Entry doors are an important aspect of a home’s overall aesthetic and function. They not only increase curb appeal, they also keep internal temperatures stable, putting less strain on your air conditioning system and saving you money on energy bills.
Many homeowners are surprised to find out that some entry doors don’t include natural insulation. The door materials you choose will have a significant impact on security, energy efficiency and durability.
Security
No home is complete without security, and this includes the front door that protects your family and belongings from intruders. The best entry doors are able to keep your family safe with features that include a cylinder guard and outward opening hinges that make it impossible for criminals to pry or pull a door open. You should also choose a reinforced metal frame that creates a stronger attachment point for deadbolts and other locking mechanisms to help prevent tampering or breaking. This is why fiberglass has become the most popular material for home entrance doors, as it offers the ideal combination of energy efficiency, security, and performance.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to updating your front door, you want to focus on style, functionality and durability. However, you also need to consider energy efficiency and value. Energy-efficient doors are insulated and help keep the air you’re paying to heat or cool inside where it belongs. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills and more comfort year-round.
Fiberglass entry doors are the best choice for South Florida homeowners looking to increase their home’s energy efficiency. This material offers the look of wood with the strength of steel and better insulating capabilities. It can be compression-molded to fit almost any design, and it requires less maintenance than solid wood options.
You can improve the energy efficiency of your entry door by adding weather stripping around the perimeter. This will limit the amount of air that passes through your front door. For the best results, choose a door that has weather stripping seals already installed.
Durability
While an updated front door is a great way to increase curb appeal, it’s essential to choose one that can handle the weather conditions of your area. This is why we recommend choosing a low-maintenance fiberglass entry door. It is highly resistant to outdoor elements, and won’t warp or crack like other materials. It also provides superior insulating power.
Fiberglass doors can be compression molded to look like any style you want, including traditional or contemporary. They’re versatile enough to be complemented with other features, such as transoms and sidelights.
Some fiberglass models are so realistic in their appearance that you can even feel the heft and experience the thunk of a solid mahogany or oak door without knowing you’re not touching real wood. They’re also resistant to denting and scratching, and require minimal maintenance. This makes them a cost-effective choice for homeowners who prefer to keep their energy costs down.
Style
In addition to providing security and energy efficiency, entry doors must also look good. You can choose from a variety of colors and styles, depending on your preference. Depending on the material of your door, you may need to add weather stripping. This limits airflow and protects against harsh Florida storms and temperatures. Many homeowners opt for fiberglass entry doors, which provide the best combination of security, energy efficiency, and performance. These doors are insulated and come with built-in weatherstripping seals, which you can easily install yourself. Window World offers several different fiberglass options from Therma-Tru. For more information, contact us today!