The front entry door of your house speaks volumes about your lifestyle, personality, and home. As an important feature and focal point of your house, an exterior door creates the first impression of your home. It not only gives a fine look to your home but also keeps you warm and secure. Undoubtedly, the front door performs multiple crucial functions but still, it’s often overlooked by homeowners.
Front entry doors are more than just doors, so it’s necessary to make an informed decision when buying an exterior door. If you choose the right door, it can improve your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and value. However, with all of the options available, buying a front door may seem a daunting task. To help you buy the right front door for your home or office, here we’ve listed a few tips to make the right decision.
Door Material
Be it exterior door or patio door, there are various materials to choose from. Most commonly, the front doors are made of 3 different materials- wood, fiberglass, and steel doors. There are also steel doors, aluminum doors, and vinyl doors. When buying a door, choosing the right material is of utmost importance. You should consider the pros and cons of each material to pick the one that best suits your needs. The cost of the door will also depend on the material you select. For instance, the wooden front door is expensive than steel doors. On the other hand, vinyl is a preferred material because it is affordable, durable, and needs low maintenance. Fiberglass looks similar to real wood but it is more durable than wood. However, wood still dominates because it looks high-end and is not affected by scratches or dents.
Energy Efficiency
The doors and windows are responsible for maintaining a comfortable home environment. Broken or inefficient doors allow hot/cold inside air to escape which puts pressure on your HVAC system. To avoid paying the high energy bill, you need to invest in energy-efficient doors. Whether you choose fiberglass, steel, or wood door, make sure the product has Energy Star ratings. The Energy Star-qualified doors are tested and certified to prevent air leakage. The doors with double- or triple-panel insulating glass also help in reducing the heat transfer. If a door carries ENERGY STAR symbol, it means that the product is tested to minimize air seepage and UV rays heat transfer.
Security
Looks and style of the door are essential but security features are also equally important. Your front door protects you from burglars and unwanted elements. So, to keep your family and assets safe, you should consider the quality of the door lock. Besides choosing a strong and sturdy door, you can also get a cast-iron security gate outside your door. You may also think about installing rails and stiles to brace your wood door. Some manufacturers allow you to customize your door according to your taste and preferences. This gives an option to add hardware such as handles, mail slots, and knockers to improve the performance and aesthetics of your exterior door.
