If your front door is hard to open or close, creaking or drafty—it may be time for a replacement. A new entry door will make your home more secure, cut energy bills and add value.
The material your door is made from impacts both the up-front cost and ongoing maintenance costs. Read on to learn more about your options.
Fiberglass
Your front door plays a major role in your home’s security and curb appeal. It also needs to be tough enough to withstand the elements and everyday wear. There are a variety of materials from which you can choose. Two of the most popular are fiberglass and steel. Fiberglass entry doors look similar to wood doors but require less maintenance. They can withstand the harshest weather conditions and don’t rust like metal doors.
Fiberglass is a composite material made of glass fibers woven into a resin matrix. It’s most commonly used for doors, but it’s also found in boats and airplane components. Its strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and durability make it a valuable material.
Typically, fiberglass doors come prehung and include hinges, knobs and a frame. This makes the installation process faster and easier. These doors can cost more than slab doors but will last longer and be resistant to rot, mold and pests.
Most homeowners choose fiberglass doors because they provide traditional aesthetics with modern durability. Window World offers a wide range of fiberglass exterior doors with many features to suit your style. The Classic-Craft line of doors, for example, has a number of options that can give your door the appearance of custom wood. This includes solid wood edges, rich embossment details and AccuGrain technology that gives the fiberglass skin a natural wood grain appearance. This combination of style and performance makes these entry doors a great choice for Omaha homeowners.
You can also get fiberglass entry doors with glass insets or sidelights. These can allow in natural light and improve your home’s curb appeal. In addition, you can also add decorative hardware to your door for a unique appearance.
Fiberglass doors can be purchased prehung or as a slab. Before you choose a slab, you must measure the width and height of your current door to find out which size to order. This can be done by measuring the old door from its exterior trim to its interior trim. Then, subtract 1/8 inch from the overall measurement to find the door’s rough opening size.
Steel
Steel doors are a good choice for those who want something durable that will not warp, crack or splinter. They can also be very energy efficient as they are available with a wide range of insulation options. However, they are not as flexible as fiberglass in terms of style and design. They are more utilitarian and do not have the same curb appeal as wooden or fiberglass doors.
They are also more expensive than fiberglass and can be heavy, depending on the size of the door. It is important to have a professional install these because the frame needs to be carefully measured and fitted. If the frame is damaged or not aligned with the door, it can cause problems in the long run.
A good option is to have a pre-hung steel door installed, which includes the frame and hinges. These can cost a little more than a basic model but they will last longer and require less maintenance. They can be very sturdy, especially when made from galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is resistant to rusting and is better than stainless steel for this use.
These doors can be painted with a variety of colors and have several different designs. Some have decorative panels and other details that can add a lot of character to your home’s exterior. Others have smooth finishes and are a bit more modern in appearance. You can even find steel doors that are fire-rated.
A good entry door replacement & installation project can elevate your home’s curb appeal, provide more security and improve your home’s energy efficiency. It can be a great investment and one that will pay off when you are ready to sell your home. However, it is important to understand the pros and cons of any remodeling project before you get started. Having an experienced and qualified contractor will ensure that the job is done right the first time so that you can enjoy the benefits of your upgrade for years to come.
Wood
Replacing a front door with an eye-catching design can enhance a home’s curb appeal and add value. It can also reduce utility bills and provide a better seal against the elements. However, the project’s cost can vary depending on material and hardware choices. A door replacement company can help homeowners choose an affordable option that fits their style.
Wood entry doors are available in a variety of species and styles, from traditional to modern. They can be stained or painted to match or complement a home’s decor. They can also be personalized with a wide selection of design accessories and premium hardware. In addition, homeowners can add sidelights and transoms to an exterior door to magnify a home’s entrance.
Most wood doors are crafted with an engineered-wood core, which helps them resist warping and other issues caused by moisture. This is not to say that these doors are cheap, but it does mean they are more affordable than their solid-wood counterparts.
When a homeowner buys a new wood door, they need to take into account maintenance costs. Depending on the species of wood used, they may need to re-stain or repaint the door periodically. A homeowner who is concerned about the cost of wood maintenance may want to consider a fiberglass or steel door.
If a homeowner does decide to purchase a new wood door, it is important that they measure the existing opening and frame carefully. If the door is not an exact fit, a carpenter can often trim it down to size by using wood shims and a flat pry bar. When doing so, it is essential that the homeowner use a level to ensure that the door is plumb.
DH Pace offers door installation services for commercial facilities of all types, including health care, manufacturing, and government agencies. In addition to door installation, the company provides construction and design consulting, locksmith services, and security systems. In addition, it offers fire protection and smoke control systems. The company’s team of trained technicians can assist with all aspects of installation, from initial planning through completion.
Iron
Wrought iron doors add an elegant touch to any home, and they are especially popular with homeowners who want to increase their curb appeal. Iron entry doors are available in a wide range of styles and colors to complement any décor, and they can be customized with a variety of decorative features and hardware. Iron doors are durable and long-lasting, and they can be insulated to reduce energy costs. However, the cost of installing a new iron door can be more expensive than other types of doors.
Choosing the right type of door for your home requires careful planning before installation. If you’re upgrading your home for resale, it’s important to choose a door that matches your home’s style and is compatible with the other materials in the house. The most common types of doors are wood, steel, and fiberglass. However, there are a variety of other options to consider such as adding sidelights or a transom.
Before starting the installation process, make sure that the frame in your home is in good condition. If you’re replacing an existing door, check the frame for rotting or mold and clean it if necessary. It’s also important to make sure that the framing is strong enough to support the weight of the door and prevent it from sagging or moving after installation.
You should also inspect the rough opening for your new door to ensure that it is large enough. The rough opening is the space in the wall that will be covered by the frame and should be at least 1 inch larger than the width of your new door unit and 1/2 inch taller.
When preparing to install the new door, be sure to protect it from paint and other construction materials as they may damage the finish. Covering the door with a sheet of plastic or cardboard can help prevent damage during the installation process.
Once the door is installed, you should shim the sides until they are level with the latch-side jamb. This will prevent the door from rubbing against the jamb and causing wear. Once the shims are in place, nail them to the studs with galvanized casing nails.
