The appearance and security of your home can be drastically improved with a new front door installed. Replacement doors can give your home's energy efficiency a boost as well, cutting down on drafts and air leaks. Installing new exterior doors on the front, back or side of your home is a quick project with long lasting results.
The right front door for your home will increase the curb appeal, while the wrong one could even bring the value of your house down in the eyes of potential buyers. Doors that don't fit well or aren't installed properly put a serious dent in the security of your home and can also increase your utility bills considerably.
You need to think about the right choice of door and be sure that it is installed well for a tight fit and maximum protection.
A Good Choice in Exterior Doors
The design and appearance of a door are important. The product needs to look good and fit in well with the architecture of your home. You can choose an arched door or something with added height. Double doors are popular if space is available and models with sidelights and transom windows deliver natural light, added warmth and a decorative touch to the interior of your house.
You also have a choice of materials. When it comes to an exterior door you will need a product that is durable and tough. Solid wood slabs doors are the traditional choice and can be designed in a variety of patterns and styles. The wood grain displayed is attractive and no two doors are exactly the same. Wood doors often have window inserts and provide excellent insulation for entrances, keeping the cold out in winter and the heat down in the summer.
You can also find steel, fiberglass and vinyl doors on the market. These come in a wide variety of styles with the selection of vinyl doors presenting the most options. Look for a model that is light weight to handle yet delivers the security you need. Steel doors are a popular option for entries on the back or side doors. They are often standard in shape and size and offer rock solid security and a strong foundation for lock sets.
Composite doors are quickly gaining popularity in the market. This material, which is often a combination of wood and plastic fibers, can be formed to resemble wood doors so closely that many people can't tell the difference. Strong, light weight and beautiful, composite doors are a wise choice all around.
Options for Installation of Exterior Doors
Putting in a new exterior door could be a DIY project. Often you can purchase a door kit that includes everything you need with thorough instructions for putting the door in correctly. You should be able to remove and replace a standard sized door in only a few hours.
If you're simply replacing a door with the same size and design then only minimal skills are needed. However, if you have plans to replace a standard door with a double set or you're adding sidelights and transoms it's time to call in the professional contractor. When the walls need to be cut and a new frame installed the experience of a contractor is necessary.
They will know how to properly fit the frame to ensure the minimal amount of air leaks and the maximum amount of security. If the plan for replacement is beyond a simple swap, you will need the help of professionals to make the project a success.
When replacing exterior doors you need to consider two important things. What style and materials are best for your new door? There is plenty of selection that covers a broad range of prices. Also, it's wise to think about whether this is a good DIY project or something you need to have a professional do. The right decisions during the installation process will allow this home improvement to go smoothly, providing the beauty and security you require from an exterior door.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
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