Top 5 Factors to Consider When Buying New Front Door

Your front door plays a critical role in giving your home a curb appeal. The front door is the first thing anyone notices as they pull up into your home. Beyond aesthetics, your front door is of functional importance as well. The front door should allow easy access to your home’s interior while keeping malicious individuals at bay. The front door also allows light into your home’s entryway and serves as a defense against harsh weather. With all these in mind, picking a front door can be a challenging task. In this post, we’ll discuss the top 5 factors to consider when buying a front door to help you with the decision.

1. Appearance

Your front door speaks volumes about your home and its occupants. Since it the first thing people notice as they step into your house, you will want a door that is warm and inviting. An old and worn-out door will give guests a bad first impression of your home. Various materials are available for your home. While your choice of material generally depends on the climate and interior design, the most popular materials are wood, Aluminum, and uPVC since they are bound to improve your curb appeal. Style and design also play a crucial role in your door’s appearance. Choose a style that compliments or contrasts your exterior walls and siding to get a seamless design aesthetic.

2. Security

Every property owner prioritizes the security of their home and its occupants. Depending on where you lived, forced entry into your home could be a real threat. When the safety of your home and family is at stake, you should consider material options, door thickness, locking mechanisms, and glass options that deter unwanted entry into the building. If you live in an area that is prone to security incidents, you should invest in a door that is strong and sturdy that can scare away potential intruders. Some front doors come with security features like multi-point locks, letter plates, hinge bolts, and tamper-proof cylinders that keep your front door impenetrable.

3. Accessibility

Besides improving your home’s aesthetic value, the front door should grant access to the interior of your property. One of the greatest considerations for your front door is size. You should ensure that it opens wide enough to let you transfer all items into and out of your house. Essentially, your door should fit both the small items and larger appliances like fridges, stoves, and beds. You should, therefore, consider all upgrades you plan to perform on your home before settling for a particular door size. Doors mainly come in two configurations: single-opening and double-opening. Settle for a single-opening door only if the sash is wide enough to allow all your items through it.

4. Climate

You should consider the typical weather conditions before you buy a front door. You should make sure that your door can keep cold air out in winter season and cold air in during warm weather. It should also be airtight to keep drafts and winds from finding gaps to blow through during the cold season. Insulation is key when shopping for a door. Properly insulated front doors will keep indoors temperature stable, reducing your spending on energy bills. If your area is prone to harsh winds or storms, then you should invest in a strong, sturdy door that can stand up to the harsh elements.

5. Energy Efficiency

Most modern property owners prioritize energy efficiency over anything else. A front door with Energy STAR rating keeps your utility bills low by reducing the amount of energy required to keep your indoor temperature constant. Your chosen door should block air leakage, which minimizes heat transfer during extremely cold or warm months. The quality of insulation also plays a critical role in the energy efficiency of your home. With energy efficient doors, you can keep your interior environment comfortable, protect your belongings from damage and increase your home’s resale value.

Conclusion

When it comes to a new front door, picking the right one gives you a greater return on investment through energy-savings, lower maintenance costs, and smoother operation. If you are in  Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, contact Aspen Home Improvements for a consultation on door installation and replacement. We have been doing home improvements for over two and a half decades and will guide you through the most efficient and valuable choices for your entry door.