Your front door gets more use than just about any part of your home’s exterior. It opens and closes dozens of times a day, faces every kind of weather Asheville throws at it, and plays a major role in your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal.

Older doors, especially those installed 15 or 20 years ago, often don’t hold up well to mountain weather. They stick in summer humidity, let in drafts during winter, and lose their seal over time. That means your heating and cooling system works harder, your energy bills go up, and your home never quite feels as comfortable as it should.

Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient door is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve comfort, security, and curb appeal all at once. At Baker Home Exteriors, our Asheville team helps homeowners choose doors that perform well in Western North Carolina’s climate and match their home’s style.

Why Doors Matter More Than You Think

When was the last time you thought about your front door? Unless it’s stuck, drafty, or not closing right, it probably doesn’t cross your mind. But your exterior doors play a bigger role in your home’s comfort and efficiency than most people realize.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing air leakage around doors and windows is one of the most cost-effective ways to cut heating and cooling costs. Doors can also affect your home’s energy efficiency through conduction, when heat passes through the material of your door. In Asheville, where homes use both furnaces and air conditioners heavily throughout the year, a leaky door adds up.

Modern door systems are designed to handle temperature swings, humidity, and moisture better than older models. Insulated cores, advanced weatherstripping, and tight seals keep conditioned air inside and outdoor air out. Fiberglass and steel doors resist warping and swelling, which means they maintain their seal year after year.

The result? A home that stays more comfortable, costs less to heat and cool, and feels more secure.

The Best Door Materials for Asheville Homes

Choosing the right material matters when upgrading your doors. Some options handle Asheville’s humidity and temperature swings better than others. Here’s a breakdown of what works best and why.

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass is one of the most popular choices for Asheville homeowners. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and handles humidity and temperature changes better than just about any other material.

Fiberglass doors won’t warp, crack, or rot like wood. They don’t dent like steel. And they can be finished to look like real wood grain, giving you the aesthetic appeal of a traditional door without the upkeep.

Most quality fiberglass doors come with insulated cores that improve energy efficiency. They’re also available in a wide range of styles, from classic six-panel designs to modern flush styles with decorative glass.

Steel Doors

Steel doors offer excellent security and insulation at a reasonable price point. They’re strong, energy-efficient, and require very little maintenance over their lifespan.

Insulated steel doors typically have a polyurethane foam core that provides superior thermal performance. They’re a good choice for homeowners who prioritize security and energy savings.

The downside? Steel can dent if hit hard, and cheaper models may show surface rust over time if the finish gets scratched. But quality steel doors with proper finishes hold up well in Asheville’s climate.

Wood Doors

Wood doors offer timeless beauty and a level of craftsmanship that’s hard to match with synthetic materials. They’re especially popular in Asheville’s historic neighborhoods and with homeowners who want an authentic, traditional look.

The tradeoff is maintenance. Wood expands and contracts with humidity, so it needs to be properly sealed and refinished every few years to prevent warping, cracking, or rot. But for homeowners willing to invest in upkeep, a well-maintained wood door can last decades and add significant character to a home.

Composite and Engineered Wood

If you want the look of wood without the maintenance, composite or engineered wood doors are worth considering. These materials combine wood fibers with resins and other binders to create a product that looks like wood but resists moisture, rot, and insects better than solid wood.

They’re more expensive than fiberglass or steel, but less expensive than solid wood, making them a good middle option.

No matter which material you choose, proper installation is the key to any door’s performance. Baker’s door installation crews follow manufacturer specs for shimming, sealing, and weatherstripping to ensure your door operates smoothly and maintains its energy efficiency for years.

What Door Replacement Actually Costs in Asheville

According to the Journal of Light Construction’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a steel entry door replacement in the South Atlantic region (which includes Asheville) costs around $2,400 on average. This type of project recoups over 200% of its cost in resale value—one of the best returns of any home improvement project.

Fiberglass doors typically cost more upfront than steel but offer superior durability, a more authentic wood-grain appearance, and excellent weather resistance.

Custom wood doors or high-end designs with sidelights, transoms, or decorative glass can cost significantly more, but they also add substantial curb appeal and character to the right home.

You can use Baker’s Home ROI Calculator to estimate the value and energy savings specific to your home and the type of door you’re considering.

Baker Home Exteriors also offers flexible financing options to help make door replacement fit your budget. Whether you’re ready to pay upfront or prefer to spread the cost over time, our team can walk you through financing plans that work for your situation.

And don’t forget: the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit can cover up to 30% of qualifying exterior door costs (capped at $250 per door, $500 total per year). That can help offset the investment in an energy-efficient upgrade.

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Energy Efficiency: What Makes a Door “Energy Efficient”?

The difference between a standard door and an energy-efficient one comes down to a few key features. If you want a door that actually reduces your heating and cooling costs, look for these elements:

Insulated core. Quality exterior doors have a solid foam core, usually polyurethane, that provides better thermal resistance. Look for doors with an R-value of at least 5, though some high-performance models reach R-10 or higher.

Weatherstripping. Even the best door won’t perform if air leaks around the edges. Modern weatherstripping uses compression seals or magnetic strips that create an airtight barrier when the door is closed.

