What You Should Look For in an Exterior Door

Getting new exterior doors is a wise investment for your home. These new doors can provide more safety and security compared to older doors while also boosting your home’s curb appeal. Keep in mind that you’re also likely to have a high return on investment (ROI) from this type of project. For example, getting a new entry door made of steel means you can expect to recoup around 68 percent of the cost, according to Remodeling Magazine. When you start reviewing options for exterior doors, keep the following tips in mind to choose the right one for your home.

Create a Budget

Before you start scouring for doors, make a budget to determine how much you can spend. When you’re figuring out a budget for new exterior doors, you’ll need to consider several factors, such as material, energy-efficiency features and durability. You should choose doors made from high-quality materials that will last for many years while requiring a lower amount of maintenance. Once you’ve determined your budget, you can start exploring door options.

Choose a Door Material

One of the biggest decisions to make when choosing new exterior doors is the material. You’ll find exterior doors available in different materials, including wood, fiberglass and steel. Wood exterior doors tend to be more expensive than other materials, although they offer a significant amount of character, elegance and warmth. Fiberglass doors typically cost less overall while providing a high amount of energy efficiency, durability and excellent performance. These doors also come in a wide range of styles and designs. Steel doors are usually the least expensive door material. While choices are more limited in terms of appearance, these doors offer a high amount of durability.

Consider Door Sizes

When you’re going through options for new exterior doors, make sure you know the sizes you need. This depends on the size of each entryway in your home. Take measurements to determine the size needed for each exterior door you’re getting. Keep in mind that exterior doors come in several sizes, with some being wider or taller than others. If you have a large entryway, you might need to look into getting a double door. When you’re measuring for exterior doors, include decorative elements, such as transoms, to ensure an accurate measurement.

Select a Door Style

The style of exterior door you should choose depends on the overall style of your home. You don’t want to pick exterior doors that clash with your siding and other surroundings. Instead, choose doors that fit your home’s style, such as a traditional, wood-paneled door for a traditional house or a more modern door with decorative glass for a more contemporary house. You’ll also need to decide if you want a solid style or a style that includes windows. If you’re choosing exterior doors with windows, look for ones that have energy-efficient features, such as low-e glazing. These doors should also have security features that make it harder to break through the glass.

Consider Storm or Screen Doors

When getting exterior doors, you might also want to choose storm or screen doors. These doors are installed along with exterior doors to provide an extra layer of security, as well as protection from wind, bugs, rain and other elements. The right storm or screen door can enhance the overall look of your home when paired with a high-quality exterior door.