Your front entry doors are the first thing people notice when they enter your home. Choosing the right exterior door style can improve security, energy efficiency and aesthetics.
It’s also important to consider your build material. Today, building materials like fiberglass are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes.
Curb Appeal
The front door is more than just an entryway, it’s a statement that showcases your home and design preferences. It also provides security and protection against the elements and intruders. Therefore, it’s important that your entryway look clean and inviting. Refreshing the color of your front door can be a simple way to boost your home’s curb appeal.
If your entryway looks worn or outdated, it can make your whole house look neglected and devalued. Fortunately, upgrading to a new replacement door is one of the best projects you can undertake for increasing your home’s curb appeal.
New doors are available in a wide variety of styles that complement almost any architectural style. Additionally, they are crafted from materials that provide superior energy efficiency and security. They are a smart investment that will quickly return your money. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report 2023, steel and fiberglass entry doors have the highest ROI of any exterior remodeling project.
Security
Your front door should not only look good, but it must also protect your home from the elements and intruders. This is where the right door style is important, and it’s a great way to boost your home’s value and curb appeal.
The type of building material you choose is important as well. Many homeowners go with wood, which is a classic choice that looks beautiful but requires more maintenance than other options. Steel is a more durable choice, though, and it’s a safer option when it comes to intruders.
Fiberglass is another choice, and it’s becoming increasingly popular. It can look similar to wood but is stronger and more energy efficient. Another consideration is how much glass you want. Some front entry doors have glass panels on both sides and even above them. This can be a great way to let in natural light while maintaining privacy. You can also choose from a variety of glass options, such as frosted or stained glass.
Energy Efficiency
The material your front door is built with has a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Fiberglass, for example, reduces air leaks better than wood. This results in a warm, comfortable indoor environment throughout the winter without your heating and cooling systems having to work as hard.
The glass in your new replacement doors also plays a role. For instance, a French door with side lites or a transom can let in a lot of natural light, which can make the interior of your home feel brighter.
Another important consideration is your installer’s workmanship. Gaps, poor seals, and improper installation can decrease your entry door’s energy efficiency. Champion takes the time to get accurate measurements and follows a detailed step-by-step process to ensure an optimal fit and weatherproof operation. This helps your entry door maintain its energy efficiency over the years and saves you money on monthly energy bills.
Maintenance
Your entry doors serve many purposes in your home. They provide protection from intruders and the elements, and they show off your unique style. They are also the first thing visitors see, and they are the first impression potential homebuyers have of your home.
If your front door is difficult to close, or if you notice cold or hot air coming in around the edges, it may need fresh caulking or new weather stripping. It’s best to leave these jobs to professionals, as they can get the job done quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money.
Fiberglass entry doors are the easiest to maintain. They look like wood and require little more than a wipe with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best. However, if your entry doors are west-facing, you will need to apply UV protectant regularly. Otherwise, the sun will eat away at them, and they can fade to an unsightly yellow.