Upgrade Your Front Doors to Make a Positive First Impression

Your front door needs to be strong enough to withstand the elements of rain, wind and any intruders that might come through. It should also make a the right impression on visitors.

Doors for front doors are available in a variety of colors, designs and styles. Colors and etched designs on glass can make an impressive statement. Other options include decorative panels as well as double glazing repair in doors.

Curb Appeal

The first impression of a house is the first step in identifying buyers. The first impression made on a potential buyer by the front yard, entryway and porch will determine how they see the remainder of the house. While gorgeous landscaping, a neat facade and updated exterior features all contribute to curb appeal, the front door can be the most striking of all.

The right front door is an excellent way to show your family's character. Bright reds are vibrant and enjoyable, cool blues are inviting and classic neutrals feel familiar and cozy. If you're thinking about a new color for your front door, consider one of these bold options:

It's not required to match the front door to the architectural style, but it can be a great option to boost curb appeal. For instance for example, a Dutch door with authentic massive moldings and a transom over it would look fantastic on a bungalow or craftsman style home. It's the same for doors with four panels that are made of real wood and traditional hardware.

A well-chosen door knob can boost curb appeal, too. Brushed nickel and oil-bronze are both suitable for modern homes, whereas oiled-bronze is more traditional. Also, a decorative wreath, urns, or bouquet of flowers placed on the porch or freshly painted mailboxes can enhance your entrance's visual appeal.

A lighting fixture for your outdoor space is another great option to enhance your entry's curb appeal. Choose a fixture that complements the hue of your door, such as bronze, black or polished brass finish. A transom can be added over your front door to raise the height of your entryway.

It's also a good idea, to fix and clean up any items that may be problematic for buyers. Items like sticky cobwebs, a broken window repairs or a damaged paint job might not be deal breakers for some buyers, but they'll definitely have an impact on others. If you're able to afford it, painting your front door in a bright color is a quick and easy way to add some curb appeal.

Security

It's the door to your front where you greet your family and neighbors. However, it's also a point of entry for bugs, weather or criminals. It's essential to upgrade your front door security in order to keep out the intruders.

A new lock is a simple option to improve security for your front door. There are a wide variety of locks available, from standard deadbolts to smart locks that let you lock and unlock your home from a remote. If you decide to go with an electronic lock, or a traditional one ensure that it's made of durable materials and comes with an enduring locking mechanism.

Removing your hollow-core door with a solid-core version is another excellent security upgrade. Solid-core doors offer a greater resistance to force and are typically fire-rated. This adds an additional layer of security. Solid-core doors are often viewed as unattractive. However, there are many options that can appear like wood or other popular doors.

Another way to enhance the security of your front door is to replace the strike plate, which is a metal plate that holds the bolt when it is locked. The strike plate is attached to the jamb, and has a hole in it and when you lock your deadbolt, the bolt will lock into this hole. A poorly constructed or affixed strike plate could be easily damaged or removed, which could allow for the door to be attacked with force. The reinforcement of your deadbolt strike plate is a quick and easy DIY project that will dramatically improve your front door security.

Installing hinge bolts above and below the hinges is a different way to enhance security for your front door. These bolts will prevent thieves from removing the hinge pins on your door in order to gain access to your home. Hardware stores typically carry hinge bolts that are flush and tube framing. The flush mounting option gives the appearance of natural wood while tube frames stand out about 1 inch or so from the door trim.

A video doorbell can be a powerful deterrent to burglars, particularly if you have children who are young. It's also a great option to check on kids when you're away.

Energy Efficiency

The type of front door you pick will determine how much energy your home consumes. Modern doors are designed to be insulated against the elements and could help you save money on your energy bills.

A new front door can act as a barrier to hot or cold air coming from outside making your home more comfortable all year round. Exterior doors are usually constructed of metal, particularly aluminum and steel. These materials are good thermal insulators and provide long-lasting durability and weather resistance. However, Doors they are not as effective at insulating like solid wood doors or fiberglass. Wood absorbs heat and cold easily, contributing to the transfer of temperatures from outside into your home. It is also susceptible to dings and damage.

The energy efficiency of your home can be improved by choosing an insulated door with an excellent R value. The more the R value, the greater the insulation power of the door. If you're looking for an energy-efficient door, look for the ENERGY STAR label. It's a federally-funded program that recognizes energy-efficient products.

It's easy to assess the energy efficiency of your door. You can start by feeling the draft that's around your door's frame with the help of a dollar or your hands. If you feel a draft, you're losing energy. A new insulated door will stop this from happening, cutting the energy costs.

Take into consideration the insulation properties of your new front door, and whether it matches the aesthetics of your home. Doors with glass are a great option for letting in light, creating a an inviting entryway. To protect your privacy, select a front door with textured obscure or decorative glass rather than clear glass to reduce the amount of light that is reflected through the home.

The U-factor (also known as solar heat gain coefficient or SHGC) is another feature to consider. The lower the U-factor is, the better a door will insulate. The SHGC determines how much sunlight a glass allows through the glass and helps you regulate the temperature in your home. A door with an low SHGC will keep your home cool during summer and warm in winter.

Maintenance

No regardless of whether your front door is constructed from wood, steel, or fiberglass, it has to be strong enough to withstand the elements and resist intruders while still being beautiful enough to leave a lasting impression. The way your entry door appears and functions is contingent on the attention you give it throughout its lifetime. It is crucial to keep it clean and watch for signs of wear. This will allow your doors appear at their best and remain durable as well as ensure that you, your family, and your guests secure.

No matter what material they are made of regardless of their material, all front doors must be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and water stain accumulation which reduces their durability and appearance. Cleaning them is easy: Use a soft cloth and soap that is not abrasive, mixed with water. Then, rinse the door with water and wipe it to dry.

You should also regularly check your doors for doors signs of wear and tear, which could include cracks, warping, rusting or weather damage. The earlier you spot an issue the better chance it is that you can avoid an expensive repair or replacement.

Use masking or decorating tape to protect your glass panels if you have doors that have an edging of glass. This will prevent paint from marking them. Tape off the mouldings prior painting the door. Paint the middle, top, and bottom rails. Next, paint the stile (remaining door) and edges.

Doors made of wood should be refinished regularly because they are exposed to harsh winter weather as well as UV rays from the sun. The extreme temperatures and rays cause the wood to shrink and expand, which may lead to cracking in certain parts of the door. Experts suggest refinishing the door every three to five years or whenever you notice discoloration in the finish.

Front doors made of fiberglass or steel are less likely to require Refinishing, however they must be maintained and regularly inspected for signs of wear or weathering. If the weather stripping is damaged or ripped, it needs to be replaced. This will improve the efficiency of your home's energy use and prevent drafts and cold air from entering.