It’s well known that replacement windows can help increase a home’s energy efficiency, especially when high quality vinyl replacement windows or fiberglass replacement windows are installed in place of older, leaky single pane windows.
However, the energy you use to heat and cool your home can also leak out through a home’s front door. Ill-fitting, poorly designed and insulated doors can result in tremendous energy loss. Just as a home’s energy efficiency can be improved substantially by installing vinyl replacement windows or fiberglass replacement windows, replacing an older door with a modern, energy efficient replacement door can have clear benefits.
Check the condition of your door. Does it close properly? Can you feel a draft? If you have a storm door, does it latch securely in place? If you have inadequate weatherstripping or your door does not close properly, there are multiple points where cold air can leak in and warm air can escape.
Modern replacement doors are well insulated. New weatherstripping and seals, hardware that ensures a tight seal when the door is closed, and energy efficient glass all contribute to the new door’s energy efficiency.
This last point is particularly important. The glass in many older doors is not nearly as energy efficient as it might be. Advances in glass technology offer enhanced energy efficiency with a more modern, airy, streamlined appearance. Replacement doors can be customized to fit any aesthetic, from traditional colonial to cutting edge modern looks.
The look of the front door is very important. A door can act as a home’s ambassador, given subtle, important cues about the family that lives behind it. Unfortunately, entry doors can often get battered and damaged due to continuous exposure to the elements. Rain, snow, and sleet all take their toll. Entry doors are also used multiple times a day in most families. This constant use can negatively impact the door’s appearance — which is no small detail when you consider the fact that the front door and entryway is the first encounter most visitors will have with your home.
Replacement door manufacturers such as Marvin and Pella utilize a wide variety of woods to create attractive, inviting entranceways. From familiar favorites such as white oak, walnut and cherry to more exotic options, such as mahogany, rosewood, and other upscale selections, there’s a look for every homeowner.
Improving a home’s appearance and energy efficiency has many benefits. The first, and most obvious, is the enhanced comfort and enjoyment of the homeowner. Secondly, increasing a home’s energy efficiency saves a homeowner money on heating and cooling costs. Reducing the amount of energy used to heat and cool a home reduces the amount of fossil fuels used: a clear environmental benefit everyone can enjoy. An enhanced appearance and energy efficiency can also increase a home’s resale value: obviously important if you want to sell your home in an increasingly competitive real estate market.
Installing a replacement door can be a do it yourself job, if you are confident in your remodeling skills and have helpers to assist you maneuvering the heavy door into position. However, if you don’t want to take on this job yourself, authorized replacement door dealers will be happy to help you connect with a qualified installation specialist.