Your entry door is one of the first impressions of your home. Yet in addition to the aesthetic impact your front door also plays into functionality, security, and energy efficiency.
There are several considerations when choosing an entry door which can make the decision making process difficult. This includes the material type, the door style, and even the maintenance and durability of different door types.
That doesn’t include the numerous styles available! From french doors, to double doors, or entry doors with sidelights, it takes time and research to find the right entry doors for your home. Whether you are trying to make a dashing first impression or trying to maximize your energy efficiency, WindowRama can help make sure that you choose the right entry door for your needs. We also can help with front door installation or entry door replacement to make the process fast and easy.
There are several different common material types to consider when picking out your entry door. Each of the different materials comes with their own pros and cons and it is up to you to decide what benefits you are looking for with your home. The common types of entry doors are: wood, steel, fiberglass, aluminum, glass.
Wood doors are known for their natural and warm appearance but require regular maintenance. Many manufacturers require an overhang for a wood door, or they will void their warranty. Wood entry doors can also have an incredibly long lifespan with proper maintenance depending on the type of wood used. A pine door can last as long as 20 years. A cedar door may last as long as 40 years. And a mahogany door can last an incredible 60 years with proper care and maintenance. However, be prepared to pay a generally higher cost.
Pros: Natural beauty, customization, traditional appeal
Cons: Requires maintenance, can warp, susceptible to termites.
Fiberglass doors mimic the look of wood offering versatility in design. They are highly resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting, making them durable in various weather conditions. Fiberglass doors can last 20-30 years providing security and durability without the price or maintenance that wood doors require.
Pros: Low maintenance, energy-efficient, can mimic wood.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, can crack under extreme impact.
Steel doors are highly durable, offering strong resistance to harsh weather conditions but lack the natural and warm aesthetic appeal of wood or fiberglass. A steel entry door’s lifespan is 50 years on average, but their incredible durability can see them last as long as 100 years. They also serve well in colder areas by providing strong thermal insulation. Steel doors are also traditionally the most affordable options.
Pros: High security, durability, low maintenance.
Cons: Can dent, may rust if not properly coated, limited design options.
Once you’ve decided on the material type you can start to research the style that you want your entry door to be in. Certain door types may only come in select styles. Whether you are looking for a traditional entry door style or a modern style entry door with glass your door options can be customized to specific homeowner preferences.
Working with WindowRama, we can help to find you the right door for your budget and needs. Our professional staff at our WindowRama showrooms will also be able to help with local needs such as accounting for things such as weather which may impact the type of door that you are looking for. Then our professional entry door installers can assist in putting in whichever door you choose.
Many entry doors will also come with options for glass panels, often called ‘lites’. Entry doors with glass panels allow for natural light to come in and increase decorative appeal. They also come in a variety of different styles and designs that can match the aesthetic of any home. From decorative or privacy glass, or available in a grid, or a single panel, or with sidelites on either side of the door.
If your current entry door is old and out of date it is likely not getting the same level of energy efficiency that modern doors offer. Different entry doors will offer varying energy performance. Any new door will likely end up saving you money on energy heating and cooling bills each year. When looking for new entry doors look for the ENERGY STAR certification that indicates it meets modern energy efficiency requirements.
Door insulation properties are represented by using R and U values. R is a value for thermal resistance and U is the value for heat transfer coefficient. The U value is measured by the entire door including the frame, glass, insulation, and any weatherstripping that it may have. These values rely on the thickness of the material that is measured and exemplify the thermal conductivity of different materials.
These values are inverses of one another, meaning that as the R value increases the thermal performance improves. As the U value decreases thermal performance improves.
It is estimated that drafty windows and doors can add up to $252 and $1524 per year! Depending on your choice, fiberglass or steel entry doors can save as much as 35% on total energy bills.
To better understand entry door installation it is important to be familiar with some of the terms that come up specifically involving the measurement of the door.
Masonry opening: If bricks are on the front of your home surrounding the door, the masonry opening will measure the space between them on the front of your house.
Rough opening: This is the necessary dimensions for a pre-hung door that includes the frame and slab
Jamb size: Measures strictly the depth of the frame covering the sheathing or siding and wall stud.
Net frame dimension: The complete width of the frame.
Your entryway door can also have a direct impact on your home value. In a 2024 survey of different remodeling projects, a replacement steel door saw a recouped value of 188% while a fiberglass entry door saw 97% recoup.
If you are replacing an old or outdated exterior door a modern door may also offer improved security. All entry doors should have deadbolts to protect your home.
Additionally, front entry doors can dramatically improve curb appeal which some sources estimate can make up 7% of a home’s value.
When choosing an entry door it is important to pay attention to material, durability, cost, maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency. Each door type provides a wide range of options to meet your budget and provide style and flair to your front entrance. WindowRama offers full entry door installation and replacement and can help find an exterior entry door that’s right for you. With top brands available such as Andersen, Pella, Jeld-Wen, Therma-tru and more we have a front door style that is right for you. Our professionally licensed installers will help you through the entire process making your front door replacement as seamless as possible Give us a call or visit one of our showrooms to learn more.
