Front doors make an important first impression on home visitors and elevate the aesthetic of your property. They also protect homes from weather conditions and intruders.
New exterior doors come in many different styles and materials. They offer a range of customizable options that can enhance your curb appeal and create a warm and welcoming vibe for guests.
Curb Appeal
When you’re looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal, one of the most cost-effective and durable upgrades you can make is installing an attractive new front door. It’s one of the first things that prospective buyers notice when looking at homes, and it can significantly increase their perceived value. According to a study conducted by Therma-Tru, the average entry door upgrade adds around $4,500 in added market value. Adding planters, flowerpots or greenery can also improve your curb appeal by making the exterior more welcoming. Keep in mind, however, that groups of plants tend to look more appealing when they are color-coordinated and symmetrical. This includes both real and faux plants in the same shade, such as red geraniums mixed with rosemary and green cypress.
Security
Your front door is the first line of defense against potential intruders. It should be sturdy, made of a solid material and feature modern locking systems. Those measures ensure your home and family’s safety.
New entry doors offer a wide range of customization options for homeowners to choose from. These include bold colors, frosted glass panes, and smart access features like video doorbells. These add a touch of personality to your entrance while increasing the security and energy efficiency of your home.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, front entry doors should also be durable and withstand Birmingham’s weather conditions. Fiberglass entry doors are an excellent choice for Birmingham residents as they can resist moisture, rot and warping. They are also able to keep out heat during the summer and cold air in the winter, cutting down on energy bills. These doors are an excellent investment for your Birmingham home. They will provide you with many years of beauty and security for your home.
Energy Efficiency
A new front door can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Older doors are usually poor insulators, but today’s steel and fiberglass doors are much better at keeping heat in. To determine how much insulation a door has, check its R-factor. An R-factor of 2 with a window is considered to be very efficient, while a 1-1/2 inch thick steel or fiberglass door without a window has an R-value of 5.
The materials and construction of a door also play a significant role in its energy efficiency. Fiberglass and metal doors are excellent insulators, and they can be manufactured with double- or triple-pane glass that has a low-emissivity (low-e) coating to reduce heat transfer.
Manufacturers of energy-efficient front doors also follow strict quality control measures and perform rigorous testing to ensure that their products meet Energy Star standards. This includes measuring a door’s insulation and air leakage rates, which can save homeowners significant money on energy costs.
Maintenance
Like all aspects of a home, entry doors need regular maintenance to look and function their best. These steps can be taken to help ensure that the door makes a positive first impression and enhances a home’s energy efficiency, security, and curb appeal for years to come.
Conduct Visual Inspections
One of the easiest ways to maintain a front door is by conducting visual inspections on a regular basis. This helps to identify potential problems and address them before they become serious issues.
Inspect Door Weatherstripping
A door’s weatherstripping plays an important role in a home’s energy efficiency, helping to keep outside air out and inside air in. Examining the weatherstripping on a routine basis can help to identify potential leaks and determine whether it is time for replacement. This is an easy and cost-effective step that can significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency. In fact, homeowners can save as much as 5-10% on monthly utility bills when the weatherstripping is in good condition.