The entry doors to your home can be among the first parts of the home that visitors will notice. Not surprisingly, this can lead to homeowners putting a lot of emphasis on this part of the home. For new homeowners, the experience of replacing or upgrading the doors to the home can be a wonderful opportunity that may seem stressful at first.
Avoid Putting Too Much Emphasis On Aesthetics
The aesthetics of the entry door will be an important factor as you will want to be sure that they match the rest of the home. However, you should avoid letting this be the only factor that dictates your choice. For example, an entry door that has large windows on it may be more attractive, but it can be a major security risk due to the ease with which someone could breach it. Also, the large glass windows can reduce the energy efficiency of the door. Being aware of these factors will allow you to consider potential doors in a more holistic way.
Consider Replacing The Frame As Well As The Door Itself
Homeowners may assume that they will only need to replace the door itself. In many instances, it will be unavoidable to replace the frame in order for the new door to fit. However, you should consider replacing the frame even if this is not the case. Over time, the door frame will degrade as a result of the wear that it experiences. This can allow small cracks to form in it or for the frame itself to warp. These issues can reduce the energy efficiency of the door frame as well as potentially making the door easier to breach by kicking it. Replacing the frame with a new one will reduce the risk of these problems negatively impacting the performance of the doors.
Be Aware Of The Weather Conditions The Door Will Need To Withstand
The type of weather conditions that the exterior of the home can experience will be another factor that should influence your decision about a replacement entry door. A common example of this can be those living in areas with a high risk of hurricanes or tornadoes. For these homes, it can be best to install entry doors that are rated for high winds and strong impacts. This will help to protect the home from the wind-blown debris that these storms could send flying towards the house. By fully considering the range of threats that your entry door will experience, you can choose the option that will b able to last for as long as possible.
If you are looking to upgrade your entry doors, get in touch with your local contractor.