Your front doors can boost your home’s beauty, safety and resale value. But, they also play an important role in your home’s energy efficiency.
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Curb Appeal
Your home’s front entry door makes the first impression on visitors and potential buyers. It should be a combination of style and function, protecting against the elements and intruders while reflecting your design preferences.
A new front door adds value to your home and is a great investment. Real estate agents report that it can increase a property’s appeal and encourage buyers to walk through the door.
The door’s color and trim can make or break its curb appeal. Changing the trim to match the door is an inexpensive and easy way to enhance your entrance’s appearance.
Adding plants around the doorway helps frame it and creates a welcoming space. Using planters with different colors and shapes draws attention to key visual points. For example, symmetrical arrangements of pots or wall-mounted lanterns are pleasing to the eye. Swapping out a dated mailbox is another simple but effective improvement. It’s a low-cost project that only requires a quart of paint and a bit of time.
Security
One of the biggest benefits of upgrading your front door is the increased security you’ll enjoy. New entry doors can keep your family and belongings safe from intruders, severe weather conditions and other potential threats. They also protect your home’s exterior from damage and help prevent escalating energy bills.
Regardless of the style you choose, there are many options that blend beauty with functionality, making it possible to make a statement with your front door while keeping your home safe. Some of the most popular choices include fiberglass, steel and wood.
Fiberglass is a highly durable material that doesn’t rot, split or rust. It’s available in a variety of colors and designs, and you can even add decorative glass to create a custom look. Fiberglass front doors are also easy to maintain, with just an occasional wipe down to keep them looking their best. These benefits make this type of front door a favorite among northern Utah homeowners.
Energy Efficiency
The front door of your home is a focal point that not only reflects your style but also protects your property, helps keep intruders out and insulates your house from the elements. Upgrading your entry doors with a beautiful new French, pivot or bi-folding system blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space and will make your home feel more spacious and bright.
The material your front door is made of can significantly impact its energy efficiency. Fiberglass front doors are considered the most energy efficient because they do not transfer heat easily. Steel and aluminum front doors are also very energy efficient, but they do not insulate as well as fiberglass.
The type of glass that your front door has, along with any side lites or transoms, can also influence its energy efficiency. Single-pane glass is not as energy efficient, but double or triple pane windows with a low-emissivity (low-e) coating will provide better insulation and reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Maintenance
Whether it’s wood, steel or fiberglass, an entry door needs regular maintenance to maintain its beauty and function. This includes resealing and applying protective coatings as needed.
Moisture infiltration can damage the door and frame, causing rot, mold, mildew and other issues. In addition, a breach in the moisture barrier can allow cold and hot air to escape, compromising your home’s energy efficiency.
Keeping up with routine maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your exterior front doors. This includes lubricating hinges, tightening screws and inspecting for signs of deterioration. It is also wise to apply a UV protectant to wood doors, as exposure to sunlight accelerates the natural aging process and can cause sun spots and warping.