Upgrading Your Entry Door

If you are looking to upgrade your entry door, here’s what you need to know about the various entry door material options, selecting the right door for your home, as well as choosing the best installer.

Entry Door Material: What are the Pros and Cons?

WOOD DOORS

PROS:
Unique design options in any species of wood. Doors can be customized to fit any opening.

CONS:
Wood does not hold up well to weather conditions like rain, direct sunlight, and hot and cold temperatures. The doors are usually not insulated.

FIBERGLASS DOORS

PROS:
Fiberglass Entry Doors are popular alternatives to wood doors that typically don't hold up to the damaging effects of weather. The insulated foam core provides better insulation to that of a wood door, which can lower heating and cooling costs.

• Available in wood grains like cherry, mahogany, oak, and fir or a smooth surface for a painted wood look.
• Won't warp, crack, rot or split like wood.  Resists severe weather, including humidity, rain and snow.
• Energy Star Qualified
• Can be painted or stained to match the exterior color scheme of the home.

CONS:
If the door is grained fiberglass and stained improperly, it can look like plastic, so it's best to purchase the door pre-finished from a dealer that offers a manufacturer finishing option.

STEEL DOORS

PROS:
Steel entry doors are an aesthetically pleasing economical option featuring high definition panel embossments and a smooth surface in a painted finish. It’s insulated and Energy Star qualified.

CONS:
Steel can rust or dent. The thermal conductivity is higher on a steel door than on fiberglass or wood, so the surface feels cold or hot to the touch in extreme temperatures.

Before you Choose

According to Remodeling magazine's 2011-2012 Cost Vs. Value entry door replacement ranks among the Top 5 home improvement projects nationwide, generating the highest return on investment at resale. So you want to make sure the door you choose is going to deliver the biggest bang for your buck.

Selecting a Professional Door Installer

Now that you've done your homework, it's time to find a professional dealer to your new custom entry door. Make sure you double check...

1.      Find out how long the company has been installing entry doors.

2.      Go online to research the brand of entry doors the dealer carries.

3.      Ask to see before and after images of previous installations as well as a list of customer references. Call them.

4.      Make sure the installer is bonded and insured and works for a reputable, local company.

5.      Check Angie's List to find out what other customers are saying and if there are any problems the company has had in the past.

 

For any other questions that you may have about upgrading your entry door, please contact Aspen Home Improvements by clicking below: