Your home entry door is the first impression your house makes on anyone going through the house. It is the beginning, the entrance, and basically the opening line of your house's story. The front door is a key focal point. Picking a good door is important, but there is a lot to consider when it comes to home entry doors. Like what? Well, because they are exposed to weather and heavy wear, home entry doors often show their age prematurely. Thus, you need to consider the kind of exposure your home entry door may get, and what material would best be suited to withstand this exposure.
Most older doors are made from wood as it has the warm, natural look and feel that most people prefer. It is a popular home entry door material choice, but is vulnerable to the elements. Season after season of sun and rain a wood door will eventually warp, crack and bow. Even with coatings of protection, the sun's ultraviolet rays break down wood's natural lignin, and moisture repeatedly shrinks and swells wood fibers. As a result, when given enough time, wood doors will eventually become not so great!
Fortunately, wood is not your only option for home entry doors. Hundreds of types and sizes are available, from conventional wood models to high-tech alternatives made of fiberglass composites and steel.
Home Entry Systems
A home entry door no longer has to be just the door, you can buy an entire "entry system." With an entry system, a door is pre-hung in its frame, the door's bottom edge interlocks with the threshold and weatherstripping encircles the door's perimeter. Hinges and lockset are designed as part of the system, and sidelites often flank the door. With a system, all components are designed and machined to work together reliably and with uncompromising energy efficiency. This is a great option, and it usually eliminates the concern of whether or not your door was hung properly.
If it is wood you want for your home entry door, do not despair. Luckily, the industry has changed over the past few years, and you can still get the look and warmth of wood, but with more durability. How? Well, some wood doors have steel interiors, and steel doors have wood exteriors. A fiberglass or steel door may have a wood frame. And nearly any door may have a core of foam insulation. You can get the look you want in just about any material. The choice of wood, fiberglass or steel as a surface material has the greatest impact on a door's appearance, cost, durability and security. So, let's talk about the differences in home entry doors.
Continue reading "Home Entry Door" »