Get the Best Entry Door for Your Home with these 4 Tips
The entry door on your house can set the tone for the rest of your home. It will give visitors an important first impression, and it can make or break the curb appeal of your property. Beyond curb appeal, a good entry door is also essential for security as well as energy efficiency. So, before you rush and pick the first door you find, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
Choosing the right material
When you start shopping for a new front door for your home, you will notice that there are plenty of choices. One of the first decisions you will need to make is what kind of material you would like. Some of the most popular choices include wood, steel and fiberglass. Steel front doors are loved for their durability and style, and they are often chosen for the greater level of security. They are resistant to warping, swelling and shrinking, and they can handle very harsh weather.
Fiberglass doors are easy to install and they are also great for busy entrances and extreme weather. They offer great energy saving benefits and they can be painted as and when needed. Wooden front doors give your home a traditional look. They are sturdy and they create a warm atmosphere. Wood can be affected by the direct rays of the sun and other environmental factors like rain and snow. Even if your wooden door does experience wear and tear, it can always be sanded down and repainted, varnished or stained for a brand new look. The weather-stripping on any door will wear down over time and require replacement. Remember, no matter the material you choose, make sure that the door itself is of the highest quality.
Fixtures and features
Once you know what material you want for your entry door, you will need to choose between various fixtures and features. Most people choose an inswing door. This means that the door opens inward. The reason for this is due to the conditions you will face in the winter. If there is a lot of snow in front of your home, your door may not be able to open outward. Inward opening doors allow you to get outside and clear the snow. When you choose an inswing door, the hinges will be on the left (when the door is viewed from the outside of the home). You will also need to choose between various hardware options like door handles, locks and any additional security features you may like.
Size
Doors are available in various sizes which means that you can choose a new door that is either larger, smaller or the same size as your current door. It is, however, important to check the structural integrity of the wall surrounding the door before you make any modifications. You will be able to choose between a single front door or a double door, and you can even add sidelights if you want to allow extra sunlight to filter into your entrance hall.
Colour
The colour of your front door will largely depend on two factors. The first is the material the door is made from, and the second is the exterior colour scheme of your home. You should take into account the colour and design of your windows too. Some types of doors need to be ordered in a specific colour. Others can be repainted if and when needed.
The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping around for a new entry door is to remember the value of quality. If you want your entry door to stand the test of time and withstand the wear and tear of nature, then it's best to invest in a durable door made with quality materials. At Improve Canada, you will find a comprehensive list of entry door providers and experts happy to help you make the best choice for your home. They can also help connect you with other showrooms that specialize in windows, roofs and other exterior design products to create a harmonious look that adheres to your new entry door.
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