Key Factors to Evaluate Before Purchasing Exterior Doors

Choosing the right exterior door involves considering material, durability, security features, and aesthetic appeal. Options like wood, fiberglass, and steel each offer unique benefits and maintenance needs. Accurate measurements and understanding the installation process are essential. Properly selected exterior doors enhance curb appeal and provide safety against weather and intrusions.

Essential Considerations for Selecting Exterior Doors

Exterior doors serve as primary entry points for various areas of a home. These doors need to be sturdy, long-lasting, and available in diverse materials and styles to suit different preferences.

Common materials used for exterior doors
Options include wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and steel. Sliding glass doors are also popular for patios.

Wood
Wood doors are aesthetically pleasing and available in various types and quality levels, from high-end hardwoods to more affordable composite options. They are resistant to cracks and dents, providing a traditional and attractive entrance. Proper panel construction helps mitigate weather-related swelling and shrinking.

Nonetheless, wooden doors may age faster due to exposure to rain and heat unless made from high-quality wood. They require regular maintenance like repainting or varnishing to retain their appearance.

Fiberglass
This increasingly popular material offers various styles, good insulation, and strong weather resistance. Fiberglass doors can mimic wood finishes in texture and appearance, providing a classic look without the higher costs of hardwood doors.

However, fiberglass is more prone to cracking under severe impacts compared to wood or steel doors.

Steel
Steel doors are highly durable and low-maintenance, though they can scratch and dent more easily. They are not as weather-resistant as fiberglass but can be enhanced with paint coatings and prompt repairs. Many steel doors are finished to resemble wood, and they typically offer better insulation than wooden options.

Pre-made doors for quick installation
If you need a door to fit into an existing frame, measure the frame’s dimensions accurately, including height, width, and thickness, to ensure proper fit. For replacing entire doorways, prehung doors with frames are available, predrilled with hardware like knobs, locks, and hinges. These systems guarantee proper engagement with the threshold and usually include weatherstripping for added protection.

Visual appearance
The look of your exterior door is crucial, especially for front entrances, which are the first impression of your home. Front doors should combine aesthetic appeal with durability. Back and side doors may prioritize function over appearance but still benefit from good looks. Garage entry doors should be more resilient than attractive.

Ensure your exterior doors are robust enough to withstand weather conditions and provide security against intrusions. Investing in quality locksets and security measures is recommended for safety.