in the heat and I'm considering doing my own.

That's what I'm considering doing too.

Thespoofer

Comer1 wrote: »

That's what I'm considering doing too.

It improved sound, heat, door ' feels heavier ' when using and all for a few euro. Outside can be painted any colour you like.
I'm definitely doing mine I just have to finish the job I'm doing at present !

Thespoofer

listermint wrote: »

Wtf has light switches and cold water tanks got to do it with heat retention....


Bizarre

Youd be surprised the amount of draught a light switch/socket can leave into a house..

corks finest

Comer1 wrote: »

I have a teak front door since the house was build in 1996. It's in an alcove under a balcony so gets no weather whatsoever. It's in absolutely perfect condition, exactly as it was the day it was installed by Munster Joinery. It has triple locking and I also fitted a mortise lock a couple of years ago.

The only issue is a bit of condensation on the panels and single glazed glass panels during very cold weather. My wife wants to change it for a composite door but I'm not sure if it's really necessary. Would I be mad to take out (what I consider) a very good door or would the advantages of a composite door over this one be worth it?

Thanks

Fix the seals, buy a pastel colour waterbased paint, brighten it up, as a painter, teak, oak, mahogany doors mostly replaced atm,
One time you'd be shot for painting over hard wood etc not now, they're dated

corks finest

Thespoofer wrote: »

It improved sound, heat, door ' feels heavier ' when using and all for a few euro. Outside can be painted any colour you like.
I'm definitely doing mine I just have to finish the job I'm doing at present !

FFS spread the money, employ a decorator, local, send me a pm, I'll give you ideas if stuck, and pics on what's app of a teak door done a month ago that hadn't seen oil, or paint in 12 years, but sorted easily in 2 hours and a bit, and if u follow simple directions you can diy

Thespoofer

corks finest wrote: »

FFS spread the money, employ a decorator, local

F@!k that, more than capable of doing it myself, too many cowboys around in all trades.

corks finest

Thespoofer wrote: »

F@!k that, more than capable of doing it myself, too many cowboys around in all trades.

Hahaha ha ha not talking about cowboys or rip offs, was in a job in Carrigaline last weekend, previous guy ( not a painter)
Charged e1700 to do a large living room diner including the price of paint etc,
I put the guy right and told him he was ripped off( by a relative of his)and that I would have charged maximum of e475-550

anewme

I replaced my dreadful MJ door with Palladio (no letterbox) and the difference in heat in the hall is amazing though.

I’d love a teak door though and think you are mad to get rid if it unless there is huge heat escaping.

If you Really wanted to change it up;
Change the glass to something more contemporary..
Get it spray painted or hand painted. Different colour in hall will make hall brighter.
Replace the letter box, knobs, knockers etc

Reckon would look great.

corks finest

anewme wrote: »

I replaced my dreadful MJ door with Palladio (no letterbox) and the difference in heat in the hall is amazing though.

I’d love a teak door though and think you are mad to get rid if it.

If you Really wanted to change it up;
Change the glass to something more modern.
Get it spray painted or hand painted.
Replace the letter box, knobs, knockers etc.

Spray painted???? Ffs believe me it goes everywhere, and unless everything, and I mean everything is covered, it'll go all over the place

Government buildings

I don't think I would put water-based paint on the front door.
Firstly clean the door of all grime. Then one coat of oil based primer. Then one coat of light grey undercoat oil based to cover the teak. Finally one or two coats satinwood of your chosen colour oil based. Important to sand lightly between all coats.

Do the same on the inside of the door except finish with a white or light colour. You will get away with water-based on the inside of the door.

I would paint the frame in a contrasting or complimentary colour to the door for maximum effect.

Great idea to insulate the recessed areas on the back of the door.

Best left to a summer job!

Thespoofer

corks finest wrote: »

Hahaha ha ha not talking about cowboys or rip offs, was in a job in Carrigaline last weekend, previous guy ( not a painter)
Charged e1700 to do a large living room diner including the price of paint etc,
I put the guy right and told him he was ripped off( by a relative of his)and that I would have charged maximum of e475-550

Exactly.

anewme

corks finest wrote: »

Spray painted???? Ffs believe me it goes everywhere, and unless everything, and I mean everything is covered, it'll go all over the place

No it won’t. If you get a professional. How do you think people get their kitchens done. ?

I’ve seen people get pvc windows and doors done. Looks like new house.

Garlinge

Interesting thread. Certainly there is a fashion for the composite doors and I can see advantages of insulation, maintenance free and better security. Our door is mahogany as are the windows. I like the look of natural wood. The door is sheltered in a deep porch so over 40 yrs, it only needs rub of oil to smarten up.

I checked over house with a fancy meter and was surprised to see the low rating for the door. I have done most of 'low hanging' fruit on insulation front. It would an expensive job as would need to include a side glazed panel (already doubleglazed). I am thinking maybe to enclose the porch instead but again would be hard to look well with rest of windows in wood. I think maybe leave it for next occupant of house!