How to Choose the Perfect Exterior Doors For Your Home
In the words of architect Bob Borson, the entryway door “helps provide the first exclamation mark of the entry procession.” In other words, it is much more than just a way to get in and out of your house–It’s a statement about you and your home.
Front doors play a huge role in curb appeal while back doors often get overlooked. All your exterior doors, however, are significant to your home’s style, functionality, and even the interior climate. In this piece, we will explain the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing a new exterior door for your home.
Make a Great First Impression
No matter which way you look at it, an entry door is a focal point. Which one you choose will make a statement, so it’s important to consider what your door says about your home. Do you have a modern home? Consider a front door that emphasizes that style, such as a very simple door with a neutral color. Do you have a historic home? Consider an entryway that mimics that authentic style of architecture from your home’s period. If you have a basic home that feels like it blends into your neighborhood, maybe you’ll want to pick a door that helps your home stand out with a unique style or bold color.
Don’t Forget About Natural Light and Views
Something that many homeowners forget to consider is whether they want to be able to see through their door. For some homeowners, being able to close their front door and enter a closed off interior, buffered from the outside, is an important factor. For others, being able to enjoy the natural light and views of the outside even with the doors closed is preferable.
If you enjoy your home as a secluded sanctuary, you might prefer a solid door with no glazing (windows or glass) at all. If you still would like some natural light, you might consider sidelights (windows on either side) or transom lights (a window just over the door) to allow for light to enter the foyer while maintaining privacy. If you don’t want to block any light or views at all, you might enjoy an exterior door that is glass from top to bottom.
Research Exterior Door Materials
Once you’ve decided whether you want glazing in or around your door and which style you prefer, it’s time to choose a material that matches your desired look and function. The material of your new door will be the biggest factor in terms of cost. Materials are also going to dictate the type of maintenance the door needs as well as its durability.
There are three main materials that doors are made from: steel, wood, and fiberglass.
Steel Doors
Steel doors have fewer issues with warping, cracking, swelling, and shrinking due to weather. They can also be less expensive than some other options, and they have a core of insulation that makes them energy efficient.
Steel doors can often appear a bit plain and may not work well in homes with a more elaborate look, but they look beautiful on minimalist and modern homes.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors can be made to convincingly mimic a variety of other materials, making them a great flexible option. These doors are durable and easy to maintain, and they come at a variety of price points. Fiberglass even offers high levels of energy efficiency which helps reduce utility expenses.
Wooden Doors
Wood is a natural insulator that can be customized to fit the look of any home. Wood performs well in damp climates and is ideal for Delaware coastal homes since they will never rust. The type of wood you choose will affect the price and life expectancy of your new door, so speak with a professional to learn more about your choices.
Find the Perfect Exterior Doors with Advance Inc.
Advance Inc.’s consultants are available to collaborate with you throughout your entryway upgrading process. Our consultants will help you to create your own design, select the right materials, and choose your preferred door configuration including glass style, paint & stain finishes, and hardware. When all is said and done, you’ll have the entryway of your dreams.
Contact us today to find the perfect door to welcome your visitors.