Replacing your front entry door takes serious consideration.
It stands out and can define the whole look of the front of your home. More than just a visual change, a new front door can also be practical.
It can help you increase the energy efficiency of your home, block more sound from nearby roads, and have other surprising benefits.
Today, we present a guide to the main types and features of front entry doors so that you can make the best choice.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors are the usual choice for a front entryway.
There are many reasons for this, including that fiberglass can be very energy efficient and comes in a very wide range of colors and styles.
You can choose smooth fiberglass or a door which has a wood-grain texture that mimics real wood doors. Fiberglass is usually moderately priced, but the more energy efficient and higher quality its wood grain pattern, the more expensive it will be.
Note that, while dent-resistant, they are not impervious to damage.
Steel Doors
Steel is the second most popular choice for a front entry door.
The main reason is because they are a bit less weather-resistant and require a bit more maintenance than a fiberglass door if they get dented.
Otherwise, steel can be as inexpensive and as energy-efficient as fiberglass doors. They are also available in a range of styles, although they don’t have quite the range of fiberglass. You just have to paint them for rust.
Wood Doors
Wood doors offer the best look—almost no one will disagree with that.
The charm and warmth of a natural wood grain, no matter the stain, is always lovely. Unusually, wood doors provide the best aesthetics and best performance. They can often resist scratches and dents better than the other two materials, and if they do scratch, it is quite simple to repair them. Wood doors can be energy-efficient too.
The drawback of wood is that it will cost more than the other two. Plus, you may need to stain, varnish or paint yours to keep the look pristine.
Other Entry Door Considerations
There are other features and aspects of your entry door beyond the material. Some things to consider include:
- Energy efficient: In general, it is wise to buy the most energy-efficient door that you can afford. All doors will have efficiency ratings so that you can compare them honestly.
- Glass: Including glass paneling in your door can enhance its look, but it also reduces the efficiency of the door, especially if the glass is low-quality. The other concern is that glass may reduce your privacy at the front door. Frosted or colored glass can prevent this. Or you can install blinds for your door.
- Rails and stiles: These are the bracing on the door. Laminated wood is the highest quality material option for rails and stiles and will resist warping the longest.
There are many options and factors to consider when choosing new entry doors, which is all the more reason to contact Len Roofing & Remodeling, because we specialize in this service.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
