Front entry doors enhance a home’s curb appeal, offer security and protect against debris and severe weather. Reputable exterior door installers can help homeowners find the perfect doors for their needs.
Protect your home from Florida’s severe storms with impact-rated doors installed by a trusted EcoView dealer. These doors abide by Miami-Dade’s hurricane testing and product approval standards, yet are indistinguishable from non-impact doors.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass doors are popular with homeowners for a number of reasons. They are durable and energy-efficient with insulated cores that keep your home warm or cool, depending on the season. These doors also resist damage from moisture and harsh UV rays.
Fiberglass front doors can be molded and shaped to match almost any style of home. For example, some doors feature a dark stain and iron strap hinges for a Victorian look. Others offer a pronounced wood-grain pattern and period details like dentil shelves or leaded windows. Some fiberglass entry doors can even be made into a Dutch door to fit a wide, arched doorway.
Unlike wooden doors, fiberglass ones don’t warp, swell or crack. However, they can be damaged by direct sunlight and may need to be repainted to maintain their appearance. Look for a model with composite stiles and rails if you live in an area with high humidity or rain to avoid water absorption and rot.
Wood
The right doors make an impact and enhance the overall look of your home. They need to be tough enough to resist harsh weather and humidity but easy on the eyes. This is why it’s important to hire experienced professionals who can help you select the best exterior door for your unique aesthetic and climate.
Knotty alder doors are a popular choice because of their natural, rustic appearance. They’re also affordable, though they may be prone to scratches and dents. Despite this, they’re resistant to rot and moisture so they’ll last for generations with proper protection.
Cherry exterior doors are a luxurious choice that will make your entryway feel warm and welcoming. They’re available in a variety of styles and finishes to match your home’s décor, and they can be customized with hardware, grilles, and obscure glass. Accoya wood doors are strong and durable, making them a great investment for homeowners in Florida’s humid climate.
Aluminum
Your front door needs to be tough against the elements and able to stand out in your neighborhood. Choosing the right material type helps you reach your design and performance goals.
Wood doors are beautiful and sturdy, but they do require more maintenance and can warp if exposed to excess moisture or high winds. Fiberglass doors are a better choice for homeowners who want something that looks like wood but doesn’t have to worry about cosmetic blemishes. They’re also more energy efficient and are less prone to damage from impact-rated hurricane winds.
Aluminium front doors are another option that offers strength in a lightweight package. They resist rust and warp, and their sleek designs complement modern and contemporary homes. When paired with top-notch security hardware, they offer a high return on investment and enhanced protection for your home during storms or break-in attempts. They’re also one of the most affordable options for new doors. They can last for up to a decade without requiring any maintenance or repairs.
Steel
Steel entry doors are incredibly low maintenance, providing a sleek and stylish look to your home. They also have a rot-resistant frame, making them a solid choice for those living in areas affected by tropical storms and hurricanes.
Steel is naturally strong and provides extra durability. It’s also a great insulator, keeping the heat in during winter and the air conditioning out in summer. This energy efficiency is due to the steel’s insulated foam core.
You can even have a wooden style door made from steel with the addition of wood-cladding, providing you with all the benefits of a steel front door with a natural wood appearance that enhances your curb appeal. However, there are a few drawbacks to steel entry doors that homeowners should be aware of. They can dent, and if the dents are left exposed to the weather can cause rusting. They also cannot be popped out like wood ones, but can be welded to repair damage.