Exterior Doors
Exterior doors are the welcoming commitee for your home. They're also a critical component of your home's security. Exterior doors can be as simple as a single wood door leading from the utility room to the back porch and as elaborate as multiple-panel French doors leading onto an outdoor entertaining area. Ideally, both would be strong and look great.
Styles for Exterior Doors
Exterior doors come in several styles. The front door of your home can be more formal, either single or double. Also, storm doors can be fitted to protect your front door and add insulation in winter. Sliding glass doors are the most common exterior doors leading to backyard entertainment areas, decks, and balconies. They let in lots of light and provide decent insulation if they are double or triple-paned. but French doors let in light much as sliding glass doors do and have a much more solid and classy feel to them. They are available in single, double, triple, or multiple panels. Folding doors give maximum access to outdoor areas, literally opening the wall of a home to decks and patios. They're most desirable in warm, subtropical climates.
Materials for Exterior Doors
Because exterior doors must provide security as well as access, they are constructed with wood, aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl frames. Security means not only the prevention of intruders, but also protection from wind, rain, snow, and other elements. Hence exterior doors must be well constructed, sturdy, and provide an excellent seal.
Costs of Exterior Doors
Sliding doors with vinyl frames start at about $500 for a six-foot door. Wood-clad frames will run $800-1400. Add an additional 20% for an eight-foot door. French doors are considerably more expensive and the price will vary depending on size, but a double-wide French exterior door should run between $1500 and $2500.
Manufacturers of Exterior Doors
Loewen is perhaps the most popular manufacturer of storm and folding doors. Loewen and Marvin make quality sliding doors, while Marvin, Eagle, and Jeld Wen are good choices for French doors.
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October 07, 2014
These five types of storm doors range from a basic aluminum to a high-end new design - and depending on your needs and your budget, one of them could be just right for you. Read on to find out more.... More >>
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April 11, 2011
Shopping for a new front door can seem daunting, but selecting front doors that appeal to your sense of style and regional climate can help with focusing on appropriate doors.... More >>
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August 05, 2010
Be comforted that most people use different kinds of exterior doors for their homes and that there are a lot of different options available. In fact, your new door options depend on a variety of factors including your climate, your neighborhood, your security ... More >>