When it comes to choosing what type of front door to install on your home, there are several factors to consider. The first that likely pops into your mind is aesthetic appeal, and, indeed, a new front door can work wonders aesthetically. But you don’t want to spend all that money on a new door only to have its beauty quickly deteriorate under the glare of the hot sun.
If you own a home in a warm climate, you want to make an educated choice about what material to choose for your new exterior doors. This is particularly true if your home’s façade faces south where it will receive hours of direct sunlight every day. So which material is best for a new front door for your home? Let’s review how some popular materials hold up under extensive sun exposure.
Wood Doors
Wood doors have seemingly been around for ages. And even today, wooden doors serve as the centerpiece to many homes. That’s because these doors still have much to offer in terms of:
- Aesthetic appeal – Wood entry doors offer a natural and classic beauty that complements various architectural styles, adding a warm and inviting touch to the exterior of the home.
- Customization – Wood doors can be easily customized in terms of design, size, and finish, allowing you to choose a door that matches your specific preferences and complements your home’s overall look.
- Insulation – Wood is a natural insulator, providing better thermal efficiency compared to some other materials. This can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, potentially leading to energy savings.
However, for all of its aesthetic benefits, wood lacks in long-lasting performance. If the front of your home is exposed to direct sunlight, wood may not be the best choice for a new door as this material can warp, fade, crack, and delaminate over time, if it is not regularly maintained.
Steel Doors
Steel doors are prized for their:
- Exceptional security – Steel doors are highly secure and resistant to forced entry, providing you and your family with added safety and peace of mind.
- Weather resistance– Steel entry doors are built to withstand to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures, rain, wind, and sunlight, making them a reliable choice for hot climate areas.
- Low maintenance – Steel doors are relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional cleaning and repainting, if desired, to keep them looking new.
Fiberglass Doors
Another wonderful entry door option for homeowners who must contend with a hot climate is fiberglass doors. Fiberglass is a remarkably durable material that will hold strong even after years of facing the hot sun. Plus, fiberglass doors can be painted to look like real wood, so you can enjoy that warm wood look with peace of mind knowing your fiberglass doors will require far less maintenance than genuine wood doors. Other benefits associated with fiberglass entry doors include:
- Remarkable durability – Fiberglass doors are highly durable and resistant to dents, cracks, rot, and warping, making them suitable for various weather conditions and ensuring a long lifespan.
- Incredible energy efficiency – Many fiberglass doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring insulating properties that can help regulate indoor temperature and potentially lower heating and cooling costs.
- Versatility – Fiberglass doors come in a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes, allowing homeowners to choose a design that matches their aesthetic preferences and complements the architecture of their home.
Dreamstyle Remodeling Can Help
Choosing the right door material for your home can be overwhelming. At Dreamstyle Remodeling, we offer a wide array of exteriors doors and we’ll be happy to help you decide which will work best for your home during your complimentary consultation. Contact us today!
