What to Look For When Buying a Front Door

Front doors, sometimes referred to as entry doors, serve an important purpose in terms of safety, while also setting the tone for the look of your home both inside and out and impacting the efficiency of your home. Choosing the right front door can be a challenge as there are a lot of factors to consider. Here is what to look for when buying a front door.

Style and Personality

A front door is a focal point and usually draws the eyes of visitors and people passing by. It should look inviting and welcoming. The front door needs to match and complement the style of the home and any surrounding landscaping. Additional features, like sidelights, or glass panels surrounding the door, and hardware, like a door knob, lockset or a door knocker, all contribute to the look of your front door and your home.

Construction

The material the door is made from can impact the look and the performance of the door. Most front doors can be painted in order to match the style of a home. Front doors are commonly made from:

• Fiberglass
• Steel
• Wood

When buying a front door, it is important to consider the material of the actual door but to also pay attention to the rails and stiles. These are the braces that surround a door. Rails and stiles made from wood may warp or bow over time. However, rails and stiles made from laminated wood with a veneer will resist warping.

Energy Efficient Construction

Doors that allow air-conditioned air to escape in the summer or heated air to seep through in the winter are not energy efficient and can negatively impact your cooling and heating expenses. To combat energy loss, look for steel or fiberglass front doors that feature energy-efficient cores. Solid wood doors will not provide as much energy efficiency. Tight-fitting frames and double- or even triple-panel glass ensure that warm air does not escape. Front doors that are Energy Star qualified are rated to reduce heat transfer.

Security

Like all exterior doors, front doors are part of your home’s security. Most front doors hold up well in terms of preventing break-ins, regardless of the material. The lockset you choose matters a great deal when it comes to securing your front door.

Trusted Door Installers

The right front door will make an excellent first impression and add to the curb appeal of your home while also keeping energy costs down and perhaps most importantly, keeping your family and home safe. If you have questions about front doors or entry door installation, contact Hunterdon Siding & Windows today.