Choosing a new exterior door starts with two decisions: which material fits your home and budget, and which type of door the opening calls for. The front door affects curb appeal, protects your family and valuables, and influences what you spend each month to heat and cool the house. A patio door has to be both functional and good looking. This guide walks through the options for each.
Why Replace a Worn Exterior Door?
If your exterior door is damaged or worn out, replacing it improves the look of the property, keeps your household safer, and makes the house more energy efficient. A new front door can also make the home more appealing to buyers and raise its resale value.
Aladdin installs entry doors and patio doors in wood, steel and fiberglass, so you can compare all three materials for your home.
Pick the Right Material for a New Exterior Door
Front doors are generally made with wood, steel or fiberglass. All three are durable, but they differ in how much maintenance they need.
Wood
A wood door gives a home a timeless appearance, but it needs more care than the other materials. You will have to inspect it regularly for signs of cracking and warping and periodically apply a fresh coat of paint or varnish to preserve its appearance.
Steel
Many homeowners choose steel because it is tough enough to withstand harsh weather and keep burglars out. A steel door does not have to look like steel. Some come with a wood-fiber coating or a laminated veneer, so you get the appearance of wood with the durability of steel.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a popular choice for front doors. It is strong, easy to maintain and available in numerous finishes. A fiberglass door can be painted or stained in a color that complements the rest of the house.
Entry Doors: Comfort, Savings and First Impressions
If you spend a lot to keep your house warm in winter and cool in summer, an old entry door might be part of the reason. Even small gaps and cracks let outdoor air in and indoor air out. Your furnace or air conditioner then works harder than it should, and utility bills climb.
A quality door that is free of cracks and gaps blocks cold air and keeps warm air inside. Installing an energy-efficient entry door can save you money each month.
Appearance counts as well. The entry door is one of the first things people notice, and replacing it is a fairly inexpensive way to transform the look of a home. For added protection and insulation, consider pairing it with a storm door.
Patio Doors: Sliding or French
If your Connecticut home has a patio or deck, you probably spend time there with family and friends in the warmer months. The door that leads to it should work smoothly and look good from both sides.
Sliding Patio Doors
A sliding door makes it easy to carry food in and out when you host a gathering. You can enjoy the view from inside the house and let in fresh air on a warm day.
French Patio Doors
French doors can swing inward or outward. They are a particularly good choice if you host get-togethers where people frequently go in and out, and they complement the architecture of many homes.
Our guide on how to choose patio doors goes deeper into the differences.
Think About the Whole Exterior
A new door looks best when it fits the rest of the house. Consider the color of your trim, the style of your windows and the hardware finishes you already have. If drafts are a problem throughout the house, old windows may be contributing, and vinyl replacement windows are worth looking at during the same project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which exterior door material needs the least maintenance?
Fiberglass and steel both need much less upkeep than wood. Wood needs regular inspection and periodic repainting or revarnishing.
Can a steel or fiberglass door look like wood?
Yes. Steel doors are available with wood-look surfaces, and fiberglass doors can be stained or finished to resemble wood.
Should I choose a sliding or French patio door?
Sliding doors save floor space and give wide views. French doors offer a traditional look and a wide opening. The space around the door and the style of your home usually decide it.
Get Help Selecting Your Exterior Door
Aladdin, a family-owned company in Wallingford, offers exterior doors in a wide range of styles to suit many kinds of homes. Contact us or call (203) 776-9996 to discuss your options and get an estimate.