How to Choose an Entry Door
An entry door faces some fairly high expectations. For starters, it’s supposed to add to the visual appeal of your home. In addition, it’s required to provide basic security against both potential intruders and the elements. As a matter of practicality, there’s an expectation of durability. Plus, there’s a desire for minimal maintenance and optimal efficiency. Clearly, when a door is expected to deliver so much, there’s a great deal to consider when you’re ready to pick out a new door. Using these tips for how to choose an entry door can help you make your selection with greater confidence.
Check Size
Size matters. For many homeowners, a single standard door in the appropriate size will do the trick when they’re ready to replace their entry door. Others may need to add other elements like a sidelight or two to fill the space properly. Some entryways may require two doors. To discover what you’ll need, The Spruce says that you should carefully measure the height and width of the doorway that you want to fill. Also, measure the thickness of your existing door.
Consider Styles
Are you a fan of glass panels or solid doors? If you want a door with windows, should it be single pane or divided? How large should the window be? Is stained glass an option? Would you opt for sidelights if you had the space? Do you want a bold color, a neutral option, or a natural choice? The appearance of your door has a major impact on the look of your home. You’ll want to consider your own tastes, your home’s existing color scheme, its architecture, and any rules governing what’s allowed in your neighborhood.
Explore Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient door enhances your home’s comfort and reduces the strain on your wallet. As American Window Company explains, two factors can help you judge energy efficiency:
- U-factor: A measure of the rate that a door transmits non-solar heat, U-factor reveals how well it insulates. A lower U-factor is preferred because it offers better insulation, helping you stay more comfortable whatever the weather is outside.
- Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): SHGC refers to how easily the door transfers heat from the outside to the inside of your home. In warm climates, a low SHGC is generally best because people prefer to keep the sultry summer heat outside. In places where summers are shorter and winters are cold, a higher SHGC is often welcomed because the captured solar heat can offer a welcome boost on a chilly winter day.
Decide on a Material
As This Old House reports, homeowners have various materials to choose from when selecting an entry door:
- Wood: Wood delivers a natural beauty that’s hard to beat, and you’ll find an amazing amount of variability in this category. Wood doors may be solid or stock doors, which feature a veneer of wood over an engineered core. Some are prefinished. Others allow you to do the job yourself. When shopping for wood, pay careful attention to what you’re buying so that you know exactly what you’re getting. Also, be prepared to put in time and effort for maintenance.
- Steel: If security is a concern, steel doors can be the ideal choice. Strong and durable, they won’t warp or crack. Many come with a baked-on polyester finish that may require periodic repainting. However, it’s possible to find some that are vinyl coated or made to mimic the look of wood.
- Fiberglass or composite: When you’re seeking an affordable, low-maintenance door that looks amazing and stands the test of time, take a look at fiberglass or composite doors. These products are built to last and come with warranties that back that up. Molded from modern materials, they easily mimic wood and other materials, delivering the visual appeal that homeowners want without the vulnerabilities that require regular upkeep.
Choosing an entry door can be exciting because it’s an opportunity to revitalize your home’s appearance. There’s a lot to think about, but the professionals at American Window Company are always ready to assist you with expert advice. We’re proud to carry products from some of the most trusted names in the business. When you reach out, our specialists are happy to provide you with the information that you need as you explore your options so that you can make the right decision for your home. Contact us today to discuss your next project.
