We carefully select kitchen cabinets, wallpaper, and sofa colors, but often overlook what shields our home. The exterior door welcomes guests, projects your style, and, above all, safeguards everything inside.
Poor insulation, drafts, a warped frame, and a weak lock can turn even the most attractive home into a source of persistent discomfort and anxiety—leaving it cold, noisy, and vulnerable. To help you choose an exterior door that keeps your home comfortable, secure, and appealing, our experts have created a comprehensive article. By following this guidance, you can save time, money, and stress by choosing the ideal model for your needs.
Three main types of exterior doors
All exterior doors fall into three main categories: front, patio, and storm doors. Since each has its own function, they differ in technical characteristics such as material, configuration, noise insulation level, and more.
Front doors
The front door serves as the main entrance to a building, typically facing the street. It acts as your home's calling card, shaping first impressions and meeting several standards, since its main purpose is to shield your home from the elements and intruders.
The most popular materials for such exterior doors are steel, fiberglass, and wood.
Steel
High-quality steel doors are renowned for their strength and durability.
Advantages:
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Stylish design.
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Burglar resistance: These doors are resistant to deformation or breakage, especially when reinforced with a sturdy frame and high-quality hardware.
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Resistance to temperature and humidity changes: They do not warp or crack, unlike wood.
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Corrosion resistance.
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Easy maintenance. They do not require regular treatment.
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Durability.
Disadvantages:
Some manufacturers offer models without insulation and thermal breaks, which allow cold air from the street to draw in and form condensation inside.
Another disadvantage is the relatively high price, but if it is justified by the high quality of the materials, then such an exterior door will be a long-term investment for your home.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a versatile material used to manufacture doors of all types and for all purposes.
Fiberglass exterior doors combine the same advantages as steel models: they last a long time without needing replacement, reliably protect the room from outside noise and cold, and provide a high level of burglary resistance when installed with the appropriate hardware.
Wood
Wooden exterior doors are a classic option that appeals to homeowners due to their unique appearance, which creates a sense of comfort and conveys status. However, these models are often more expensive than others and require special care because they are susceptible to moisture and sunlight.
Patio doors
Patio doors open to the backyard or terrace and should maximize natural light, which is why most people choose sliding glass designs. These models optimize space and improve energy efficiency.
Sliding doors
Compact sliding doors slide along the wall when opened, occupying no space, and offer a panoramic view. They look modern and are easy to use.
French doors
A distinctive feature of French doors is their large glass inserts, which cover at least 80% of the slab surface. Because they fill your home with natural light, you save on electricity. Models with different numbers of clear or frosted glass panels are available to order.
Bi-fold doors
Modern bi-folding doors blend innovative design and functionality. Their two or four panels (customized to your doorway's size) glide smoothly and fold compactly, making them an ideal space-saving solution.
Storm doors
Storm doors, installed outside the main exterior (front) door, are an additional protective barrier against weather conditions such as wind, rain, snow, and sun. They help keep the interior warm in winter and cool in summer.
Full-view doors
Full-view storm doors feature a glass insert that covers the entire slab, allowing for maximum natural light and providing an excellent view of the entrance area. In many models, the glass is complemented by removable or built-in mosquito nets, which are convenient for seasonal ventilation.
These doors protect the front door from precipitation and dust, increase security, and help retain heat thanks to seals and optional Low-E energy-saving glass.
Mid-view doors
Mid-view is a storm door with a glass panel covering that covers most of its surface and a sturdy bottom panel that serves as a protective “impact” element, resistant to mechanical damage.
High-view doors
High-view models have a glass panel only at the top of the door. This design offers privacy, security, and durability, particularly in high-traffic areas.
What should you consider before choosing an exterior door?
Choosing an entry door is not just a matter of design. To ensure that the door lasts a long time, retains heat, and provides security, it is important to evaluate its functional characteristics, protective properties, and suitability for your home in advance. Below are the main factors to consider before making a purchase.
Functionality
Energy efficiency
When choosing a door, it is important to understand exactly where it will be installed (front, patio, or storm door) and the climate of your region. Determine what the slab is filled with and whether it includes thermal breaks and seals. It may be a good idea to purchase a glazed model.
Door size
Measure the size of your doorway to select a door of the correct width and height. For example, standard-sized models may not be suitable for older homes.
Security
Security features
We recommend choosing models with a reinforced frame and high-quality hardware to ensure that your home is fully protected.
Anti-burglary protection
Locks with security class 4 and anti-removable pins provide additional protection. In addition, you can always install an alarm system or a video surveillance camera.
Thus, a high-quality exterior door retains heat in winter and coolness in summer, protects against intruders, serves as a stylish element of the house, and lasts for many years without problems.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself: what is most important to you? Comfort? Security? Design? Today, there are solutions on the market that can combine all three.