Every home has an entry door. It may not be the one that you use the most, but it is the one that is most visible. In short, it’s a focal point of the house. This is what people see when they arrive at your home, it sets the tone for what’s inside and should be designed to deter criminals.
The fact that you need to consider all these points before committing to a specific door is why it’s so important to take your time with this decision. It’s worth noting that there are plenty of fantastic interior doors on the market and they also need to be given plenty of thought. After all, the perfect interior door is the same throughout the home but matches all the different decors.
Types of Front Door
Before you can install a front door you need to decide which type of door is best for you. It does help to look at what your neighbors have. If they all have real wood doors you may need to choose the same type of door.
It’s also worth checking whether there are any regulations in your state or area regarding the installation of external doors. You’ll need to comply with any guidelines supplied.
There are several types of entry door to choose from:
Wood
Entry doors made from wood are solid, you wouldn’t use a panel door as a front door. They can be purchased in a variety of colors, are heavy, and can be painted any color you like.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass doors are one of the most popular options on the market. They are generally white although they can be created in a variety of colors. This type of door is sturdy, cost-effective, and can be purchased in a huge array of styles.
Steel
Steel doors are the ultimate in security. These doors are heavy-duty, you can rest assured that criminals will not be getting through these easily.
Steel doors can be coated to protect them from the elements. They can also be painted to help them blend in.
It’s worth noting that aluminum doors are also an option, they are as strong as steel but lighter, making them easier to hang properly.
Installing Your New Entry Door
There are two choices with doors, you install on an existing frame or fit a new one. It’s obviously easier to use the existing frame but you must be confident that it has been leveled properly. You can unbolt the old door and ad the hinges to the new door at the right height. That’s all it takes
Alternatively, you remove the frame and need to bolt a new one in position. Removing the old door and frame is usually a straightforward process. You’ll then be left with a gap that needs to be cleaned before you offer up the new frame.
It’s essential that the new frame is level, this will ensure the door shuts smoothly. The frame is simply bolted into the walls surrounding the gap. The process is relatively simple providing you use the spirit level first.