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.