Your front door is a major part of your home’s curb appeal. It also works to keep noise, weather (air drafts) and light out of your home.
A stylish new front door can make your home stand out and help increase its value for resale. It can also work to improve your energy efficiency and provide security.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a tough material that’s used in helicopter rotor blades and boat hulls, as well as in house construction. It’s not only energy efficient and affordable, but it’s also customizable to match any home style.
The best fiberglass doors have convincingly textured skins, plus a full menu of molding, glass, and hardware choices to fit your tastes. They also won’t warp or swell, as wood can do.
Many homeowners choose fiberglass for its security benefits. The material can take a lot of abuse before it even dent, and it’s also easy to pair with a robust lock to keep intruders out of your home. As a bonus, impact-resistant fiberglass entry doors meet Florida’s hurricane standards. They’re especially popular with production builders who want a look that won’t dent or scratch during delivery trucks’ frequent stops at their homes. The door’s insulating foam core also helps make it weather resistant and energy efficient. It’s available in a range of styles that complement any architectural home design, from modern to Spanish and Rustic.
Steel
Having a steel front door gives your home a sleek, contemporary look that stands out in the neighborhood. These doors are ultra durable and help you save on energy bills. They also come with a host of other features that enhance your safety and security.
These doors can resist dents and scratches, making them harder for intruders to break into your home. They are also fire-rated and can protect your house from the elements.
They can withstand the intense heat of South Florida summers and strong winter winds. They don’t fade, rust or splinter and are easy to maintain. Moreover, they have a great return on investment for homeowners. Steel entry doors are typically budget-friendly and give a higher return on investment than fiberglass and wood options. They also offer a variety of customizable options like glass cutouts and sidelights. These doors are also rot-resistant and can stand up to heavy rains. They also do not require any paint or staining to keep them looking new season after season.
Vinyl
When it comes to front door materials, vinyl is an excellent option. Its insulating capabilities limit energy loss and can stand up to varying weather conditions. It is also very affordable and easy to maintain. It can easily be shaped to fit your home and come in different styles.
However, the disadvantage of vinyl doors is that they aren’t as sturdy as steel and wood. They can get damaged by the sun’s rays and can fade or discolour quickly. If your home faces the sunlight directly, then you should choose a different type of door for it.
The design options for a replacement front door are limitless. From panel designs and countless glass options to upgraded hardware, you can customize your new front door to suit your style. You can even add sidelights and a decorative window trim to enhance your home’s curb appeal. You can even increase security with a multipoint locking system or laminated safety glass for extra peace of mind.
Wood
Wood front doors add a warm, inviting appeal to any home. They come in a variety of styles, finishes and color options to complement your home’s architecture and exterior style. Wood doors can be further personalized with decorative glass, wrought iron detail and other accessories. Wood doors also offer a natural look that stands up well to the varying weather conditions of Waldo and other parts of Alachua County. They can be further protected with aluminum cladding to resist moisture, rot and mildew.
The small city of Waldo, Florida has a quiet country atmosphere and is surrounded by lakes for fishing and water-skiing. There is a large weekend flea market and many historic homes in the area. Located just north of Gainesville, it is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the rural lifestyle but still be close to city conveniences and jobs.