Key Questions to Ask Before Getting a New Entry Door

Just like with a roof replacement project, you need to make a lot of decisions when choosing a new entry door. Today, doors come in a wide range of materials, styles and colors, so it pays to carefully select your doors. An energy-efficient and high-performance entry door can improve your protection, curb appeal and indoor comfort.
To choose your door correctly, you can ask yourself a few key questions before you head out to select your new doors. In this post, Hunterdon Roofing, Siding and Window Company asks you to address a few important questions:

1. What Style of Door Do I Want?

Front door styles vary almost as much as exterior renovations, so whether you’re looking for a traditional panel door, a solid wood door with an arched top, or a multi-light door, you’ll find something to suit your taste. If security is high on your list of must-haves in a new door, you may want to opt-out of doors with lights—either in the door itself or on the side. If your home’s foyer tends to be a little dark, sidelights can help brighten things up.

2. Which Exterior Door Materials Are Best? 

A. Fiberglass doors: Energy-efficient and have low maintenance, fiberglass doors can be in any color or texture and can be painted if your exterior color scheme changes in the future.

B. Wood doors: Beautiful and customizable, but require consistent maintenance to protect the wood from the elements. If your front porch is not covered, be sure to also purchase a glass storm door to help prevent the wood door from warping or deteriorating.

C. Steel doors: Cost-effective and very durable. Though they don’t come in quite as many texture options as fiberglass doors, steel doors can be painted. Require less maintenance than wood doors, but because any bare metal will rust, you’ll need to be sure to paint over any scratches or dents.

3. Should the Door Swing in or Out?

Traditionally, most exterior doors swing inward; however, the popularity of outward-swinging doors is on the rise, particularly in hurricane-prone areas. Outward-swinging doors cannot be blown in, so they provide better defense against powerful winds. Plus, doors that swing out are incredibly difficult to force or kick in, which adds an extra layer of security.

4. How Do I Choose the Best Front Door Locks for My Needs?

Most residential exterior doors are equipped with locksets bearing a Grade 2 security rating. A Grade 1 rating is the commercial duty and the most secure, but it will most likely be much more expensive. Grade 3 locks are simple to handle locks and are not suitable for exterior doors.

5. Will the Door Come With a Warranty?

Warranties can cover the costs of a variety of issues and can last anywhere from a number of years to the lifetime of the house. Door installation can be a costly process, and a warranty can prevent you from paying more money for unforeseen complications down the road.

From doors and window replacement to new construction siding to repairing the roof on your home, Hunterdon Roofing, Siding, and Window Company is here to keep your home safe and beautiful for the years ahead. Contact us for a free estimate by calling us at (908) 735-0809 or by completing our contact form. We look forward to serving all your home improvement needs!