The front door is so important that choosing one is hardly easy! Isn’t it? Surely, there is a sea of front door designs, styles, colors, materials! But at the end of the day, there’s always this dreadful feeling that is something is left out. Something is not taken into account and so the fear that this small (or big) omission will cost you, making you toss and turn.
Need some help putting all considerations on the table so that your front door replacement will be ideal? Let’s do this. Let’s see which are the things you must focus on.
Front door material
There’s no shortage of door materials on the market. And truth be told, all materials have their pros and cons. Now, their longevity and resistance are also subject to whether the door is solid or hollow. You don’t want the latter for your front door. Although more expensive, solid doors are a must when it comes to main entry points.
Another consideration when it comes to the material is the climate. High humidity shortens the lifespan of simple metal doors, unless this is aluminum. But aluminum is not as durable as steel. But if you want a steel door, better have it reinforced. The best option? Either solid wood or fiberglass. Both may last for more than 100 years.
Front door energy ratings
Whether for a warm or cold climate, an energy efficient front door is important. It must have a high R-value, while the U-factor must be low. It’s best to check the energy efficient ratings first. If you choose glass doors, there must be double or triple glazing. While all front doors are exposed to the elements, some are exposed even more due to the orientation of the house. Or due to the small or no porch. In such cases, focusing on the door’s insulation is a must since it will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Don’t forget that the indoor energy efficiency is enhanced when the door is weather sealed and when the door installation is perfectly done. Pay attention to such factors as well.
Front door hardware
Although the front door’s handles play mainly a decorative role, they must also be convenient. No matter what handle you choose, it must be convenient for all members of the family. As for the style and color, it’s best to match all front door fixtures – the hinges, the handle, the doorbell, for a crisp look. Naturally, hardware, like the hinges, must be extremely durable since they play a vital role in the home security.
Front door locks
Speaking of security, you need to focus on the front door locks too. In fact, this is as important as getting a durable – truly resistant, front door. These things go hand in hand. The strength of the frame and the door along with the resistance of the locks will make the difference. In this context, you may also consider additional security systems around your front door, like security cameras, an alarm, a multipoint lock, extra lighting etc.
Front door aesthetics
When it comes to the front door’s aesthetics, you need to consider the design and the color. Now, the design is often subject to the material since glass and metal or wood may be combined. To make the aesthetic part work, choose designs and colors based on your home style. A traditional, engineered wood front door won’t look good at a contemporary house. Then, the color will make an impression when it is matched with the color of the windows.
Front door size
If this is a new construction – hence, a brand-new front door installation, you need to consider the space around the door. There must be space outdoors so that you can stand without safety concerns – if there are stairs. Most importantly, the door must open all the way, with no obstructions at all. So, check the space indoors too. When we consider the measurements to get a front door, we usually do it having the opening in mind only. And while this is paramount, the surrounding space will also give you an idea of which size door you can get.
