The front door is often referred to as the staple of the house. It is the first thing that people notice when they see your home, and the last thing that surrounds them before leaving. A front door can make or break a home, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you.
The first thing to consider when shopping for a front door is material. What kind of material looks best? Which is most energy efficient? How long can it last without maintenance?
Choosing the Right Front Door Materials
There are many options when it comes to front door materials, but the three most common are wood, steel and fiberglass.
Wood doors have been for hundreds of years. This gives your home an authentic look and compliments antique style. There are many different types of wood to choose from such as oak, pine, maple and others. This adds a factor of versatility to the wood option because each looks so different. Although they are popular, wooden doors generally require a lot of maintenance. If your front door is not in a shaded, shielded area, it is subjective to warping from the sun and rotting due to moisture. Applying a quality oil finish can help reduce these factors and protect it from fading due to harmful UV rays. Washing it twice a year with dish soap and warm water will help to maintain its shine and prevent dust buildup. Even so, wooden front doors tend to last about 30 years until they will need to be replaced or repaired professionally.
Another material option available is steel. Steel is ideal for security and durability and is resistant to cracks and dents more so than wood or fiberglass. It is resistant to weathering, and will hold its shape so that opening and closing it is always smooth. Steel also tends to be less expensive than wood doors. A steel door needs an insulated core to create that thermal barrier to increase its energy efficiency. Naturally, steel captures more heat than other materials, so when exposed to direct sunlight the surface can become extremely hot, and extremely cool in cold weather conditions. Steel may not sound like the most appealing look for a door, but they can be easily painted and made to look like wood, and will require significantly less maintenance than a wood door. Steel doors offer an excellent return on investment according to the Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value report.
Fiberglass composite doors can also be made to look like wood material and can be stained with wood- grain texturing so that it looks more realistic. Fiberglass is considered the most durable material for a front door because it is resistant to both warping and rust. Fiberglass is also versatile and can easily be reconfigured to include details such as glass panels. Fiberglass also provides great insulation, and could help reduce your energy bill. Fiberglass doors also have a great return on investment according to the Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value report.
Hanging Your New Front Door
In regards to hanging your new door, entry doors usually come pre-hung in a frame, and are prepared to be drilled. It would be a tough DIY if you’re considering doing it yourself, so unless you’re confident in your handyman skills, I would leave this one up to a professional.
If you are in the market for a front door that will stand the test of time and provide a cost savings in home heating and cooling expenses, give Thompson Creek a call. We can design, build and install your custom entry door in a number of materials. Your entry door can fit your personality and can be customized using not only the material but your choice of glass inserts and panels, hardware, paint colors and stains.