Front entry doors can make a big impact on the look and feel of a home. They also offer security with multiple locking configurations and can help improve energy efficiency. When professionally installed, they can last longer and require less maintenance.
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Steel
Whether you’re building a new home or replacing your front door, it’s important to choose the right material. From steel doors to fiberglass, each offers unique benefits that help you reach your design goals.
For example, iron doors offer beauty and durability that will last for years to come. They’re resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. They’re also more secure than wood or fiberglass and can deter intruders.
Fiberglass front doors are a popular choice among homeowners because they’re insulative, affordable, and easy to maintain. They can be customized with various panels and trim to suit your style preferences. They are also resistant to rot, moisture, and humidity. However, they can be scratched or dented if hit hard. Nevertheless, they offer great return on investment. And they’re a good option for homes with children and pets. They’re also fire-rated and require less maintenance than steel. They can be painted to match your home’s color scheme.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic that incorporates glass fiber. It may also be referred to as fiberglass-reinforced polymer (GFRP) or glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFK).
Fiberglass can be used in several forms, including chopped strand mat and woven glass cloth. Often, it is combined with other materials, such as carbon fiber, to create composite material.
Unlike steel, fiberglass is insulative and helps keep energy costs down. In addition, fiberglass is resistant to water and rusting. It can be finished in a wide variety of colors, shapes and textures.
Therma-Tru front doors combine security, durability and energy efficiency into one affordable package. They are easy to maintain and have an attractive appearance that will add value to your home. They’re also available in a wide array of styles and finishes to fit any architectural style. In fact, a national survey commissioned by Therma-Tru found that homeowners believe an attractive entry door increases the perceived market value of a home.
Transoms
When you want to fill your entryway with natural light, a transom can be just the ticket. These stationary sections of glass are used above a door and sidelights, and they come in two different styles. You can select a rectangular transom or one with a curved top that’s like a fanlight. They’re not operating windows, and they contrast with mullions that are vertical in structure.
Originally designed to provide ventilation before air conditioning and heating became popular, these decorative accents are often seen adorning the space above a front door. They’re also commonly used above patio doors and interior doorways, and they complement a wide variety of architectural styles.
Adding a transom with clear glass bathes your entryway in natural light. Extensive options for glass, grilles, and finishes allow you to personalize the look to match your home’s style. Transoms can be used with either traditional or modern iron front doors to produce a striking entrance.
Hardware
Front entry doors offer a first impression of your home that sets the tone for its interior design style. From door knobs to handlesets, there are plenty of options that coordinate with the design features of your foyer or front hallway.
Entry door hardware includes traditional doorknobs paired with keyed deadbolt lock types for security, as well as keyless entry systems that can replace the need to carry keys around. The handles and locks themselves can vary in shape, size, finish and other completing details to complement the door’s design and the décor of the entryway.
To ensure the right fit, you’ll want to start with a precise measurement of your door’s thickness and its backset. This will help narrow your search so that the options that appear are designed to work with your specific door. Some styles may require professional installation, such as a mortise handleset, but most homeowners with basic DIY experience can install new doorknobs or levers themselves.