It’s all about making that first impression. Whether it be meeting somebody new, keeping your vehicle clean, or having a stunning front entry door, we, as people, always want to make a great first impression. You may not believe it, but more often than not, the first thing people look at as they drive or walk by your home is your front entry door. The front door is the focal point of a home and plays a big part of peoples first impression. Beyond a first impression, there is much more to deciding which front entry door you should feature on your home.
Curb Appeal
You might not admit it, but come on, we all want, or at least wish, when someone is passing our home to say ‘oh wow’ or ‘man that’s nice’. Adding a unique front entry door is how you set the tone for your house. You want that curb appeal, and the front door is the perfect place to start. There are a few things to consider before just picking any new door.
Material
When it comes to choosing a front door, there are a few different options of material to choose from.
Wood – Wood has been a popular choice for many years because it is extremely customizable. The size, shape, and style preferences are pretty much endless with wood. With that being said, there is a big drawback if you decide to go with a wood door. Wood doors, over time, will get weathered and are subject to warping when exposed to outside elements. This can result in not only a not ideal appearance but a break in the door air-sealing capabilities. Keep in mind that you may have to replace an exterior wood door more frequently than other materials such as steel or fiberglass.
Steel Insulated – If safety is your concern, then a steel insulated door might be for you! These doors are constructed with an insulated foam that is capsulated by a steel panel on either side. This makes your door very strong, while providing great energy efficiency for your home. There are also many different design options available, but the one drawback would be if the door gets a dent, it may be hard to repair. If you can live with a couple dents throughout the years, great, if not you may want to look at getting a fiberglass door.
Fiberglass – Just like the steel insulated, fiberglass doors have an insulated core, making it a great energy efficient door! Fiberglass doors offer the traditional look of wood, but are significantly more durable. They can also be painted any colour you like and for the most part, stand up against dents and nicks. When it comes to price, a fiberglass door might be more expensive than the other options, but their long term energy saving benefits might be enough to pay you back over time.
Glass – Solid Glass is an option for a door, but there might be more drawbacks than there are positives with this option. Does glass look good? Absolutely. It adds a real modern look and allows the greatest amount of light in. On the flip side, it might also let cold air in as it won’t seal as good, and it also allows people to have a peak inside your home. If neither of these bother you, glass may be an option for you!
Style & Efficiency
A front entry door is a great opportunity for you to make your home stand out. There are a few different options when choosing a front door that allow you to make it a one of a kind. Whether you are looking for a traditional panel door, solid wood door, or a door with a glass insert, there is bound to be a style out there for you.
There are three things you want out of your front entry door.
Energy Efficiency – A quality front door should protect you from the outdoor elements. You want the door to keep the cold air out in the winter, and to keep it in in the winter.
Security – You want your front door to be equipped with enough safety features to make you feel safe. You want quality hinges and locking system. You also don’t want to cheap out on the overall quality of the door itself because at the end of the day, you want to keep intruders out!
Style – Door styles are pretty much endless, so take the time and find something that you love!
The Bottom Line
It may seem like just a door, but there is more to it than just that. The front door of your home is the focal point, and is a significant factor of your homes appearance and safety. Replacing your front door is a great opportunity to modernize the look of your home, while reaping in the additional benefits of added efficiency and safety!
It is always best to consult with a professional to ensure you are getting a quality door for your home. Here at Glacier we always want our customers to be happy with the look and quality of their purchase.