Exterior doors play an essential role in our homes. Apart from offering security to our homes, they are vital elements in creating the first impression of our homes since they are the first components that people see when they come to our homes.
They also contribute to the energy efficiency of our homes. Given all those roles played by the entry doors, it is important to choose the best material for them. This piece will highlight some of the common exterior doors material that you can choose for your home. To choose the right material, you have to know what each material offers and its limitations. From there, you can make an informed decision based on the information in hand.
- Wood.
Wood has been a traditional option for exterior doors for so long, and it is still used in many homes today. The reasons are apparent; wood is easy to customize and beautiful. Many homeowners choose wood for its beauty. When choosing wood, there are various types of wood you can choose from. They include oak, mahogany, pine, maple, and fir. You can also choose a variety of finishes as well as paint colors that complement the décor of your home. Wood can also be customized to fit your specific needs. For instance, if your entry is small, you can cut it to fit that size, including different shapes.
The limitations of wood are that they are vulnerable to extreme weather elements, and as such, they can rot, warp, sag, and peel over time. They also need a lot of maintenance to keep their shape and make them last for a long time. However, wood exterior doors offer excellent insulation and durability.
- Steel
Some years ago, steel was only known for its durability. However, nowadays, steel can be insulated with foam and offers excellent energy efficiency as well as security and high durability. Steel exterior doors that are insulted provide up to 5 times insulation value compared to wood. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, and you can paint your door in any color you wish to complement the décor of your home.
When it comes to the cost of acquiring steel entry doors Toronto, they are much cheaper compared to wood and fiberglass doors. While steel is not affected by warping and rotting, it is affected by rust. Also, they don’t offer great aesthetic appeal like wood. Some finishes of steel might need regular repainting to keep them looking great. When it comes to customization, wood takes it. For instance, steel is hard to cut to fit a smaller entry.
- Fiberglass
This is a new material in entry doors Toronto. A fiberglass door is best defined as a composition of different materials. Like steel exterior doors, fiberglass is strong and offers excellent security. They are also energy efficient. The fiberglass entry doors are also very durable, thanks to the technology used in making the material. As opposed to wood, fiberglass doors don’t need a lot of maintenance.
One aspect that makes fiberglass a preferred option for many homeowners is that they include finishes that perfectly mimic that of wood and therefore offer beauty as that of wood. As such, it is an excellent option for homeowners looking for entry door material strong like steel and beautiful like wood.
Fiberglass is resistant to extreme weather elements and therefore doesn’t warp or bend over time. They also offer a myriad of staining options so that you can paint your doors to match the décor of your home.
The only limitation of fiberglass entry doors is that they can fade, however apart from that, the drawbacks are very few. Another limitation is that they come at a high cost, usually costing the same as high-end wood entry doors.
- Vinyl Doors.
They are typically used for patio door frames. They are the best options to choose if your budget is low, and you need a door that is energy efficient as well as easy to maintain. However, if you choose vinyl, you will not have many color options as they come in a few colors, which are usually embedded in the material.
