New TikTok trend involving your front door could result in severe damage
Homeowners and sellers tend to overlook the importance of their home's front door.
However, experts argue that this is one of the key features that can make or break a sale.
Front doors offer a first impression to buyers, and as the saying goes, the first impression lasts the longest.
For owners, the main entry to the home is also the first line of defence from the outside world, whether it be intruders or the elements.
Over in the US, there's been a resurgence of the concerning 'door-kicking' prank, which gained traction on TikTok last year.
This trend has led to concerns among owners and sellers alike — especially given that things have escalated rapidly since the prank was last popular.
The TikTok 'door-kicking' trend, which started in 2024, involves pounding and kicking on front doors in the middle of the night.
While it might seem like a harmless prank at first, it often leaves residents bewildered and burdened with costly repairs.
Against this backdrop, the importance of your front door can't be overstated as it's more than just an entryway: it's both the first impression of your home and a critical line of defence.
According to Realtor.com, high-quality doors can increase a home's marketability by 5 per cent to 10 per cent, as it suggests durability and low maintenance.
Materials matter when it comes to front doors
With all of this in mind, as real estate agent Alexei Morgado puts it, homeowners should not view the front door just as a surface-level design enhancement but also as a security feature.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass offers a balance of strength, insulation, and low maintenance, mimicking the look of wood without the warping.
According to Doors Plus, 'fibreglass doors lead the way in resilience to the elements and insulation performance'.
Although the price is high, fibreglass doors have a longer lifespan than wood or steel doors. Also, its low maintenance makes it cost-effective over time.
Steel
Steel is the most durable material available for front doors, making it an ideal choice for enhanced security. As long as the weather conditions aren't too extreme, it will not be affected – unlike wood, for example, which can warp when it gets wet.
The downside of a steel door includes that it can be easily scratched or dented and requires a good finish to prevent rust.
Solid wood
Wooden doors can provide a stunning finish, and owners can accentuate the grain to achieve a beautiful appearance. They can also be stained or painted to give a different finish and to give a tired door a new lease of life.
While timeless and customisable, wood demands regular maintenance. But it adds unmatched warmth and character.
How to protect your front door
There are several upgrades owners can make.
Steel-reinforced doors with deadbolt plates and longer strike screws slow down break-ins fast. In addition, smart locks are helpful, but the core still comes down to the strength of the actual door and frame.
Owners should also consider smart security upgrades, such as video doorbells or cameras, which can deter pranks and enhance monitoring.
Finally, in terms of return on investment, doors are one of the simplest high-impact upgrades you can make.
'But the ROI goes far beyond resale value. Insurers are also beginning to include fortified doors in homeowners' premiums,' Morgado told Realtor.
'And even more valuable is time on the marketplace. Homes with obvious security upgrades, including smart doors and secure doors, also sell faster, particularly with millennials and Gen Z, who care about tech as much as security.'
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