Your entry door communicates your style, welcomes visitors and family members inside, and protects against intruders. Depending on your goals, it may also boost your home’s energy efficiency and resale value.
A new front door is a big investment, so it’s important to choose the right one. Here are some of the most popular options:
Curb appeal
The front door is one of the first things visitors notice about your home, so it’s important to create a memorable impression. Front doors that communicate your architectural style and create a welcoming entryway are a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your Ferndale, MI property.
Whether your style leans modern or traditional, our curated selection of front doors offers the perfect fit. Choose from a variety of styles, colors and finishes. We also offer a wide selection of stylish hardware, and our exterior doors can be customized with sidelights for added curb appeal.
A beautiful new front door says “welcome,” while boosting your home’s energy efficiency. In fact, Consumer Reports recently evaluated entry door models and found that the best front doors reduce drafts and help your house stay warm during cold winters and cool in the summer. Replacing your front door is a smart investment that can provide significant returns. A professional can guide you through your options and installation process.
Security
Your front door can be a prime target for intruders, so it’s important to take security measures into account when choosing a new one. Look for sturdy materials and locking mechanisms that can deter burglars.
Steel doors are the most secure option, as they resist forceful entry and won’t crack or warp. They’re also more durable and energy efficient than traditional wooden doors. Many include a reinforced lock that can withstand repeated use and resist impact.
A well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing door can also deter thieves by making your house more difficult to break into. Keep your door in good condition by regularly tightening hinges and addressing damage promptly. Landscaping that keeps trees and bushes away from the door can also help, as it eliminates hiding spots for intruders. Decorative glass and frosted panels are popular front door accents that brighten your entryway and add privacy. Bold colors are also trending, with homeowners opting for deep blues and rich reds.
Energy efficiency
Your front door is an important element of your home’s curb appeal, but it also plays a role in your energy bills. Replacing your entry doors with energy efficient models can reduce your heating and cooling costs. These doors also create an effective seal against harsh weather conditions, reducing air leaks and improving comfort inside your home.
Whether you choose steel or fiberglass, these doors are less susceptible to warping and need less maintenance than wood. They can be painted or stained in a wide range of colors, giving you the perfect look for your home.
For those who want a natural light-filled entryway, doors with glass panels or side lites are available. These allow natural light to shine through the entryway while maintaining a level of privacy for your family. You can even choose frosted or obscured glass options to let in light while still maintaining privacy. Many homeowners find that upgrading their front door increases their property’s resale value.
Impact-rated
Replacing your exterior doors is a smart home improvement project that adds curb appeal, increases resale value, and can save on energy bills. But you need to be sure your new doors meet local weather requirements, especially if you live in a high-risk area for hurricanes and severe storms.
Impact-rated front doors withstand damage from flying debris and strong winds. They also require less maintenance than shutters and eliminate the need for extra setup before a storm. Unlike standard doors, these durable options are also compliant with High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) standards.
To earn an impact rating, a door must undergo extensive testing. It must survive a small-missile debris test, cyclical wind resistance tests, and air infiltration tests. It must also pass a DP, or Design Pressure, rating that indicates the amount of hurricane wind pressure it can withstand without bending. The higher the DP rating, the stronger the impact resistance. Fiberglass is a popular choice for impact-rated doors because it resists warping and moisture damage, unlike wood.