Entry doors are frequently used all throughout the home, whether it be on the front, side, or on the back. However, it is undeniable that the front door demands the most attention when standing or passing by on the street, meaning it also demands the most attention when your home is on the market.
The vast majority of entry doors perform and function well, but the materials in they are composed whether it be wood, steel, or fiberglass, each have their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a steel door at a low price can be equivalent to a wood or fiberglass door that is significantly more pricey, although it is not the best option when it comes to everyday wear and tear. This blog will outline some of the things you will need to consider when choosing the best material for your front door.
Shopping Tips
The best way to save time when shopping for doors whether online or in store is to do your research beforehand. We recommend visiting a store or information centre nearest you so that you can truly see and feel what you are purchasing. Manufacturer websites describe the type of materials used and provide catalogues as well as help you find your closest retailer. Even if you do not see the exact door or model that you are looking for, it is very likely that a similar model will be present to give you a good idea of the type of material used, its construction, and its finish.
Energy Efficiency
Doors made from steel or fiberglass are usually more insulating than doors made out of wood. Energy Star qualified doors are specifically tested and certified before given the label. They often feature tighter-fitting frames, energy-efficient cores, and for models made with glass, include double or triple-panel insulated glass in order to reduce heat transfer. If you would like to see more details, you can directly refer to the EnergyStar website. It is important to mention that you may not conserve as much energy as you may be led to believe, since doors cover quite a small portion of your home’s entire surface area and usually does not allow large amounts of warm air to escape. When heat is lost around doors, it generally happens through air leaks around the door as opposed to through the door itself.
House Style
Many homeowners look for doors that fit in with the total aesthetic of the rest of their home for the purpose of curb appeal. The total aesthetic look and feel of your front door is important to serve as both an entrance to your home as well as something that fits in with the rest of their surroundings. Doors in any entry way will set the tone of your home’s design style and will also play a role in the valuation of your property.
Because of this, your door should be one that is carefully selected and chosen with consideration and care. Many factors, such as the colour, patterns and textures used on the door, down to other auxiliary features such as handles, letterboxes, and house numbers, all play into your home’s overall look and presentation.
Measuring Your Door
One of the most important things to remember when purchasing or replacing a new entry way door is that not all exterior doors are the same size. Many homeowners make this mistake!
Before you begin your search for door options, make sure to take measurements of your door opening. Although the majority of doors are produced based on a set of industry specifications, many doors also need custom sizing, which will impact your purchasing decisions and final result.
Entry Door Types
Once you understand the requirements for your new entry way door and the budget you set aside for it, you can begin the search for which door design would be the most appropriate for your home. Whether you want to choose something that is traditional or modern, functional or fashionable, conservative or out-of-the-box, you will first need to decide which material you want your door to be constructed from.
Wooden Doors
Wooden doors are a timeless classic. They are traditional in nature and provide a high-end look, which is why many modern materials have a faux-wood appearance to mimic their look, design, and construction.
Aside from appearance, wooden doors are great at insulation when it comes to sound proofing as well as heating. In addition to their elegant, natural appearance, they are also very study and secure. Wooden doors are able to resist everyday wear and tear, are the least likely to dent, and are easy to repair if scratched.
One drawback associated with wooden doors are their price tag. They are often more expensive than other materials and also require more maintenance, such as painting and varnishing, to keep them looking their best. If you decide to go for a wooden door, you must also keep in mind that it will need to be pretreated to waterproof and withstand the elements.
Fiberglass Doors Fiberglass
Fiberglass doors have increased in popularity and are a great modern solution. They are more commonly designed to mimic the look of wood but can also have a smooth appearance. Fiberglass is great at insulating and protecting the home from the elements. Similar in price to that of wood, it has many advantages over its wooden counterpart.
Fiberglass does not distort or warp as a result of water or sunlight and require little maintenance as you will not need to paint and varnish it every couple of years. Fiberglass doors make for an ideal choice for homeowners who live in cold and wet environments but also seek a classic, traditional look similar to that of wood for their home.
Steel Doors
Steel doors are very secure, offering weather resistance similar to fiberglass and wooden doors. They are frequently decorated using various coatings, paneling, and veneers and require little maintenance, unless your door is dented frequently. While steel doors are usually low maintenance, dents are difficult to fix and scratches may rust if they are not painted properly.
All in all, selecting a front door includes considering factors such as price, durability, functionality, security, and design. However, choosing the material in which it is constructed is also a major decision to ensure you achieve the aesthetic, style, and functionality that is most appropriate for your home.
