Replacing your front door is a great way to give your home an instant make-over. The right choice of door can help you to save energy and cut your heating costs, as well as increase your “kerb appeal” and raise the value of your home. How can you make sure that your next door is a secure, appealing and energy efficient one? Here are a few tips for picking exterior doors that will help you to make the right choice:
Choosing the Right Material
Until recently, most exterior doors were made of wood. Today, you have a much wider range of choices, including UPVC and metal doors. No materials will last forever, but some are more hardwearing than others.
Wooden doors tend to crack and decay after being exposed to the elements for many years. You can make them last longer by weather-proofing them and re-painting them regularly. UPVC doors can last for a long time but they do discolour after a while. Metal doors are very hardwearing, however the surface coating on them can chip and peel after several years and if not maintained carefully this can lead to future problems. Fiberglass doors require the least-maintenance, but can be expensive.
Wooden doors give you that really warm feel, with the natural oak look being in vogue. These doors if looked after will give you 20-30 years good service, with a reasonable level of maintenance
Determine What Needs Replaced
In many cases, replacing a door is as simple as replacing the main door part (called the blank) with a new blank. However, it’s not always that easy. If the old door frame is made of wood and has begun to rot then you may need to replace the entire frame. Selecting hardwood or oak doors and frames will extend the life of any door or frame. In addition, if the new door is heavier than the old one you may need new hinges.
Many modern doors are offered pre-hung as a doorset, which means that the door comes with hinges and a door-frame already attached. This makes it easy for you to rip out the old frame and replace everything in one go. This assumes, of course, that your existing doorway is a perfect fit for the new door.
Security Considerations
If security is a major concern for you, then you should consider a fiberglass door or a steel door. Fiberglass doors are lightweight but incredibly strong, and if they are well insulated then they can help to cut down your energy costs too. Modern fiberglass doors can be made to look as if they have a traditional wood finish, and most people would not be able to tell the difference without actually touching the door.
Steel doors are less attractive than fiberglass doors, but they are also inexpensive. They are incredibly strong and would be very hard for a would-be intruder to break through, especially if paired with a good lock. The only downside is that they are difficult to repair if they get damaged.
Hardwood or oak external doorsets fitted with multipoint locking systems designed in accordance with the master locksmiths guidelines can give equivalent levels of security to both fibreglass or steel doors, whilst retaining that natural appeal, with a long-lasting lifespan with regular maintenance
Environmental Issues
People who live in a conservation area may be limited in their decorating options. The best choice for someone who is concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases is a solid wood door that is made from Forest Stewardship Council approved wood. If the door has an energy rating or u value of 1.8 or under, then that makes it an even better choice, because you gain the added benefit of great thermal performance whilst still using a natural product.
