All homes must have doors, as they are a fundamental structural component.
We would not only be much less comfortable without them, but we also might not be able to rest easy knowing that our property is protected from intruders.
From both a safety and an insulating point of view, outside doors are the most crucial type.
They establish the visual tone for any guests who may drop by and determine the home’s overall aesthetic.
Shopping for an exterior door can be a stressful experience.
The sheer number of possibilities can make anyone freeze up and refuse to make a choice.
Let us try to clarify matters and demystify the various external-door technologies now on the market.
What Should I Use for Construction?
The materials used in its construction should be among your first considerations when shopping for an outside door.
There is a wide variety of materials from which doors can be crafted, but only a select number are widely used.
Consisting Entirely of Natural Wood
Perhaps the most straightforward door design is a front or back door made entirely of solid wood.
A few pieces of wood are used for the complete door’s construction.
Finishing paint or polish is required to protect them from the weather and keep their form.
Moreover, their prices are typically higher than those of rival brands.
Solid wood doors are popular because of their aesthetic appeal, which is hard to achieve with any other material.
Wooden doors are adaptable because they can be sanded and trimmed to fit different openings.
They need consistent upkeep throughout their useful lives for optimal performance and presentation.
Composite
Most outside doors these days are composites made from wood and other materials that simply seem like wood.
Even though a wooden door’s aesthetics are undeniable, this method is primarily motivated by economic considerations.
However, the door’s core is made from cheaper chipboard, metal, and plastic.
A premium composite door is a more cost-effective solution and offers superior thermal and sound-proofing capabilities.
This is because heat and sound have to travel through several different materials before reaching the door’s other side.
uPVC
uPVC has an exceptionally high resistance to the deformation caused by warping.
No alterations are required because they already have all the necessary locking mechanisms built in.
They’re a good option if you’re trying to save money and don’t mind their simple white appearance.
Fiberglass
As an alternative to hardwood doors, fiberglass doors are frequently used since they may be painted to look like wood but are far more resistant to warping and rotting.
They can take a beating before breaking and require almost minimal upkeep.
Moreover, they provide exceptional insulation.
The price tag for fiberglass doors is significantly higher than that of their less exotic counterparts due to their added functionality.
Which Is Better, Glazed or Unglazed?
You may be tempted to purchase a highly glazed door for your home’s exterior.
Glass lets light in, which brightens the space. Externally, a door can benefit from glazing as well.
However, glazed doors typically cost more since they are more complicated to create.
You may not find them appealing if you value privacy unless you go for a door with obscure glass.
What Should I Look for in Terms of Security?
A door’s glazing (or lack thereof) can be an essential safety feature.
Laminated glass, which comprises two sheets of glass sandwiched by a sheet of laminate, will provide increased security in comparison to regular glass.
Cylindrical ‘Yale-style’ locks and standard five-lever mortice deadlocks should be installed on all exterior doors.
In the event of a fire, you won’t want to waste time looking for it, so leave it unlocked whenever you’re at home.
Even letterboxes might be a security risk.
The Metropolitan Police Service suggests installing letter plates no closer than 400 millimeters (mm) to the door’s handle.
This ensures that even the tallest, most agile thief cannot reach the lock.
Last but not least…
The exterior door is the most used in a home, and it is essential to pick a decent one for maximum safety and insulation.
However, the final decision will be on your own preferences, so choose a door that you’ll be happy with for the foreseeable future.
