There are many reasons why a home could need a door makeover. Entry doors, like other major components of the home, can wear out over time and need to be replaced. Additionally, homeowners may “inherit” a door on a home they’ve recently purchased and wish to change the style to a better one in order to complement their home’s personality.
“Homeowners don’t need to live with a front entry door that they don’t like or that has become inefficient over time,” says Donna Contat at Therma-Tru Corp., a leading entry door brand. “From a curb appeal and investment standpoint, it can make good economic sense to replace a front entry door.”
In fact, entry door replacement consistently ranks among the most valuable remodeling projects in the annual “Cost vs. Value Report,” published by Remodeling magazine.
This August, which is National Curb Appeal Month, the experts at Therma-Tru are offering tips for evaluating your current door, and insights on door aesthetics and components.
• Evaluate Your Door: Touch your door. If you can feel the exterior temperature from the inside, you may not have adequate insulation. Also check its appearance. For wood doors, check for warping or rotting. For steel, check for dings and rust. Final item: does the style of your door match the design of your home?
• What’s Inside Your Door: A door is actually a system of various components. Locks should operate smoothly and be strong enough to help protect your home. A multi-point locking system that engages a series of locks at several places on the frame can offer peace-of-mind.
• Slam Your Door: Doors experience wear and tear over time. Be sure any replacement door you purchase is constructed and tested to withstand harsh treatment. Consider materials such as fiberglass, which can offer the beauty of such classic materials as wood, while being low-maintenance and long-lasting.
• Door Appeal: Curb appeal isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the wow factor people get when they drive by your home and the cozy feel that welcomes guests to come in and stay a while. Try a paintable fiberglass door to add a pop of color or stick to the classic look of wood grain, which, when stained, adds warmth. Either way, you can make your home’s entryway stand out with a door trim surround kit, like decorative or privacy glass for doorlites and sidelites.
Home begins at the front door. Take steps to give your home a grand entrance by upgrading this important feature.
-StatePoint
