Doors get opened and closed thousands of times a year, and they’re expected to keep out weather, noise and intruders the whole time. When a door sticks, drafts, rattles or won’t lock properly, it’s more than an annoyance. Our door installation and repair in Philadelphia covers every type of door in your home, from the front entry to the closet, done carefully so it opens smoothly and closes tight.
Home Exchange has been renovating homes and buildings since 1986 and serving Philadelphia since around 2005. Security is the top priority with entry doors, so we take the time to get the fit, hardware and frame right on every installation and repair.
Door installation and repair in Philadelphia
Types of doors we service
- Exterior entry doors, including front, back and side doors
- Interior doors for bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways
- Sliding glass and patio doors
- Pocket doors that slide into the wall
- Barn doors on surface-mounted tracks
- Storm and screen doors
- Attic doors and hatches
- Garage doors, including the entry door between the garage and house
- Custom doors for unusual sizes and openings
Frames, thresholds and weatherproofing
A door is only as good as its frame. We repair rotted or damaged frames, install new frames when needed, replace worn thresholds and add fresh weatherstripping so the door seals properly. That helps keep heating and cooling in and water out, a real benefit in Philadelphia’s wet springs and cold winters.
Smart locks, deadbolts and hardware
We install smart locks, keypad locks and deadbolts, plus new handles, hinges and closers. After installation, we show you how to configure a smart lock and keep your codes private. Upgrading hardware is one of the simplest ways to improve security and give a door a fresh look.
Handrails and stairs
Handrails improve safety at entries, on basement and garage steps and in tub and shower areas. We install store-bought options and build custom handrails and stairs when needed. For other woodwork, see our carpentry services.
Common door problems and what causes them
- Sticking or rubbing. Often caused by loose hinges, seasonal swelling or a house that has settled. Usually fixable with adjustments or planing.
- Not latching. The strike plate and latch are misaligned. We realign or reposition them.
- Drafts and light gaps. Worn weatherstripping or a frame that’s out of square.
- Sliding doors that grind. Dirty or worn rollers and damaged tracks.
- Soft or rotted wood. Water has gotten into the frame or bottom of the door, often from a failed threshold or poor drainage.
Older row homes and twins around Northeast Philly and Kensington frequently have settled framing and non-standard door sizes. We measure carefully and adjust so new doors fit properly, rather than forcing a standard size into an opening that isn’t.
Our door installation process
- Assess and measure. We check the opening, frame condition and how the door needs to swing or slide.
- Recommend options. Repair, new slab or prehung door, and the right hardware for your needs.
- Prepare the opening. We remove the old door carefully and fix any frame damage.
- Install and adjust. The door is set plumb, level and square, then adjusted for a smooth swing and tight seal.
- Finish. Trim, caulk, weatherstripping and hardware go on, and we test locks with you.
What affects the cost of door work
- Door type and material. Steel, fiberglass, solid wood and glass doors vary widely.
- Repair vs. replacement. Adjustments cost far less than a new door.
- Frame condition. Rotted frames or out-of-square openings add work.
- Hardware. Smart locks, multipoint locks and decorative hardware add to the total.
- Finishing. Painting or staining a new door and trim.
Tips before you replace a door
- Measure the width, height and thickness of the existing door, but let us confirm before you buy.
- Note which way the door swings and which side the hinges are on.
- Think about glass, since sidelights and glass panels add light but affect privacy and security.
- Consider pairing a new entry door with new hardware so everything matches.
Why homeowners trust us with their doors
We know a front door is about safety as much as style. That’s why we treat every installation with care and back it with our Done Right Promise. We often handle doors alongside window work, garage projects and general installation services. We serve Philadelphia, the suburbs and South Jersey. Request a quote to get started.