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How To Pick A Front Door
The most important thing to consider when purchasing a new front door is the doors ability to withstand wind, rain, scorching sun, and would-be intruders. You also want your front door to make a good first impression. It’s sometimes difficult to find a door that meets all of those needs. Many older front doors are made of wood or wood veneer, and both of these materials tend to warp, crack, and divide into thin layers after years of exposure to the elements. Metal doors also deteriorate overtime.
The market for front doors now offers plenty of new options. Wood doors are now being engineered to resist the elements better than earlier versions, as well as metal and fiberglass ones that look like wood but provide greater security, less maintenance and can be purchased at a lower price as well. Additional options include doors with glass panels that offer more light.
If you are out looking for a new front door you will soon realize that most new doors are pre-hung. Pre-hung doors hang on hinges within a new frame. These systems also include some form of weather-stripping. Often times, the old frame on your existing door is wearing down and making the function of the door more difficult. Pre-hung doors are an ideal choice when your current frame is bad or if you're removing the frame because you want to enlarge the opening.
When purchasing a pre-hung door, be sure to first determine if you need a left- or right-hand door. If the lockset is on your right when you are facing the outside, you have a right-hand door. It is also important that you choose the proper jam as well. To do this, you will need to measure the height and width of the existing door jamb between the inside edges of the frame. You should then add 1/2 inch to the frame height and 1/2 -3/4 inch to the width. Most pre-hung doors are sold as 3-0 (36 inches) or wider.
In addition, there are other alternatives to replacing the entire frame. Door-replacement kits come with a door that is pre-hung in a small steel frame and attaches to the old one. They are easy to install and provide the added security of the steel frame. Unfortunately, these door-replacement kits reduce the original opening a slight bit and they are also available in only a few sizes. Lastly, they can't be installed over rotted jambs.
Looking For More Information On Doors?
Replacing your home's doors is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right doors for your house and your budget. We offer Free Door Price Quotes from local, prescreened replacement door contractors.
Patio Doors
Patio doors are an uplifting feature to any home. Their design is made to let in
natural light which creates a more cheerful and safer interior space. Not only
can a patio door enhance natural light, but it can also be a striking
architectural accent. Not to mention, you will be able to enjoy an outdoor view
and expend your entertaining space.
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Flush vs. Panel Doors
A door’s design contributes much to the overall scheme of a room and, indeed, an
entire home. Flush doors do their function, but they bring little to the table
as far as style goes. Panel doors, on the other hand, offer the look of fine
craftsmanship while also allowing builders to customize a home’s interior.
However, personal taste and price often dictate what kind of door surface to
choose.
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Interior vs. Exterior Doors
The main difference between interior and exterior doors is obvious in that
interior doors are constructed to suit the needs of interior floors plans and
exterior doors are constructed to perform according to exterior needs. When
shopping for doors your first consideration will be whether you need interior or
exterior doors. Interior and exterior doors have several small distinct
differences.
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Making Your Doors Draft Free
One of the most important functions of an exterior door is to keep outside
temperatures from entering into the house. In order to do this, your exterior
door needs to be properly sealed. Unfortunately, a door's weather seals can rip,
compress, bend, or wear out over time, leaving chilly winter air or scorching
summer air free to enter.
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