Front entry doors can increase your home’s beauty, safety and value. Real estate agents say upgraded exterior doors are one of the best investments homeowners can make.
Pella glass-paneled front doors allow natural light into your home while offering privacy and effective energy efficiency. They can be customized with a wide variety of decorative and obscure glass choices.
Material
There are a wide range of front door materials available to meet the aesthetic and performance goals you have for your home. Whether you choose wood, aluminum-clad wood or fiberglass, each material type offers unique benefits.
For a traditional look, a solid wood door is the ideal choice. Crafted of mahogany, oak or fir, these doors are durable and low-maintenance. They provide excellent insulation against heat and cold transfer as well as outdoor noise.
Fiberglass is a popular option for homeowners looking to update their front door without sacrificing style or functionality. These energy-efficient doors are dent-resistant and can be customized with a variety of panel designs.
For more dramatic effect, a front door with glass is an excellent option. These doors allow natural light to flow into your home, and are available in a number of obscured options including frosted, tinted, crested and heirloom.
Security
Your front door is the first thing that guests see when they visit your home. It is the first impression that they will have of your house and should be a reflection of your unique style. The right front door can increase your home’s beauty and value, as well as provide safety and security.
Selecting a front door is a process that should involve careful consideration of your goals and preferences. Consider the following factors when choosing a Rustica front door:
In addition to aesthetics, you also want your front door to be functional. Considering the extreme weather conditions that you may experience in Northern Utah, it is important to choose a door with energy efficiency features. Some of these include compression seals, which are flexible PVC gaskets that compress when the door closes to help prevent drafts and keep your homes warm during the cold winter months. Other options for energy efficient doors include wide-angle peepholes, which allow you to see your visitors without opening the door, and thermally broken frames, which add a layer of insulation to your door frame.
Energy Efficiency
Whether you’re concerned about climate change or simply want to reduce your energy use, choosing an eco-friendly front door is one of the best home improvements you can make. These doors are designed with insulation that can dramatically cut your energy costs and save you money over time. They also improve your home’s appearance and increase its value.
When selecting an energy efficient front door, you should first examine its energy performance ratings in relation to your local climate and home design. The ENERGY STAR label and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) labels can help you compare the efficiency of different products. Look for a low SHGC in a climate that requires cooling and a lower U-factor in a climate that needs heating.
A good way to check how well your current door is insulating is by sliding a dollar bill under and around it. If you can see light, heat is leaking out. To keep it in, you should look for steel or fiberglass doors with a foam core.