Front Door Replacement
Introduction:
Is your front door squeaky, warped, or
drafty you may want to consider a front door replacement. There are many different types of doors to
choose from; wood (plain or paneled), steel, or fiberglass,
and they all come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. It
is tough to make a choice because of the wide variety
available on the market. Most home owners want some kind of
a window in their front door or a sidelight. If you want the
most energy efficient door I recommend a fiberglass door
with at least one sidelight panel.
A fiberglass front entry door is an excellent
choice that can give you the design that you have always
wanted
where
a wood door may be attractive it is
subject to cracking, warping, weather deterioration, and are
higher in cost than equivalent style fiberglass doors and
they are not energy efficient. As wood doors deteriorate
they become less energy efficient.
An
energy efficient fiberglass door will greatly decrease
drafts in your house and help to lower utility bills.
In terms
of energy efficiency the fiberglass door has an average R
factor between 10 and 12 depending on the manufacture as
opposed to a six panel wood door that has an average R
factor of approximately 2. This is made possible because of
the
polyurethane foam
core insulator in the fiberglass door. Most
fiberglass doors come in a variety of different styles and
windows to choose from, however, placing a window in the
door compromises its energy efficiency.
A better choice is a
sidelight. Sidelights are highly energy efficient windows
that attach to the doorframe before the door is installed.
They can be installed on either side or on both sides.
Sidelights have a wide variety of window pane designs from
multiple panes to a single pane, frosted or clear, or in
stained glass.
Fiberglass doors can have a variety wood of grain designs
and can be painted or stained in any color as frequently as
desired without going through the process of paint stripping
as required for a wood door. They are much more durable than
wood or metal doors and are more energy efficient. If you
are considering replacing a front door a fiberglass door
would be an excellent choice.
Replacing the front door is quite
easy. Simply measure the door size (the actual door itself)
or if the door assembly is removed measure the rough
opening. Take these measurements to a home supply center and
they will advise you on the door that will fit your
requirements. As doors come as pre-hung units they just have
to sit in the opening and nailed in placed through the
outside trim, usually a brick trim. The nails should be #16
galvanized finish nails. Make sure that the assembly is
square and level in the opening before nailing. After the
assembly is nailed in place, open the door and install the
screws (usually provided) in the threshold.
Enjoy you new energy efficient
fiberglass door.
Related articles:
How to Select the Best Windows
Replacing Bifold Doors
Replacing Door Knobs and Lock Sets
What You Need to Know About Replacement Windows
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