Entry Door Quick Buying Guide

White entry door.

Shopping for an entry door seems like a simple task until the sales clerk presents you with all the options you never knew existed. Now you’re wondering how something as commonplace as a door could be so complicated.

We’re here to help. From the benefits and drawbacks of all the different materials to some of the important features to pay attention to, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a quick guide on selecting an entry door for your home.

MATERIALS

Companies manufacture entry doors in a variety of materials, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses.

WOOD

Wood entry doors are a common first choice because they are very customizable. You can have them altered to the shape and size you need and also to your preferred style. Wood is also highly personalizable; it is easy to add lighting features or glass accents.

Cons:

  • Wood naturally warps over time due to the elements, breaking the air-seal on the entry door.
  • You have to replace wood entry doors more frequently than fiberglass or steel entry doors.

FIBERGLASS

Fiberglass looks a lot like wood but is more durable. You can have fiberglass entry doors stained in an array of colors to mimic conventional wood, or you can order them in any color of the rainbow.

With an insulated core, fiberglass entry doors stand up to the elements and come with long-term savings on your energy bills.

Cons:

  • The upfront cost of fiberglass entry doors is more expensive than wood and steel entry doors.

STEEL

Steel is one of the safest materials for entry doors regarding protecting against intruders. With foam insulation on the inside between the steel panels, steel entry doors keep drafts out of your home.

Cons:

  • Dents in steel entry doors are difficult to repair. Usually, they result in the replacement of the entire entry door.

GLASS

Glass entry doors allow natural light to fill your home and provide an excellent view of your front yard and neighborhood.

Cons:

  • There are cracks in a glass entry door that can allow heat and cold air to get into your home.
  • Potential robbers can see what’s in your home and what you’re doing.

FEATURES

There are many different features you’ll want to consider when selecting an entry door for your home. Let’s review the most important ones:

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

There are many ways you can achieve energy efficiency with your entry door. You could purchase an entry door that is an ENERGY STAR®–Rated System. Another option is to opt for an entry door with an adjustable threshold, which means the door will stay weather-tight as time passes.

GLASS

Glass is a visually appealing addition to an entry door, but it adds to the door’s expense. If the glass insert is near the doorknob, the door is also less secure to intrusion. As discussed above, glass reduces the door’s insulating value as well; however, double or triple-pane glass can help alleviate that effect to some degree.

If you are still not sure which door to choose for your home, you can easily talk to one of our entry door specialists to finalize your decision. At Luma, we carry a wide range of high quality doors. From garage doors and storm doors to sliding patio doorsfiberglass doors, and steel doors, we have everything you need to provide protection and increase curb appeal to your home. Our team of professional experts will be happy to help you find a door that fits with your home all the while meeting your needs and expectations. Give us a call at (905) 303-0560 and find your perfect match today.