Low-E glass. If your door has glass panels or sidelights, make sure they use Low-E (low-emissivity) coated glass. This coating reflects heat while allowing light through, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Quality threshold. The bottom of the door is often where air leaks occur. Adjustable thresholds with built-in weatherstripping create a tight seal even as the door settles over time.

ENERGY STAR-certified doors meet strict performance standards for thermal resistance and air leakage. They’re a safe bet if you want to ensure you’re getting a product that will deliver real energy savings. In fact, installing ENERGY STAR-certified doors, windows, and skylights can help lower your annual energy costs by 13%.

When you pair a new energy-efficient door with upgrades like modern windows or insulated siding, the combined effect on your home’s comfort and efficiency can be dramatic.

Repair or Replace? How to Know the Difference

Before replacing your door, it’s worth having it evaluated. Many common issues, like drafts, sticking, or alignment problems, can be fixed without the cost of a full replacement.

Common door repairs that can extend your door’s life include:

Replacing worn weatherstripping around the frame
Adjusting hinges or realigning the door in its frame
Replacing a broken lockset or deadbolt
Refinishing or repainting to restore appearance
Replacing the glass in a door with broken or fogged panels

If your door is relatively new and structurally sound, these repairs can add years of service.

But if your door is warped, cracked, or letting in visible drafts even when closed, replacement is usually the smarter investment. Doors that stick badly in humid weather or show daylight around the edges have lost their seal and aren’t worth repairing.

Our specialists will inspect your door and give you an honest assessment of what it needs. We’ll explain whether a repair will solve the problem or if replacement makes better financial sense, with no pressure to upsell, just clear information so you can make the right decision.

Choosing the Right Style for Asheville Homes

Asheville has a unique mix of architectural styles, from Craftsman bungalows and Victorian homes in historic neighborhoods to modern mountain contemporary builds in newer developments. The right door should complement your home’s character.

For historic homes near downtown or in neighborhoods like Montford or Grove Park, traditional wood or woodgrain fiberglass doors work well. Six-panel designs, divided-light glass, and rich stains or painted finishes honor the home’s original style while providing modern performance.

For ranch-style and mid-century homes, simpler flush or minimalist panel designs often look best. Steel or fiberglass in solid colors with clean lines fit the aesthetic without competing with other architectural details.

For contemporary mountain homes, modern fiberglass or steel doors with large glass panels, sidelights, or horizontal lines create a sleek, updated look that maximizes natural light and views.

Baker Home Exteriors works with homeowners to select doors that match their home’s architecture, color palette, and personal style. We can show you options in different materials, finishes, and glass configurations to find the perfect fit.

Installation Makes All the Difference

Even the best door won’t perform if it’s not installed correctly. Poor alignment, inadequate shimming, or gaps in the weatherstripping can lead to air leaks, water infiltration, and operational problems.

Our installation team follows exact manufacturer specifications for every door replacement. This includes:

Proper shimming to ensure the door operates smoothly
Flashing and sealing around the frame to prevent water intrusion
Correct weatherstripping placement and adjustment
Testing the door’s swing, latch, and lock operation before finishing

Most door installations can be completed in a single day, with minimal disruption to your routine. Our crews have completed door installations throughout the Asheville area, from historic homes in Montford to newer builds in Arden and everything in between, and we understand what it takes to make doors perform in mountain weather.

Learn more about our Asheville door services or check out reviews from local customers on our Google Business Profile.

Common Questions About Door Replacement in Asheville

What type of door works best in Asheville’s climate?
Fiberglass and insulated steel doors are the best all-around performers. They resist humidity, temperature swings, and moisture better than wood, and they require very little maintenance.

Can a new door really lower my energy bills?
Yes. ENERGY STAR-rated doors reduce air leakage and improve insulation, which helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. The savings add up over time, especially in a climate where you use both heating and cooling heavily.

How long does door installation take?
Most single-door projects can be completed in one day. Larger projects involving multiple doors or custom installations may take longer.

What are the signs I should replace my exterior door?
Drafts around the frame, visible daylight at the edges, sticking or binding, difficulty latching, peeling finish, or warping are all signs it’s time to replace rather than repair.

Can you match my home’s architectural style?
Absolutely. Baker Home Exteriors offers a wide range of door styles, finishes, and glass options to complement any home, from historic Craftsman to modern mountain contemporary.

Do I need to replace the frame too?
Not always. If the frame is in good condition and properly sized, we can often install a new door in the existing frame. If the frame is rotted, damaged, or poorly installed, replacement is usually recommended.

What about storm doors—do I need one?
Storm doors can provide extra protection and ventilation, but they’re not necessary with a quality insulated exterior door. We can discuss whether a storm door makes sense for your situation.

A Local Team That Understands Mountain Homes

Baker Home Exteriors is a fourth-generation, family-owned company with more than 110 years of experience protecting and improving homes in the Carolinas. Our Asheville team brings that same level of craftsmanship and care to every project, whether it’s a single door replacement, roof and gutter repairs, or a complete exterior upgrade.

As a locally based team, we’ve seen firsthand how Asheville’s climate affects different door materials and what holds up over time. We guide you through the selection process, handle the installation with care, and make sure everything is cleaned up and ready for you to enjoy.

When you work with Baker, you’re getting more than a new door. You’re getting an upgrade that improves comfort, security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal for years to come.