It is often said that in life, when one door closes, another one opens. For homeowners, the ravages of time and natural wear and tear caused by elements such as heat and moisture take a toll on their exterior doors and beckon either replacement or refurbishment. The natural process of aging, regular usage, and weather conditions give rise to doors that bind, shrink, stick, or fit or close improperly. The finish on the doors starts to fade or lose its varnish, the lockset gets loose, and the door handles chip, get tarnished and seem uninviting. From changing a deadbolt and repairing a latch and lock to adjusting a door that sticks and fixing a loose or squeaky hinge, Americans are hard at work making their home a castle. After all, the price of neglecting doors in poor condition is anything but trivial: 1) significant energy losses derived from air leaks, 2) decreased insulation, and 3) hefty energy bills. Conversely, by investing in new or enhanced doors, homeowners save money, beautify their surroundings, and reduce the need for maintenance. Well-fitting and functional doors provide and improve lighting, ventilation, safety, privacy, and access.
Doors are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and shapes, each addressing a specific need and serving particular functions. Repair of a loose or binding door is a simple task, whereas that of a severely-warped door will typically necessitate a replacement. A door that is slightly warped may be adjusted by fixing the stop, placing another hinge, or slightly shimming the hinges. Homeowners should ensure that their exterior doors are weather-resistant, efficient energy-wise, and sturdy. Older homes should preferably be equipped with new exterior doors since modern versions offer a better fit and improved insulation, which in turn results in lower energy expenditures. Homeowners should inspect their doors' weather-stripping annually and replace it if necessary in order to protect against energy loss. They should consider purchasing exterior doors made of fiberglass, steel, or insulated metal since they tend to insulate and seal more effectively, are easier to maintain, last longer, and deter intruders better than wooden doors.
The most common types of exterior doors are 1) front doors, 2) storm doors, 3) patio doors, 4) French doors.
Front or Entry Doors
Since first impressions are important, homeowners should make sure that their front door sends the right message to prospective buyers and visitors. The rest of the home is usually judged after that first glance at the front door, which can either generate or snuff out interest on the part of potential purchasers. Front doors are usually made of wood, fiberglass, or steel. Some of the ways that homeowners can aesthetically transform or upgrade their entry doors as well as improve their property's value are as follows:
- Keeping the front door impeccably clean
- Refinishing, sanding or repainting the door in an appealing color that coordinates with the exterior
- Tightening or replacing and polishing the door handles
- Lubricating and cleaning the locks, door knocker, and door hinges
- Placing a deadbolt if the door is missing one since prospective buyers place a premium on this safety feature
- Embellishing the front door and brightening the entrance with a colorful flower wreath
- Replacing the doorbell and purchasing a new set of house numbers
- Buying a new door
- Inspecting the front door for indentations such as cracks and applying a vinyl spackling substance to fill in the gaps
- Applying top quality gloss or semi-gloss (i.e. acrylic latex paint) as a finish to the door
Storm Doors
These enable homeowners to substantially diminish energy loss from the inside to the exterior as well as outdoor air flowing inside. Storm doors also serve the purpose of protecting the main door from sun exposure and severe atmospheric conditions, thus ensuring its durability. Storm doors are typically available in wood, vinyl, fiberglass, steel, metal, and aluminum. Consumers may choose between screen, removable glass, sliding, or fixed panels. Storm doors of premium quality are made of low-e glass. One aesthetic use that homeowners may make of glass or other decorative storm doors is to cover their existing doors with them. Instead of purchasing a new door to replace a front door that is old and in need of remodeling, individuals can install a storm door as a cosmetic overlay. Storm doors are typically sold for $200 or less.
Patio Doors
These add brightness, a sense of warmth, as well as an elegant architectural touch to a home. Patio doors offer a secure entrance and attract natural light into the residence. Compared to other types of doors, patio doors lose heat at a speedier pace. Sliding patio doors tend to provide a much looser seal than swinging doors.
French Doors
One category of patio doors is the French door, which adds light and accentuates a home's visual appeal as well as increases its value. It also facilitates access to courtyards, gardens, and patios. Consumers may purchase them in fiberglass, steel, wood, vinyl, or aluminum. French doors are usually double doors; however, they are also available as single doors. Homeowners may choose the number of glass panes they would like in their doors. The increasing popularity of fiberglass is attributable to its upkeep-free and virtually shatter-proof nature. Fiberglass does not require maintenance since, unlike other materials; it does not warp, crack, rot, expand, rust, or dent. Today's French doors offer greater security and visual appeal, as well as energy-efficiency, increased ventilation, reduced maintenance, and user-friendliness.