The doors of your home should be welcoming and beautiful, yet offer ironclad security. A good door will not only look great, but protect your home from intruders and reduce your heating and cooling costs.
It is important to understand the differences between the different types of doors that are available. This will help you make the best decision for your needs.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an insulating material made of tiny glass fibers and a polymer. It’s sometimes called fiberglass-reinforced plastic, though that term is technically misleading.
Fiberglass doors are highly durable and resistant to the elements, unlike some other common materials that swell or shrink in response to temperature changes or humidity. They’re also easier to maintain and offer better energy efficiency than steel or wood.
In fact, fiberglass is the most popular front door material on the market today. Masonite offers three fiberglass family lines to choose from:
Their Barrington and Belleville fiberglass exterior doors have a smooth or textured surface, while the Oakcraft series imparts warmth with the look of natural wood grain. Each family comes with a variety of panel designs and glass options, too. They can also be upgraded with a multi-point lock that protects your home from intruders. The U-Factor rating relates to the energy-efficiency of the door, meaning that it keeps heat inside during the winter and cool air outside in the summer.
Wood
Solid wood front doors create a stunning statement and make your home feel more inviting. They are also easily stained to match your style. Plus, they’ll last for years and won’t rust like steel.
When shopping for exterior doors, you should take a little time to reflect on your lifestyle and preferences. Asking yourself these questions can help you find the right door for your Houston home.
Energy efficiency is another important consideration when choosing an entry door. A wood door can be insulated and help you save on your utility bill. It is best to choose a door with a low SHGC and U-Factor rating. This will help you keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is recommended to add corner pads on the door jambs for increased insulative protection. This will prevent air and water penetration from the gap between the weatherstrip and sill. It can also help reduce noise and vibrations.
Steel
Steel doors are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners because of their security, energy efficiency, and durability. They are stronger than wood and will not rot when exposed to moisture. They are also highly insulative and help reduce outside noises.
One of the things you need to look for in a steel door is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-Factor. The SHGC tells you how easily the sun’s heat is transferred into your home while the U-Factor indicates how well the door insulates. In Texas, you want to have a low number for both.
Your front door is more than just an entranceway, so it should convey your personal style and provide a strong barrier against intruders. We offer a variety of options for our clients in Houston, TX, including fiberglass, solid wood, and steel entry doors. Contact us today to schedule a free, in-home consultation! We also offer convenient financing to make your replacement project affordable.
Modern
Your doors need to be tough against the elements, but they also need to look good and complement your home’s style. Fortunately, door dealers can help you find doors that are perfect for your needs.
While shopping for a new front door, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions. This will help you narrow down your choices and save you time. It’s also helpful to take note of what styles you like and dislike. Oftentimes, figuring out why you dislike a certain type of door can help guide you to one that is better for you.
If you’re looking for a modern front door Houston, Southern Front has a large selection of exterior and interior doors. They can even ship to locations across the country and Canada. Visit their website to see the wide variety of options available. Then, ask them about custom models to ensure that you get the door of your dreams.