Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or replacing a door that’s seen better days, picking out a new front door can set a whole new tone for your home. With all the different styles available, it can be overwhelming to pick out the exact right fit for your home. Let’s go over the factors that play into your new front door to narrow down the best choice for you.
1. Decide on the Right Materials
Different materials can lend a different tone to your home. Whether you want a like-wood look or a more sleek, modern appearance, it can alter how your home looks more than you may think!
We recommend fiberglass for your door material. It’s a durable, cost-effective material that can mimic wood if you want a more rustic appearance, but it’s got the range for more modern options as well. Not only is fiberglass scratch-, dent- and rust-resistant, but it’s also energy-efficient, making it a solid choice for your wallet in the long term too.
2. Consider Sunlight Factors
Depending on the direction your home faces, the sun may shine directly on the front of your home for several hours of the day, making a door with significant glass coverage problematic. You don’t want to overheat your front hall or living area just for a little extra light! However, if your home doesn’t have many windows on that wall, a door with no glass panes may block out a valuable potential light source. No matter your final decision, considering natural light sources is crucial for a comfortable, well-lit home.
3. Energy Efficiency Matters
Your door can have an impact on your home’s overall energy efficiency. With proper materials in place, you can even see savings on your utility bills based on factors like an insulated foam core or advanced weatherstripping. Doors engineered with energy efficiency in mind let light in without the included heat, meaning your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.
4. Ensure Your Door Security
Your front door is a welcoming beacon for guests to your home—but without proper security measures in place, it can also be vulnerable to harsh weather or worse. Your locking mechanisms are key here; Search for a deadbolt that is an inch or longer in length, with reinforced metal around the lock and jambs. If your front door has glass panels in it, assess the glass for strength and glazing.
5. Will Your Door Swing In or Out?
If you’re short on floor space in your front hall or living areas, the direction your door swings can make a surprisingly big difference in your floor plan! Most front doors are designed to swing inwards, but you can request an outward-opening front door if needed to save some of that precious space.
6. Color-Match Your Door
Your personal taste should absolutely play into your home’s appearance, but it’s also important to match your front door to the rest of the home’s style. Match the color or wood tone as closely as you can to the rest of your home’s colors. If you want the front door to be eye-catching, you could go for a contrasting but complementary color.
Open Your Home to a Quality Front Door
Window World of Houston carries high-quality replacement front doors that are customizable to match your home and personal style with plenty of curb appeal! Get in touch for a free estimate on your new front door—we’re happy to help you make the right choice for your home.