A new front door is a great way to add curb appeal to your home. It can also increase your home’s value and provide added security.
Exterior doors come in many different styles and materials. Some are more expensive than others. Wood offers a traditional look but requires maintenance, fiberglass is more cost-effective but lacks style and steel is durable.
Curb Appeal
The entry door of a house makes a first impression and sets the tone for the entire home. As a result, enhancing curb appeal should be one of the top priorities for homeowners.
Adding a front door that is eye-catching in color, size and design is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a dramatic impression. In addition to boosting the look and feel of a home, a new exterior door also increases energy efficiency, improves security and adds value.
A bold pop of red is a great way to catch the attention of passersby, while a textured door with a natural wood grain gives a nod to traditional style. To complete the look, upgrade the doorknob and welcome mat to complement your bold color choice. This simple touch goes a long way with today’s drive-by buyers, who focus more on curb appeal than ever before. In fact, homes with upgraded exterior features sell for up to 5% more than those that don’t.
Security
Your home’s doors are the first line of defense against unwanted intrusions. But securing your front door involves more than just selecting high-quality locks and reinforcing the door frame. Additional security enhancements like peepholes and security bars bolster your defense against intruders.
A well-trained entry door installation professional will help you select a front door that’s not only attractive but also tough. Using a professional will also ensure that the door is properly installed, including centering it in the opening and eliminating gaps between the door and the door jamb.
In addition to the security benefits that new doors bring, they typically also help boost your home’s energy efficiency. The right door can save you money on your utility bills and prevent escalating energy costs, especially when combined with high-performance windows.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to the aesthetic and security benefits of a new front door, homeowners who choose energy efficient options can also enjoy lower heating and cooling costs. Energy Star rated doors meet stringent insulation and air leakage standards, helping homeowners save on utility bills and contribute to a more environmentally responsible future.
The materials that are used to make your new front doors play a significant role in their energy efficiency. Wood doors are porous and absorb heat, while steel front doors conduct it. To improve their performance, homeowners can opt for a fiberglass or metal front door that is insulated and weatherproof.
For additional energy efficiency, some front door options include multi-pane glass. These doors contain insulating gas between the panes to prevent heat loss and reduce your energy bills. Some options even come with low-emissivity coating to further reduce the transfer of heat while blocking harmful UV rays. These doors are more durable than traditional wooden doors and are resistant to warping, rotting and moisture damage – issues that can easily affect homes in Florida.
Maintenance
The front door is one of the only things stopping bad weather, unwelcome visitors and other unwanted elements from entering the house. It is therefore a necessity to take the necessary maintenance measures to ensure that the doors look good and perform well year after year.
Routine cleaning is important to avoid dirt build up that leads to stains and deterioration of the exterior. Cleaning the hardware like locks, deadbolts and hinges should also be done to prevent wear. In addition, lubricating them can help increase their efficiency and extend the lifespan of your entry doors.
A professional can inspect your doors to see if they are ok and give you an estimate based on their condition. They will also inspect the trim to see if it is aligned correctly. If they aren’t aligned properly, it could lead to problems such as drafts, uneven wear and increased pressure on the frame. This can lead to cracking and warping that will eventually cause damage to the door and the frame itself.