The entry door or the exterior door of your home offers security, insulation, energy efficiency and of course visual appeal. So If you want to choose a new entry door for your home, it is very important to choose the best material for exterior door that perfectly suits your home.
In this article, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of different materials for entry doors. Also, if you are looking to buy high quality doors in London, you can just give us a call for expert suggestions and free quotation.
Types of material for exterior door
Your entry door is a very functional and of course, very important part of your home. That is why you need to choose the best material for exterior door.
Depending on the climate, home style, etc. different materials can suit your entry door. You must notice that the materials doors are made of—fiberglass, steel, and wood—each have strengths and weaknesses.
When it comes to choosing the material, a combination of several materials is sometimes used, but the three basic material choices for exterior doors are wood, steel and fiberglass.
Which material is best depends on your specific needs and budget. Generally, wood is best for aesthetics, steel for security, and fiberglass for a maintenance-free option.
In what follows, we will discuss each material in greater details.
Fiberglass exterior doors
Fiberglass is one of the best material for exterior doors. Fiberglass doors are usually maintenance-free and filled with insulation for energy efficiency.
When it comes to aesthetics, fiberglass doors can be designed to mimic the look of wood, and they resist wear and tear better than both wood and steel. Low-quality fiberglass doors might crack in cold weather, and even high-quality doors can crack if they receive a hard impact.
The best part about these doors is that there is little threat of warping and there are numerous options for painting and staining. However, when it comes to price, this type of door is one of the most expensive options. They will cost the same as high-end wood doors.
Steel exterior doors
Steel is another great material for exterior door. Insulated steel is known for energy efficiency, security, and durability. Doors made of steel have a higher insulating value than wood doors—sometimes up to five times greater.
Although steel doors are relatively maintenance-free, new doors and scratched doors must be painted to prevent rust. Steel doors don’t crack or warp like other materials, but they are easy to dent and difficult to repair.
In addition, they come in different styles and can be painted in any color you wish. However, they are not as easy to shape as wooden doors. Steel is typically less costly compared to fiberglass and wood doors.
Wooden exterior doors
Wood is the traditional choice for exterior doors, and it’s easy to see why: it’s beautiful and customizable. They are heavy, secure, and resistant to wear and damage. In fact, wooden exterior doors provides the high-end look that other materials try to mimic.
The downside to using wood as the material for exterior door is that the wood can sag, warp, and peel over time, especially when repeatedly subjected to the elements. Also, wood doors remain relatively expensive. And they require regular painting or varnishing to look their best.
Fixing scratches or dents that appear on a wooden door is much easier than fixing these problems in other door materials. Like any type of wood door, thicker panels, stiles, and rails are best for strength and durability.
Aluminium and vinyl for exterior doors
As we said earlier, fiberglass, wood and steel are the main three materials used for exterior doors. However, Aluminium and vinyl can be used as the material for exterior door.
In terms of durability, strength, and energy efficiency, aluminum doors are similar to steel and fiberglass doors. They are also very low maintenance. Aluminum is most often used for storm doors and patio door frames.
Vinyl is often used for patio door frames, and it is typically the lowest-priced frame option. Vinyl is energy efficient and requires little maintenance, though you will have fewer color and style options than frames made of other materials.
Final note
If you have decided to replace your entry door, it is very important that you consult an expert before you make the purchase. The expert will advise you on the best option depending on where you live.
In addition, door installation is a process that requires experienced hands to ensure that you do not end up with a door, which requires a lot of force just to open or close.
Always remember, your front door is one of the first things visitors see when entering your property, so your entry needs to look good, and offer good security and insulation for both heating and sound.
If you need advice on choosing the best exterior door for your home, you can give Antique Glass Ltd. a call and receive free quote and advice.
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