Choosing the right type of entry door for your home doesn’t happen overnight. Follow our tips to make the process easier
Entry doors are a focal point to a home’s exterior and play an essential role in determining its curb appeal. In addition, entry doors maintain a home’s security and efficiency. Therefore, careful consideration should be given when selecting an entry door for your home. This article provides well-rounded information on choosing the best entry door.
Material Of The Entry Door
- Fiberglass, steel, and wood are the three primary materials used for making entry doors. Modern door systems combine two or more of these materials. Each material is available in various colors and textures. Different finishes can also be chosen for the door’s interior and exterior surfaces.
Wood
- With its high-end look, wood remains the classic choice for entry doors. It offers excellent resistance to dents and scratches. Walnut, cherry, oak, mahogany, maple, pine, and fir are the most common woods used for entry doors.
Steel
- Steel is a versatile, cost-effective material that offers outstanding weather resistance and security. Steel is more durable than wood or fiberglass and does not warp or crack. Steel doors can be coated with wood fiber and a range of other finishes to mirror the appearance of a wood entry door.
Fiberglass
- Fiberglass is the most preferred choice among homeowners because of its resistance to wear and tear. It is available in various textures and can be painted or stained. With proper maintenance, your entry door can look as good as new for years.
Energy Efficiency
- Steel and fiberglass doors offer better insulation and energy efficiency than wood doors. However, most of the heat loss is caused by air leaks around the door rather than through the door. The quality of the doorframe is as important as the door itself when choosing an entry door. Entry doors that are made up of a combination of different materials offer maximum insulation and safety.
A heat-resistant material, known as a thermal break, is placed between the inside and outside skins of the highest quality entry doors. This prevents the transfer of heat and cold through the skin and frame. Otherwise, it would lead to the formation of frost on the interior surface of the door.
Security
- Regarding security, steel, wood, and fiberglass entry doors are equally strong. However, the locking mechanism helps determine the level of protection. It is better to select a door with a deadbolt that’s at least one inch long and has a reinforced metal strike plate. However, modern locking systems come with a keyless entry through a smartphone or a keypad.
Color
- Most homeowners typically prefer natural varnished wood. But you can also choose bold colors like red, blue, green, high-gloss black, and orange. When selecting the color of your entry door, consider the local climate, style of community, and design of your home.
Hanging System
Unlike a typical exposed three-hinge system, modern entry doors can be installed with hidden hinges. You can also set a vertical pivot to allow for a wider opening range and better brightness. The hinge and pivot can be located on either side of the entry door, regardless of your chosen hanging system.
Unlike a typical exposed three-hinge system, modern entry doors can be installed with hidden hinges. You can also set a vertical pivot to allow for a wider opening range and better brightness. The hinge and pivot can be located on either side of the entry door, regardless of your chosen hanging system.Style
- Entry doors come in different styles. Explore the available styles and choose the one that matches the architectural style of your home. Traditional doors, for instance, would pair well with traditional homes. On the other hand, a sleek, modern entry door would look best in an ultra-modern home.
If you’re ready to update your home with a new entry door, contact Simple Home Improvements today. We’ll explain all your options and provide a free estimate to help you get started. For more information, call 866-849-2599 or visit us in Totowa, NJ.
