a guide to choosing the right entry door

A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT ENTRY DOOR

DOOR MATERIAL


DOOR MATERIAL

P A R T 1D O O R M AT E R I A L

Entry doors play an important role. They must be tough enough to stand against the effects of the wind, rain, heat, and sun. They should also be strong enough to provide you and your family with adequate security in the home. In addition, since entry doors can affect curb appeal, they should also be pretty and attractive. Given these considerations, finding a new or a replacement entry door

can be a tall order.

There are a lot of options available if you are in the market for a new door, whether you are replacing an old one or buying one for a new home. In this post, we aim to give you information about the most popular entry door materials and help you decide which will work best for your home and your needs.


DOOR MATERIAL

GETTING TO KNOW COMMON ENTRY DOOR MATERIALS

One of the best ways to narrow down your front door choices is by considering the materials. The three most popular door materials to choose from are wood, fiberglass, and steel.

Wood entry doors are the go-to for more high-end projects. Traditional in style, wood doors lend a richness to the home with their substantial thickness and weight. The look and feel of authentic wood doors simply cannot be totally duplicated by other materials. However, there is a downside: Wood doors do not come cheap, and maintenance can be both demanding and costly.

• Adds value to your home• Naturally elegant with a warm appeal• Best for traditional and historic homes• Available in a variety of wood types, styles, stains

and finishes• Best used in entryways sheltered from external

elements• Requires regular maintenance and painting

Primary features:

W O O D


DOOR MATERIAL

Steel doors are best suited to contemporary or modern homes. Best known for their durability, they won’t warp, crack, and can resist denting. They have a minimalist appeal, and a smooth surface that allows for painting. Steel doors are also generally cheaper than other options.

• Outstanding durability and weather resistance (particularly when installed in non-coastal areas)

• Cost-effective• Can be made more energy-efficient when an

insulated core and weather-stripping is added• Offers the strongest barrier against intruders• Can be coated to mimic the look of authentic

wood• While some products can resist denting and

damage, steel doors may show signs of wear and tear over time, and may be expensive to repair

Primary features:

S T E E L

Fiberglass front doors share some of the benefits of both wood and steel doors. They are durable but are less expensive. They can also go for years without much maintenance. They are generally built with a foam core, which is a great insulator. Fiberglass doors also come in designs and stains that make them look similar to wood.

FIBERGLASS


DOOR MATERIAL

• Durable and virtually maintenance-free; resistant to rot, dents, cracks, and warping

• Available in a variety of finishes and styles• Can be stained or painted to match your home• Offers energy efficiency; typically come with foam

insulation and weather-stripping

Primary features:

At this point, you are probably starting to form a decision on the door material to get for your home. To help you better decide, tune in for the next post where we will discuss another

important factor to consider: style.


DOOR MATERIAL

P A R T 2D O O R S T Y L E

An entry door can be made to fit with your home architecturally. However, you can also let it say something about you and your personality. Whether your want your front door to complement the design and style of your home, or represent you or your family’s taste and preferences, you definitely need to consider what will best

suit your practical needs.


DOOR STYLE

THE POPULAR ENTRY DOOR STYLES

There are a number of door styles to choose from, among which these are the most popular:

Single DoorOne of the most popular and widely chosen front door options, single doors may be made of a whole, solid panel or may have a portion of glass. Single doors are often made of heavy material that offers outstanding security and durability while maintaining beauty and appeal. Single doors with glass portion bring the added benefit of allowing natural light into the home.

Single Door with Side LightsIf you wish to add more style and a special touch to a single entry door, you can select one with side lights. The lights add elegant framing that can create an inviting and warm appeal for your entryway. Side lights offer unique details that can add further to the luxurious look of your home. The lights, of course, also let in more natural light than just a single door with glass would.

Double DoorThis type of door is composed of two door panels which may be made of solid material or with glass portions. Basically, these look like two single doors placed side by side. Best for suburban settings, they have a grand look to them, as they are typically crafted from heavy and durable materials.


DOOR STYLE

French DoorFrench doors are a popular choice for patios and decks. They may be single or double-paneled, but their main feature is the presence of lights or lites. These transparent or translucent glass panels may be installed singly, in matching pairs, or in a series.

When choosing the right style for your door, it is important that you also consider the style of your home itself. Whether your home is traditional or contemporary, the bottom line is that there is something out there for everyone. So, feel free to express yourself, but do stay architecturally true to your home’s style.

Planning about home improvement and construction can be really exciting. But before

you finalize your entry door choice, take the time to read the last part of this e-book, where we discuss other factors that you must consider: cost, safety, and energy efficiency.


DOOR MATERIAL

P A R T 3OTHER FEATURES TO CONSIDER: COST,

SAFETY, AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Almost no other part of the home gets as much exposure and attention as the entry door. It’s what greets family, friends, and guests as they step into your home. It speaks volumes about the people living inside. However, aside from beauty and style, there are also other factors and features to consider to ensure that your investment proves practical and valuable.


OTHER FEATURES TO CONSIDER: COST, SAFETY, AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

C O S TLike most investments in your home, purchasing a front door means that there will be upfront and long-term costs. These costs cover the purchase, installation, and maintenance requirements. Thus, when searching for an entry door, you must carefully consider your budget. Below are the specific factors that you must look into when trying to determine the relative cost of a door:

• Upfront costs vs. long-term benefits• Estimated service or useful life• Maintenance requirements and related costs• Energy efficiency• Strength and durability• Features, hardware, and accessories• Pre-finishing and finishing costs• Additional features like locks, lighting, doorbell,

etc.

In the end, it will be best to go for a door that not only offers beauty, but cost efficiency as well. And to determine that, you must weigh all the mentioned factors above.

S A F E T YExterior doors must be well-built and must be made of a strong, solid material. Unlike indoor doors, entry doors take more of a beating from the external elements. They must also be tough enough to discourage unwelcome guests. To ensure that you have a safe and secure entry door, keep these pointers in mind:

• Exterior doors are meant to be heavier than interior doors that close off rooms and closets. It is recommended to opt for doors that have three or more hinges for extra strength.


OTHER FEATURES TO CONSIDER: COST, SAFETY, AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• Steel doors offer the greatest security, but solid wood and fiberglass made of quality materials can also work well.

• Installing a deadbolt lock can enhance security and safety.

• Adding door chains and an all-metal security door over your front door can also greatly improve protection.

ENERGY EFFICIENCYFenestration -- including doors -- can be a source of energy wastage due to leakage around gaps or conduction in the material, or both. You can lose much of the heated or cooled air through the door, which can lead to high utility bills. Thus, it is important to look at the energy performance of an entry door and learn of ways to enhance its efficiency. Consider the following when looking for energy-efficient front doors:

• Energy-efficient exterior doors are those that can withstand all types of weather and have adequate insulation properties.

• You may opt for doors that come with foam insulation.

• Weather-stripping around a door can help prevent drafts, so make sure to ask your dealer or contractor about this.

• Fiberglass and steel doors generally insulate better than solid wood.


DOOR MATERIAL

BEE WINDOW115 Shadowlawn Dr.

Fishers, IN 46038

(800) 233-0169www.beewindow.com

http://www.beewindow.com

a guide to choosing the right entry door

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