People often assume they have limited choices with entry doors. They believe their only options are wood, fiberglass, and steel. However, when they go to purchase a new door, they find they have several options within each category. These variances play a role in the door’s longevity and its performance. What should they look for when purchasing a new entry door to ensure they get one that adds to the curb appeal of the property while increasing the value of the home?
Factors to Consider
First, a homeowner must determine the door’s expected exposure to the elements. This affects the durability of the door. In addition, it plays a role in the quality and amount of weatherstripping needed to keep the elements out. Where does each entry door material stand in terms of durability? Erie Home (https://www.erieconstruction.com/) shares the following information with clients.
Wood
Many homeowners love wooden entry doors because they add beauty to the home. The owner selects from a range of wood species and can stain or paint the door in the desired color. Many wooden entry doors come as an engineered wood core covered by a veneer skin. Manufacturers do this to prevent swelling, shrinking, and swelling commonly seen in solid wood entry doors. Install a wood door in a protected area to prevent damage.
When shopping for a wood entry door, look for ones with thicker panels, intricate moldings, and wider stiles and rails. They tend to be of high quality. These doors often come with panels thicker than the standard 3/4″ thick panels found on economy entry doors.
Steel
Steel doors come with an inner wooden or steel frame covered by a steel skin. Standard steel doors feature a 24-gauge steel skin, while premium doors feature a thicker skin. Manufacturers fill the inner cavity of the door with high-density foam insulation. Standard steel doors come with a baked-on polyester finish, but homeowners should upgrade to a premium door. When doing so, they choose from a wood veneer finish that can be stained or a door with a vinyl coating that increases its weather resistance.
However, steel doors exposed to direct sunlight often become hot to the touch. In addition, homeowners must take care when pairing a steel door with an aluminum storm door. Doing so could void the warranty, as heat builds up between the two doors. This can lead to the finish on the steel door peeling. Finally, steel doors lack the energy efficiency seen with wood and fiberglass doors.
Fiberglass
Many homeowners choose a fiberglass entry door because these doors require no maintenance. The only exception is those doors place directly in harsh weather. Doors in this climate must be resealed periodically. Fiberglass doors come with the look and feel of solid wood, but are actually constructed by putting together a framework of wooden stiles and rails. The stiles and rails are then covered by a molded fiberglass skin. To insulate the door, manufacturers use polyurethane-foam insulation.
An entry door serves as an introduction to a residence. It adds to the curb appeal of a property while keeping unwanted visitors out. Choose an entry door carefully to get the benefits you desire and the protection you need.
