The primary function of your external or exterior doors is to allow entry. External doors impact curb appeal and home value. They also allow patio and porch entry and enhance security. With so many design options, multiple exterior door types, and materials to choose from, picking the right door can be challenging. However, the ideal door should match your style and taste. Pick a door that resonates with your outdoors to ensure style flow while ensuring security. Below are six tips for selecting your external doors.
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1. Consider Material
External doors can be made from fiberglass, wood, or steel. A modern exterior door system can combine two or more material options. When choosing the right door material, consider the door’s function and your goals. If you’re looking for a secure door that can protect your home against break-ins, withstand wear and tear, and harsh weather, steel would be an ideal option.
Pick fiberglass if you want a door that will serve you for years and still look great. Are you all about aesthetics? A classic wood door would be your best bet. If energy efficiency is your goal, steel and fiberglass doors are a great choice. Consider partnering with reputable vendors such as Doors Plus for multiple quality door options.
2. Focus On Color
Your exterior door color allows you to showcase your design skills and personality. Since your exterior door is a notable home exterior feature, picking the right shade is essential. Besides influencing your mood, the right external door color sets your home’s tone, makes it unique, sets your home apart, helps sell your home, and qualifies for an affordable home improvement project.
Consider the surroundings, style, classics, and screen door when choosing your front door color. You can decide to be creative and use a color wheel to determine the colors that complement each other and those that clash.
3. Consider Your Area’s Climate
Considering that front doors are continually exposed to outdoor elements, season moisture and changing temperatures can significantly impact their functionality. The ideal exterior doors for cold climate fiberglass insulated doors, metal insulated doors, and solid wood doors. Screen doors are the option for hot climates because they allow you to let in airflow.
Since metal doors aren’t ideal for heat, fiberglass or wood would be better. Wooden doors aren’t suitable because they swell in humid weather. Installing both screen and storm doors protects against humidity. In areas with direct sunlight, fiberglass is ideal as it lasts long and resists sun damage.
4. Look At Size
When choosing an exterior door, ensure that it fits into the allotted space to reduce the possibility of air leakage. Measure the height and width of the available space to pick a door that fits perfectly. You can select a standard external door size or others based on your preference and needs.
5. Work With A Budget
Like other home improvement projects, setting a budget dictates the external door options available to you. Weigh the door’s upfront costs against the door’s predicted longevity, energy efficiency, additional remodeling, maintenance requirements, and weather protection. While you may want to go for a cheaper option, it might not serve you long enough or meet most of your needs.
Endnote
Putting thought into your exterior door alternatives allows you to make the best door choice. Use these tips to select your external door.
