Exterior doors are used for entering or exiting a home or a commercial building. An exterior door affects the appearance of the whole building, specially a home. Since it is the focal point of your home, a good exterior or entry door can make all the difference and make your home stand out and create the first good impression. Back doors, patio doors and garage doors can also be called exterior doors.
Exterior doors provide security and protection from all external elements- whether changing weather or thieves and intruders. They should hence be strong, durable and resistant to corrosion, pollution and be able to withstand adverse climatic conditions. Apart from appearance and security features, doors used specially for commercial buildings may also need fire resisting properties. Maintenance is another aspect which matters not to forget energy efficiency. All these factors need to be considered while choosing the right exterior door which will fit in your budget.
Exterior doors can be categorized in to various types based on their construction, operation and the material used. They are available in a wide range of styles, colors and sizes.
Based on the construction or style they are called paneled doors, flush doors or glass doors. A panel door is a classic style door, more suitable for traditional style homes, but can be used for modern homes too. It comes with three or four horizontal rails and three vertical stiles with spaces between them filled with thinner panels. A flush door is a simple flat door with a completely even surface covered with veneer to give it a smooth appearance. It can be stained or painted depending on the material used. Though one of the least expensive options, it suits the best for modern homes. Glass doors can be either multiple panes of glass (referred to as lights) fitted into doors as in French doors or full door size glass as in patio doors.
Operationally, exterior door can be the most common swinging door, hung on hinges or sliding door as in patio door. It can be an overhead door used for garages or revolving doors. Depending on the function, the choice of the right door can be made.
Exterior doors are available in wood, steel, aluminum and fiber glass. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, so ultimately the buyer has to consider all aspects -appearance, strength, durability, maintenance etc. and make the right choice.
Security being a main concern most of the time for exterior doors, steel is the best option. Steel doors are extremely strong, durable and easy to maintain. They can withstand adverse weather and don't crack, warp or rot like wood. They are stainable and available in variety of colors nowadays even in imitation wood grain color. However they lack the elegance and style of wood. Wood is still the most preferred material when it comes to appearance of the door. Wooden doors are also available easily. However low quality doors available at lower prices can rot, warp and may not be strong and secure. Fiberglass doors, though a little expensive are an excellent choice because of their strength and durability. They are easy to maintain and resistant to corrosion, insect attacks and do not warp, rot, crack or swell like wood. Molded to look and feel like wood nowadays, they can also be easily stained.
Champion Window manufactures strong steel and fiber glass entry doors. The doors are durable, have a good aesthetic appeal and above all energy efficient. Having a whole lot of satisfied customers happy with their products; they offer a wide range of entry doors in different styles to suit your home. Prospective buyers can read reviews of Champion Window , call from for free consultation and get quotes from them.
So take in to consideration all aspects discussed above to choose the right exterior door. Be safe, secure and comfortable inside your home, while the door you choose stands out in the neighborhood.