(ARA) - Does your home's front entrance provide an invitation or just an
entrance? Does it cause people to take notice or drive on by? Just like a finely
manicured lawn and a well- maintained exterior add curb appeal to a home, so
too, does the front entrance. A home's front entry is one of the first elements
visitors see of your home.
"Ten years ago, homeowners personalized their entry by incorporating
decorative glass into their entry door," says Jeff Kibler of Peachtree
Doors and Windows. "Today, homeowners want dramatic entries -- not just
a door but an entire entry system and foyer. Manufacturers have responded with
a variety of options for customizing an entry."
Many of today's new homes boast two-story foyers with lots of glass in the
door, and complementary windows alongside (sidelites) and above (transoms) it.
And the doors themselves are getting larger. Single and double doors in 8-,
9- and 10-foot heights are not uncommon in many areas of the country. Some homeowners
even choose side-by-side hinged patio doors for their entry to draw in the maximum
amount of light.
If you're considering remodeling your front entry or building a new home,
you face many decisions about a door's basic material, performance, complementary
windows and accessories, and security.
Basic materials
Entry doors are primarily constructed of steel, fiberglass and wood. The
material that is right for your home will depend on cost, desired look and,
to a limited degree, geography.
Steel is the top-selling entry door material because it is sturdy, secure
and can be painted to match a home. Steel is generally the most cost-conscious
option available; however, it is susceptible to denting, rusting and corrosion
in coastal areas.
Many homeowners choose a wood entry door, the second most popular material,
because of the wood grain character. It also provides security, and can be stained
or painted to complement the rest of a home. Wood requires regular maintenance
to ward off rot and keep it looking good.
Fiberglass doors are the fastest growing segment of the entry door market.
A smooth fiberglass door provides the characteristics of steel but won't dent
or corrode in coastal climates. Textured fiberglass looks like a wood door but
does not require the maintenance of wood.
Performance
Because entry doors and windows can be one of the biggest sources of energy
loss in a home, manufacturers have devoted considerable attention to improving
their products' performance. Look for Energy Star ratings to determine the energy
performance of a product. Generally, steel and fiberglass doors are more efficient
-- up to 6 or 7 times greater -- than wood doors because both are filled with
dense insulation.
The frame system can also be a source of inefficiency. Look for sagging and
gaps in the frame where the corners join. Complementary components such as sidelites
and transoms should fit snuggly into the frame. Peachtree uses a single frame
system for a door, sidelites and some transoms, which maximizes performance,
provides cleaner sightlines and prevents sagging. If you're interested in reducing
maintenance, then a fiberglass door with a frame clad with aluminum or another
material may be your best option.
Sills comprised completely of synthetic materials with a weep system to drain
water will help minimize maintenance for homeowners. Many can be adjusted up
or down to prevent air from leaking in or out between the door and the sill.
Decorative Elements
Mechanics aside, most homeowners are interested in how an entry system looks.
Decorative glass is the most popular accessory and is available in several sizes,
shapes and patterns for the entry door and sidelites.
"Homeowners continue to use decorative glass to put a signature on their
front entry," Kibler says. "Decorative glass delivers the look homeowners
want to convey -- whether it's traditional, contemporary, or art deco."
Most manufacturers have several patterns from which to choose. Peachtree offers
seven choices, in addition to clear glass.
The patterns in decorative glass are formed by using different types of glass,
glass chips and caming, which provides the distinctive outline to the patterns.
Caming is available in options such as brass, zinc and black patina.
These decorative glass patterns can also be incorporated into complementary
windows -- sidelites and transoms to finish off your invitation.
Where and how to buy!
Entry doors are generally sold through lumber yards, home centers and window
and door dealers. The installation of a new door, especially a door with sidelites,
transoms and complementary fixed windows, can be quite involved. Installation
should be left to a professional contractor or a skilled do-it-yourselfer. To
help you consider all of the factors that can shape your home's invitation,
visit www.peachtreedoor.com to request free literature and locate a dealer near
you.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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