Door Replacement 101 – Part 2: Choosing New Doors – 3 Key Factors to Consider
You already know how significant of a project a deal door replacement can be. If you want to get the most out of this home improvement investment, it pays to cover all the essentials. This way, you are sure you’re getting the replacement doors that best suit your home’s specific needs. To guarantee you choose the right door, here are some of the factors you need to consider:
- Durability. You’ll want new exterior doors that remain sturdy and high-performing even when constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions. Aside from effective weather resistance, they should also keep your home secure from outside threats. These characteristics will depend on your choice of door material, which will include:
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- Solid wood. A traditional choice for many homeowners willing to spend extra on durability, rich good looks and great insulating value, wood exterior doors feature a warmth and natural look that’s perfect for boosting your home’s architectural accuracy. While they are strong and weathertight, solid wood doors are prone to moisture damage, requiring frequent maintenance.
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- Fiberglass. Fast gaining traction among many homeowners because of their versatility, fiberglass doors can be molded into almost any shape or style–plus, they come available in extensive colors and finishes. Their resistance to shrinking, expanding and warping means they retain their form even in harsh conditions, offering you durability you can count on.
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- Steel. While they are common in commercial properties, steel doors also work well for homes. They are well-known for their extreme durability and surprising versatility. For instance, Legacy Steel doors from ProVia have foam-fill insulation covered in steel and exteriors with polished-wood finishes. The result is a strong and airtight door with the rich look and feel of authentic wood grain.
1. Energy Efficiency. New doors can help also help you keep a more energy-efficient home. Just make sure to augment the door material with advanced glass. Top door companies use modified low-emissivity (low-E) glass, which helps reduce heat transfer in your home. By helping stabilize indoor temperatures to keep your home cool and comfortable, low-E glass prevents your HVAC system from overworking, which in turn, leads to more energy savings. To make sure your replacement doors are indeed energy-efficient, look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
2. Style. Hinged French or sliding glass? Both door styles come with excellent aesthetic and functional advantages. Sliding glass doors, for example, save on space, eliminating the need to reconfigure your room’s layout and furniture placement. Their sleek, contemporary appearance also makes them an attractive home addition. Hinged French doors, meanwhile, serve as instant focal points because of their classic design. Their wide opening allows for considerable, smoother traffic, which makes entertaining a breeze. Both door styles may come with expansive glass to maximize your viewing area and maximize natural light.
Choosing the right exterior doors isn’t enough to guarantee the success of your replacement project–you’ll need to hire a reliable installer for the job as well. In Part 3, we’ll show you what to look for in the right door contractor.
