A good front door adds value to a house, protects against intruders and enhances curb appeal. Sticky cobwebs and rusty hardware are about as welcoming as garlic breath on a first date, so clean exterior doors are essential for a good impression.
Enter through a fiberglass or steel entry door to see the sights of Rayne, including swamp tours on the Vermillion River and local festivals at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.
Fiberglass
With the right look, fiberglass entry doors can make your home stand out in a good way. They offer the natural beauty homeowners want, without the upkeep. They also withstand sharp changes in weather. They don’t rot, shrink, or swell like wood and are energy-efficient, helping you save on heating costs.
Today’s fiberglass entry doors can be engineered to perfectly mimic the grain of dozens of different wood materials and finish colors. They can even incorporate “knots” and character marks, making them virtually indistinguishable from real wood.
Some fiberglass doors are smooth and paintable, while others are textured in various woodgrains, such as oak or mahogany. They are available as slabs, which you or a professional can trim to fit your doorway; or as prehung doors with a full frame, insulation, and threshold already installed. Depending on the model you choose, the price can range from $150 for a smooth-surfaced slab to $7,000 or more for a prehung wood-grained fiberglass entry door with molded panels and lights.
Steel
A home’s front door offers protection from the elements and intruders. Superior quality doors are designed to withstand repeated beatings and provide peace of mind for homeowners. These doors are durable and are available in a variety of styles to suit any architectural style. Many steel doors also feature an insulating core that helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs.
Steel doors are a good option for homeowners who value security. These doors are a powerful deterrent against intruders and come with reinforced frames that help bolster the structural integrity of a home. Some also come with multi-point locking systems to further fortify the home against forced entry.
A good steel door from Jeldwen or Therma Tru can withstand a direct hit from a baseball bat. It is better to choose a heavy 24 gauge steel door with zero wood framing and filled with closed cell polyurethane foam than the junk from a big box store.
Curb appeal
Curb appeal is more than a buzzword; it’s the instantaneous impression a property makes as seen from the street. It gives potential buyers a sneak peek into the quality of care you have put into your home, and it allows them to envision themselves living there.
Creating curb appeal is easy, even on a budget. Start by washing your house’s exterior, and consider a power wash of sidewalks, driveways, and wood decks. Swap out annual flowers as the season changes (think pansies for spring, petunias for summer, mums for fall, and ornamental kale for winter), and add some color with a front-door wreath or flower box.
Door hardware, light fixtures, and urns are also key elements of your home’s curb appeal. Opt for a coordinated look, and opt for a metal finish that compliments your door style. Oiled-bronze looks great with traditional homes, and brushed nickel works well for contemporary houses. For an extra special touch, consider installing a trellis that will allow you to train a vine to grow along it.
Installation
A new door can greatly improve your home’s appearance and curb appeal. It can also provide greater security and energy efficiency. A reputable company can help you choose the best door for your house and install it. To ensure that the job is done right, it is important to hire a builder with experience and a local reputation. Find one by asking for referrals and checking out their past projects.
When choosing a door, you need to make sure that it’s made of durable materials that can withstand the elements. It should also be well-insulated to prevent heat or cold from escaping your home. The frame should also be rot-resistant to protect against wood-eating insects and to reduce the risk of moisture in the walls.
The cost of custom doors can vary widely depending on the design and material used. Most professionals will charge an estimate based on the work they need to perform in your home. This allows them to properly measure the door opening and analyze what needs to be done.