As the barrier between indoor and outdoor environments, exterior doors perform critical functions beyond providing entryways. They defend against weather elements, improve energy efficiency, and make decorative statements.
Choosing the ideal exterior door means balancing style preferences with practical performance needs. Fortunately, today’s door technologies and options make it possible to easily acquire customized doors matching unique visions.
This guide will explore the spectrum of popular exterior door types, materials, efficiencies, and design choices to fit any project.
Types of Exterior Doors
Exterior doors fill specific roles depending on placement and usage requirements. The four main categories include entry doors, patio doors, storm doors, and screen doors – all customized for their designated functions.
Entry Doors
Serving as the focal passageway, entry doors endure the most wear and tear. They must provide sturdy insulation while setting decorative tones. Wood, steel and fiberglass are common durable materials for custom crafted entry doors available in myriad styles. They may also use glass cutouts or sidelights to infuse natural light.
Patio Doors
Patio doors feature large glass panels to optimize outdoor views without sacrificing insulation. Sliding and French door styles allow wide openings to expand living spaces into backyard patios. Contemporary materials like aluminum and vinyl keep patio doors light yet weather resistant.
Storm Doors
Offering supplementary defense, storm doors install over entryways to provide added insulation and weatherproofing. They come in full view or self-storing styles to prevent removing them seasonally. Storm door screens keep air flowing without sacrificing protection.
Screen Doors
Warm weather months welcome screen doors to barricade insects when increased ventilation is desired. They feature adjustable screens in wood or aluminum frames, with or without glass inserts. Classic full screens provide maximum air circulation and visibility.
Materials Used for Exterior Doors
Beyond the style and design aesthetics, the structural materials greatly impact the door cost and performance. Wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum each offer unique properties to consider depending on needs.
Wood Doors
For timeless beauty and natural charm, wood doors are beloved for showcasing unique grains and warm finishes. But softwoods like pine are more vulnerable to weathering. Oak, mahogany and teak withstand exposure better over time with proper seasonal maintenance.
Fiberglass Doors
Combining insulating properties between wood and steel, resilient fiberglass doors resist denting with minimal maintenance needs. Flexible construction makes them easy to carve and customize to mimic wood grain textures at lower costs.
Steel Doors
Commercial grade steel doors provide formidable protection as the strongest materials available. Galvanized and stainless steel withstand direct outdoor exposure for extended periods without degrading or warping due to moisture.
Aluminum Doors
Lightweight aluminum doors offer effortless operation and contemporary styling. But aluminum conducts cold easily and may dent when impacted. Reinforced construction preserves sleek profiles while optimizing temperature insulation.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat loss through doors accounts for anywhere from 10-25% of home energy costs. Energy efficient exterior doors properly seal gaps and entryways to prevent costly air leaks and temperature transfers.
Here are some key indicators that exterior door manufacturers use to determine how effectively doors conserve energy.
U-Factor Ratings
The U-factor measures heat conduction through the door’s materials. Lower ratings indicate less heat escapes through the assembly. Well-insulated fiberglass and steel doors often carry U-factors between 0.17 and 0.30.
Air Infiltration
Air leaks through poorly sealed door frames and thresholds waste tremendous energy. High performance doors rated for maximum air infiltration prevent drafts for improved insulation.
Insulated Cores
Hollow doors lack ample insulation in their empty chambers. Polyurethane or polystyrene foam-filled cores prevent temperature transfers significantly better for fully insulated doors.
Security Features
Most home break-ins happen through first floor doors which only take seconds to breach. Exterior doors serve as critical first lines of defense to guard property and protect families. Several attributes determine how well doors withstand and deter forced entries.
Solid Cores
Hollow door cores cave easily under impacts. Solid wood, steel or composite cores withstand over ten times more force before failing in comparison. This frustrates and slows down burglars’ efforts.
Reinforced Frames
Most standard entry doors have single bolt locks on flimsy strike plate frames easily broken. Reinforcing frames with three-inch screws anchored into wall studs makes them nearly impossible to dislodge.
High Grade Locks
Multi-point lock systems engage multiple deadbolts simultaneously up and down the door’s frame for maximum fortification. Smart locks also now integrate remote apps, fingerprints and custom codes for convenience.
Style and Design Options
Beyond defensive properties, a home’s exterior doors make first impressions for visitors with colors, materials and decorative details reflecting overall aesthetics. Entryway design elements introduce architectural styles carried throughout the home.
Traditional Door Styles
Ornate handcrafted wood doors with arched transoms, decorative glass and wrought iron accents communicate heritage and permanence on traditional homes. Paneled doors with carved trim details also convey timeless sophistication.
Contemporary Door Styles
For modern architecture, sleek doors make statements with asymmetric designs, bold colors, industrial metals and minimalist hardware. Streamlined steel and glass communicate progressive style inside and out.
Rustic Door Styles
Straightforward plank-style doors with distressed wood surfaces and blackened steel fittings complement properties emphasizing natural elements and textures. Rustic doors welcome guests with rural charm and durability.
Color and Finish Choices
Visual appeal matters, as door colors and finishes literally set the tone while impacting decor flow from exterior to interior spaces. Cool palettes contrast against surrounding brick and stone while dark hues recede into landscapes.
Popular Exterior Door Colors
Black exterior doors project stately elegance, especially on Craftsman style homes. Verdant greens and deep blues transfer organic exterior colors indoors. Bold reds introduce dynamic drama across traditional and modern architecture.
Exterior Door Finishes
Beyond basic paints, wood doors offer stain, glaze and whitewash finishing techniques, often distressed or antiqued. Metallic finishes in copper, bronze and rust add living dimension and warmth. Clear coats protect natural wood grains vulnerable to environmental aging.
Maintenance and Care
Regular exterior door maintenance preserves structural integrity, seals weather barriers and maintains aesthetic appeal. Semi-annual inspections identify potential damage early before it jeopardizes door performance.
Inspect Weather Seals
Check perimeter door seals for any visible deterioration or gaps that compromise the door’s weatherproof barrier. Listen for airflow infiltration around frames. If seals appear cracked or flat, replace them.
Assess Surface Conditions
Inspect door surfaces, hardware, frames and glazing for damage permitting moisture or light penetration. Look for finish gloss reduction, paint cracks, warped panels or loose hinges. Refinish worn areas promptly.
Clean Surfaces
Use mild cleaners and soft brushes when washing exterior doors, avoiding abrasives. Remove stains and chemicals like bird droppings right away to prevent permanent damage. Avoid direct spray from hoses.
Reapply Protective Finishes
To renew exterior wood and steel doors, completely strip off old finishes and reapply quality weatherproof coatings formulated for durability. Make sure you follow manufacturer drying times.
Conclusion
Picking an exterior door that matches home architecture and performance needs requires understanding the options. But today’s inclusive designs and high quality materials make it easy to acquire customized doors blending aesthetics, efficiency and durability.
An ideal exterior door defends against elements while welcoming guests for years to come. It’ll help you tackle insulation needs and curb appeal goals in harmonious form and function.