Different Types of Exterior Doors

The doors found on your home’s exterior not only functions as an entryway to your home. They also set the tone for your home because they’re usually the first things people notice about your house. If you have something that looks cheap or out of place, then any visitor to your house would have low expectations for the inside of your home. On the other hand, if you have elegant, stylish exterior doors, then it could pique your visitor’s interests and feel some excitement before entering your home.

Different types of exterior doors all contribute to your home’s curb appeal. They can also affect the energy and energy efficiency inside your home. That is why it’s important to have well-functioning and aesthetically-pleasing exterior doors.

When you’re looking to replace your old doors or choosing the doors to add to your new home, it’s essential that you know the types of doors that are available to help you make an informed decision on your choices. Whether it’s for your front door, patio door, or back door, you’ll need to know your options to know what you really like based on your preferences and your budget.

Entry Doors

Not only does your front door add to your home’s curb appeal, it is also important in your home’s security. Entry doors are available in three different materials, namely wood, fiberglass, and steel.

Additionally, these can be further customized by adding more decorative elements such as engravings and decorative glass. These add elegance and improve your home’s energy.

Wood Entry Doors

Wood is one of the best materials to use for your front door because of its natural look that is beyond compare to other materials. They are sturdy and they offer great security for your home. Plus, you can simply add a stain to your door to preserve its natural, woody look, or you can also add paint to add more flavor.

One problem with wood is that depending on the type of wood used, it can be very expensive. It’s actually the most expensive type of entry door. It also requires plenty of maintenance to preserve its appearance, which can cost a lot more.

It is recommended in areas that do not have frequent heavy rainfall or if your home’s design has a front porch that covers your front door, protecting it from heavy rains because wooden doors are susceptible to rotting, warping, and expanding.

Fiberglass Entry Doors

This material has become more popular in recent years because of its durability and energy-efficiency, as most fiberglass doors come with foam insulation to keep your home warm or cool, depending on the season. Because the material is synthetic, it is also resistant to warping, rotting, dents, scratches, or expansion, unlike wood.
Fiberglass can come in plenty of finishes, many of which mimic the natural of wood but minus the hassle of maintenance.

Steel Entry Doors

Many high-end homeowners choose steel entry doors not only because of its customizability, but also because of its strength and durability, giving their homes more security. Steel entry doors have all the same benefits of fiberglass, but better.

Steel entry doors provide maximum security against intruders and the natural elements, providing protection for years and years. Most steel entry doors also come with a foam core insulation that improves your home’s energy efficiency. They can come in a variety of colors, which also include wood grain finishes that mimic the look of authentic wood.

This could be the best option for you if you’re looking for maximum security.

Patio Doors

Patio doors offer easier access to your home’s garden, deck, or patio. They can also be an opportunity to improve your home’s exterior appeal with additional elements that provide more elegance and a pleasing view.

Sliding Patio Doors

The most commonly-used patio door is the sliding patio door because it is easy to use, it provides a greater view of the outside, and it doesn’t take up much space. It is actually like a sliding mirror or a giant sliding window. It provides greater access to natural light and increases ventilation to your home.

Sliding patio doors come in a variety of materials for their frames. The most common materials are metal and vinyl. Vinyl is the most recommended because it is very durable, requires less maintenance, and it does not rust.

Since sliding patio doors are mostly glass with frames, they do not provide much security as they are. Most homeowners increase security by reinforcing the glass or by placing security bars.

French Patio Doors

A more elegant alternative for patio doors are French patio doors. They are available in all the same materials as sliding patio doors and are customizable in a way that you can choose how they can be opened – outwards or inwards, from the left or right.

If you are not comfortable with sliding patio doors, then French patio doors are for you since they are able to provide more security and privacy for your home.