Exterior Doors - Choosing the Right One For Your Home

 From  Exterior doors come in all shapes and sizes, but they are not evenly distributed throughout the home. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a door for your home is its function. Will you be needing a door for an exterior window or to WDMA protect the garage? All exterior door styles have their pros and cons and the better you understand them, the better off you will be in choosing the right one for your needs.

The best way to choose the right exterior doors is to first determine what function you will use the door for. Doors for exterior windows come in two types: solid shutters or louvers. Louver units are more decorative, while solid shutters offer a stronger seal. You can also purchase an interior door that includes side-hinged lids, which offer the best home improvement options for those who like to maintain control over the amount of sunlight that comes into the home.

Another factor to consider when choosing an exterior door type is whether you will be replacing interior doors or adding another exterior section of the house. For instance, you may decide to replace your interior sliding doors with an exterior wood paneled section or even add a French patio door. All three types of exterior doors have advantages and drawbacks, so before you make any decisions, you should consult a home improvement professional and educate yourself on the pros and cons of each door type.

When choosing exterior door types for curb appeal, consider the appearance of your home as well. You want your home to blend into the surroundings, not stand out and detract from the existing appearance. Homes with glass doors offer the best appearance and if your curb appeal permits a more traditional appearance, this may be your best bet. However, if curb appeal is not a factor or you do not have the budget for an elaborate door, you may opt for a less common material such as aluminum.

Aluminum doors are relatively inexpensive and offer a variety of different hardware options. In addition, they do not have to be painted in order to maintain their clean, modern appearance. There are two basic installation choices when choosing aluminum doors: either install single-ply window sections or double-layering vinyl film.

For the homeowner who is concerned about energy efficiency, fiberglass is one of the best door types for insulating your home. Fiberglass does not conduct heat well, but it is the most durable and insulating of all the materials used for exterior doors. The glass used in these doors combines high-efficiency glass with a special low-emission coating to help keep cooling costs down. Although fiberglass is extremely durable and insulates, it does require regular cleaning and maintenance. The low-emission coating requires repainting every few years, so a regular routine of cleaning and polishing will also be necessary to maintain its effectiveness.

For homeowners who want to add energy efficiency to their homes, it makes sense to choose steel construction for exterior doors and choose timber for interior doors. Steel doors offer a durable solution for exterior and interior use, and they are also very easily customizable. By having an architect design a steel door set for your house, you can have doors custom designed to improve both security and energy efficiency. Compared to plastic or aluminum construction, steel is much more durable, and it resists rust and other common problems that come from having metal doors in your home.

The type of door you choose will depend on the style of your home and on the function of your home. If you want to create an elegant living room for yourself, you may want to consider replacing your traditional wood doors with glass panel ones. Likewise, if you want to enhance your security, you can opt for a steel door that offers excellent security. Similarly, if you wish to have a softer exterior for a comfortable, welcoming feel to your home, you may want to select a wood exterior for interior use, or vice versa.