Are you looking to upgrade your home’s security and aesthetic appeal with a new entry door? Steel entry doors are a popular choice for their durability and versatility for almost any type of home including barndominiums, shipping container homes, or even prefabs. But how to ensure you get the best units for your money?
In this article, the installation experts from Ecoline Windows & Doors Canada will share all their insights and elaborate on the latest industry trends to help you buy and install the best product. Keep reading to learn everything in detail!
Table of Contents
- 1 Steel Entry Doors: Why Are They So Trendy Among Homeowners?
- 2 Choosing the Right Steel Entry Door: Your Checklist Before Replacement
- 3 Steel vs Fibreglass vs Wood Entry Doors: What’s Best?
- 4 New Steel Exterior Doors – Configuration, Glass, Hardware, Energy Efficiency
- 5 Steel Door Replacement: Cost Breakdown
Steel Entry Doors: Why Are They So Trendy Among Homeowners?
- Durability: Steel is one of the strongest and most durable materials used in construction, making steel entry doors an ideal choice for homes in areas with harsh weather conditions. Steel doors are also resistant to fire, termites, and rot, making them a smart investment for the long term.
- Energy Efficiency: Steel entry doors offer excellent insulation properties, reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, with the best models showing a 30% increase in energy efficiency compared to regular front doors. This can result in lower energy bills and a more comfortable home year-round.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Steel entry doors come in a variety of styles and finishes, making it easy to find a door that complements your home’s design. From sleek and modern to classic and traditional, there is a steel door to suit any aesthetic.
- Security: Steel entry doors provide a strong barrier against intruders, making them a popular choice for homes in high-crime areas. Steel doors are also difficult to break into, making them a safer option for homeowners.
Choosing the Right Steel Entry Door: Your Checklist Before Replacement
When choosing a steel entry door, there are several key factors to consider:
- Style: Steel entry doors come in various styles, including traditional, modern, and rustic. Choose a style that complements your home’s design and enhances curb appeal.
- Finish: Steel entry doors can be finished in a range of colours, from classic black and white to bold, bright hues. Consider the shade of your home’s exterior when choosing a finish for your door.
- Size: Measure the opening of your current entry door to determine the size of the steel door you need. Consider the height and width of the door, as well as the jamb size, to ensure a proper fit.
- Insulation: Steel entry doors can be ordered with various insulation levels, from basic to high-performance. Choose an insulation level that meets your needs and provides the best energy efficiency.
- Security Features: Consider adding security features to your steel entry door, such as a deadbolt lock, reinforced hinges, or a security screen. These features can provide added peace of mind and protection for your home.
Steel vs Fibreglass vs Wood Entry Doors: What’s Best?
While steel remains one of the most popular materials for your new exterior doors, there are many other products to consider, taking into account your preferences, budget and home design. Each door type has its unique features and benefits, so let’s take a closer look at each option:
Steel Entry Doors
Steel entry doors are made from a combination of steel and foam insulation. They are durable, secure, and energy-efficient and require little-to-no maintenance. Many homeowners prefer installing these units since steel entry doors are cheaper than other models, making them one of the most popular options across North America.
Fibreglass Entry Doors
Fibreglass entry doors are made from a combination of fibreglass and foam insulation. They are the most energy-efficient units and can be made to mimic the exterior of real wood. These models are also resistant to rot, insect damage, and weathering, making them an excellent choice for homeowners in harsh climates. Usually, fibreglass front doors are more expensive compared to steel but more affordable than wood.
Wood Entry Doors
Wood entry doors are classic and timeless. They offer a warm, inviting look and can be customized to match your home’s style. However, wood entry doors require more maintenance and are more susceptible to rot, insect damage, and weathering. Wood exterior doors are the most expensive but still occupy the top ratings of the preferred ones each year.
Are Steel Entry Doors Eco-Friendly?
Steel is a highly recyclable material, making it an eco-friendly choice for entry doors. Additionally, steel entry doors are energy-efficient, which can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills.
New Steel Exterior Doors – Configuration, Glass, Hardware, Energy Efficiency
When choosing a steel front door for your home improvement project, it is vital to consider the following factors:
Configuration
The configuration of your steel entry door will affect the overall look and feel of your home, as well as its security. You can choose from various configurations, including single doors, double doors, and doors with sidelights. The basic and most frequently installed configuration is a single steel door, painted white or black.
Glass
The type of glazing you choose for your steel entry door can also impact its appearance and energy efficiency. The key point here is to equip your new doors with double or triple glazing to ensure it does not compromise energy efficiency. Moreover, homeowners can opt for a variety of glass options available, including clear glass, frosted glass, and stained glass.
Hardware
The hardware you choose for your steel entry door will impact its security and overall appearance. You can choose from a variety of hardware options, including locks, handles, and hinges. Usually, modern models are equipped with multi-point lock systems for the highest security, smart locks, and even cameras.
Energy Efficiency
Look for doors with high-quality insulation, weather stripping, and airtight seals to reduce energy loss and improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. Your new door should be Energy Star-rated and listed as an energy-efficient model.
Steel Door Replacement: Cost Breakdown
The cost of a steel entry door can vary greatly depending on the configuration, glass, hardware, and energy efficiency. A steel entry door can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000. However, the long-term savings from energy efficiency and low maintenance can make a steel entry door a cost-effective choice in the long run.
