24 HOMEADVICE
4 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A NEW FRONT DOOR The front door is arguably one of the most important entry points of your home. A well thought out <strong>and</strong> designed front entry way can set a welcoming tone for your home. The right door will balance out the exterior aesthetic, boost curb appeal, <strong>and</strong> protect your home. Not all front doors are made equal, which is why it is important for you to consider these 4 things before you make your final decision. STYLE Your front door reflects your architectural preference <strong>and</strong> personal style. You do not want to flippantly choose a front door for your home. The wrong door could throw off aesthetic balance. Not only will your home look better <strong>and</strong> more cohesive with the right front door, but it will also improve its resale value. A new door is a relatively inexpensive improvement that promises a strong return on investment. MATERIALS There are a variety of materials that doors can be constructed from. Each type of door has its own benefits <strong>and</strong> drawbacks. When choosing a front door for your home, you need to consider how the specific characteristics of each material may influence their performance. FIBERGLASS Fibreglass doors are a great option if you are looking for energy efficiency, low maintenance, <strong>and</strong> customizability. They come in a wide array of colors, styles, <strong>and</strong> textures, so it is easy to blend into the overall aesthetic of your home. The insulation they offer can also help offset energy costs, which makes them more affordable in the long run, despite the initial purchase price. The fiberglass doors offered by Window Mart, for example, feature a polyurethane core free from chlorofluorocarbons, delivering superior energy efficiency compared to wood doors (up to 6 times more insulating, in fact). Fiberglass doors are also exceptionally durable <strong>and</strong> are designed to resist corrosion <strong>and</strong> deterioration. WOOD True wood adds a certain level of rustic beauty that is not achievable with other materials. Wood doors can be stained or painted to achieve the look you want, yet each one remains completely unique. Other ways to customize wood doors include decorative glass inserts, stylish hardware options or added embellishments. The downside to wood doors is that they require continual maintenance to prevent warping, swelling, or rotting. It is also often recommended that a storm door be installed to protect the wood from the elements, which can take away from the classic style you are looking for in a wood front door. Wood doors are elegant, but high-maintenance. improves their energy efficiency performance. Window Mart, for example, carries several steel door products with a high-density polyurethane foam filling that increases insulation <strong>and</strong> reduces thermal transfer. BUDGET How much money are you comfortable spending? This is probably one of the most important questions you need to ask before beginning any home improvement project, <strong>and</strong> replacing your front door is no exception. The initial investment versus long-term benefits, such as reduced energy costs. High-quality materials, also require less maintenance, which also results in long-term savings. Should also be conscientious of hidden costs, such as extra finishing. Wood doors, for example, may require additional painting or staining that is not included in the purchase price. Choosing a reputable window <strong>and</strong> door company will ensure that your new front door is installed properly <strong>and</strong> save you from potentially costly mistakes. SECURITY When it comes to choosing a front door for your home the possible security features are an invaluable consideration. Most of the doors on the market are similar in terms of the strength of their basic construction. If you are going to make any customizations, such as adding glass inserts or side panels, you may want to consider options that offer additional safety. Glazed glass, for example, is harder to break into. You may also want to consider your desired level of privacy. Textured or frosted glass makes it so passersby cannot see directly into your home, but still allows for natural light to enter. Front Doors are incredibly important assets of the safety <strong>and</strong> security of your home, <strong>and</strong> in turn, your family. CONCLUSION Choosing a new front door for your home is an incredibly important task. If you take all the things listed into consideration you are sure to find a front door with the perfect balance of function <strong>and</strong> beauty. Window Mart provides high-quality front door options <strong>and</strong> installation services for homeowners in Alberta, Saskatchewan <strong>and</strong> Ontario. Contact our friendly staff today to get your complimentary estimate for your home’s front door replacement. STEEL Steel doors are as stunning as they are durable. They provide a superior level of security while still offering color <strong>and</strong> texture customizability (though not quite as much as with fiberglass). Steel does have the potential to rust over time, so it is important to choose a high-quality option with protective coating like what is offered at Window Mart. Some steels doors are also offered with an insulated core which improves their energy efficiency performance. Window Mart, for HOMEADVICE 25