How to Choose a Front Door?
The type of door you have determines your safety, energy bills and exterior looks. These 3 things are very important and dictate your home’s value on the market.
Front doors are the key to a home and the first thing everybody notices. To help you out with this difficult task, we gathered helpful information on how to choose a front door.
Note: Similar rules and tips apply to window replacements.
Style
The first thing you should decide on is the style. What kind of statement do you want to give with your front door? There are tons of styles out there, each with its own unique qualities. Doors are also accompanied with décor, so deciding whether you want a canopy or a rug made from tiles should be done before you choose the door.
To make the best decision, you should consult with experts such as window contractors and interior decorators. The style of your new front door should compliment your exterior looks, but also your comfort, including energy efficiency and safety.
Material
When you decide on your style, the next step is material. Fortunately for us, materials don’t come in many variations. There are 5 basic types: fiberglass, wood, aluminum, vinyl, and steel. Each material has its own pros and cons.
Some work better for hot climates, some better for cold. Some last a lifetime, some barely reach 20. But everything mainly depends on installation and manufacturing. The material itself doesn’t determine how your door will work out for you, especially the professionalism of the companies you choose.
However, you still need a bit of insight, so here are the basic things you should know about each material:
- Wood – an amazing insulator and highly energy efficient. Lasts a pretty long time, but is prone to rot and termites. That’s why it requires more maintenance than other materials. Isn’t recommended for rainy climates.
- Fiberglass – the best material out there, very energy efficient and highly durable. Fiberglass certainly isn’t vulnerable to a few termites, but it is much more expensive than other materials. If you are opting for maximum safety, this is the way to go.
- Vinyl - The less expensive cousin of fiberglass is vinyl. It offers similar advantages, but for a much cheaper price. Vinyl is highly durable and efficient, but as fiberglass, it has limitations in style.
- Steel – basically the symbol for strength, steel works amazing as a front door. As fiberglass and wood, it is also an amazing insulator, but when it dents and scratches, it cannot be fixed. The only solution will be full replacement.
- Aluminum – the cheapest option on the market, aluminum gives average effort for keeping your home warm. It isn’t as efficient as other materials but can get the job done right. It doesn’t work well for homes near oceans since it is vulnerable to salt.
Tips
Whichever style and material you choose, it’s important to be precautious during the whole process. Projects like door or window replacement are difficult and many have been conned by uncertified contractors. To avoid this, you must follow these simple tips:
- Buy Energy Star rated doors – this ensures quality, durability and efficiency
- Check ratings and reviews – when picking a firm, always ask around and investigate
- Be careful with décor – Glass décor is fancy, but don’t put it close to the knob as burglars can break it and get in much easier
- Ask for warranties – A door is valuable as much as its warranty. Ask your contractors about their offerings and make the decision accordingly
- Value the locking system – Another important thing is your locks. A good door isn’t worth anything without a deadbolt or other strong locking systems
Riverbend Windows & Doors
We have the best quality windows and doors at Riverbend, Inc. Browse through our inventory for stylish, durable and eco-friendly windows in London.
What Type of Door is Best for an Exterior Door?
Want to add some home value by improving curb appeal? Decided to upgrade the entrance with a door replacement? Great choice since the front door has the biggest influence on homebuyers and guests. Choose the right door, add some window boxes around and your home will look like a Hollywood mansion. To help you out, we are presenting some information about exterior door replacement. Remember though, there isn’t one ideal door for everyone, everything depends on your personal preferences and the environment you live in. Voila:
Types of Doors
Even though the market is spreading, there are 3 basic types of front doors: fiberglass, wood, and steel. Here are some of the pros and cons you should know:
- Wood – Wood is the best material for preserving a traditional and authentic look for a home. It is also an amazing insulator and protector. But wood is the material most vulnerable to deterioration as termites, rot and mold can’t wait to get their hands on it. This is why wooden doors require more frequent maintenance and replacements, compared to other materials.
- Steel – We immediately associate steel with strength and vitality. And we are right to do so since steel provides maximum security for homes. It also has a large lifespan and is extremely affordable. But it isn't storm and weather resistant as much as wood and fiberglass. Plus steel dents and the chances of fixing it when it does are little to none.
- Fiberglass – Admittedly the best material for doors is fiberglass. Its insulating qualities are incomparable! Fiberglass is fairly new to the market and homeowners are still skeptical, but what it lacks in popularity, it has in efficiency and aesthetics. The only disadvantage of fiberglass is that it breaks, making wood the most impact resistant.
Tips on Replacement
Whatever material you choose, remember that installation and manufacturing are also important for getting maximum efficiency out of your new door. So shopping online is ok as long as the source is highly qualified and with tons of positive reviews. This is why most homeowners decide to go with the middleman – a window contractor, suggesting the best options for your home. Besides proper, professional manufacturing and installation, you should also consider your bolt. The door material won’t have much impact on burglar resistance if your bolt is low quality. The better locking system, the safer home so don’t buy cheap $5 locks. There are quality locks for $150, not that much when your safety is a question?
Door Accessories
Your front entrance isn’t complete with a good old quality door! You still need to decorate and accessorize! Here are the most popular ways to make the best out of your exterior:
- Glass – An amazing way to decorate a door is with glass! It increases natural light and gives a unique look to your entry. However, this does have some disadvantages since burglars can easily break in with breaking the glass and reaching for the doorknob. To avoid this either place the glass further from the knob, add unbreakable deadbolts or install metal cages around the glass.
- Canopy – An old fashion way to keep your home protected from rain and make it look stunning at the same time. Canopies add so much to front doors that they are even recommended for increasing curb appeal. Imagine, something so small having such an impact! There are lots of styles you can go for, but to choose the best one, consult with expert designers.
Riverbend Windows & Doors
We have the best quality windows and doors at Riverbend, Inc. Browse through our inventory for stylish, durable and eco-friendly windows in London.