Five Questions To Ask Before Selecting A New Exterior Door

May 30, 2007 — Selecting a new exterior door can be a daunting challenge given the number of materials, styles and features available in the market today. With so many options, how does a homeowner decide?

Before starting the process of selecting a new exterior door, JELD-WEN, the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, recommends that homeowners ask themselves the following five questions to narrow the number of potential door options. The company also offers a helpful exterior door selector feature on its web site, www.jeld-wen.com.

1. What building material do you prefer?
A good starting point for selecting a new exterior door is choosing a material. Wood has traditionally been the top door choice of homeowners because of the number of styles and species available. Fiberglass, an emerging material in the exterior door market, is stable and requires little maintenance or upkeep. JELD-WEN® Custom Fiberglass doors are nearly indistinguishable from real wood and are perfect for any climate.

2. What’s the style of your home?
When selecting a new door for a front entry, homeowners should take into account their home’s architectural style. For example, selecting a wood door with a dark finish and an elaborate glass insert will enhance the authenticity of a Victorian home, while a door with flat panels and square trim is era-appropriate for a Craftsman-style house.

3. What is your budget?
Door systems can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars for top-of-the-line custom doors. Usually wood doors are more of an investment than other types of materials. Standard fiberglass doors are typically less expensive than wood, and steel is often the most affordable exterior door material. Designs, glass options, accents, size and shape also influence the costs of exterior doors.

4. How much maintenance is required?
Exposed to the elements for a number of years, exterior doors on occasion need some maintenance to preserve appearance and extend their working lives. In general, steel and fiberglass doors require very little, if any, maintenance. For wood doors, JELD-WEN recommends periodic maintenance such as refinishing or oiling hardware.

5. What’s the location of the home and door?
If a home is located in a hurricane zone, local building codes often determine the type of entry door that can be installed. The direction of the door should also be considered. The south, west and east sides of a home will receive the greatest sun exposure. Homeowners should consider the level of UV resistance needed based on climate conditions and the home site.  Overhangs shield exterior doors from the elements and help protect against the effects of wind and rain. If an entry point of a home does not have a proper overhang, a fiberglass entry door is the best option because of its stability and reliability.