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Home Improvement 101: Doors

Sep 4, 2013 1:44:00 PM

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doors home improvement north virginiaSummertime is a great time of year to undertake home improvement projects, whether it’s an interior project like painting a room or an exterior project like enclosing the patio. Perhaps you're tackling interior and exterior at the same time, such as door replacements.

If you're replacing one or more of your interior or exterior doors this summer, work closely with your home improvement contractors to help you select the right materials and styles for peak performance and aesthetics.

The Ins & Outs of Doors

Exterior and interior door replacements are an important design element that enrich the personality of a home, from entry door centerpieces and patio doors with window attributes, inviting sunlight into a room, to interior doors that provide transitions from room to room and acoustic dampening for a bit more peace and serenity in busy households.

Entry Doors

Entry doors personify the style of the homeowner and home in terms of individualism and architecture. From materials and window accents to the locking hardware and the doorbell, entry doors impart a lasting first impression upon visitors.

Patio Doors

Patio doors enrich both the interior and exterior living spaces with color and window styles which transmit light, connecting the inside and outside environments with view, design, oversight and insight. 

  • French doors contain a solid glass panel or individual glass lites surrounded by an outside frame. The typical French doors are double doors, but are also popular as single door units. French doors also serve well as interior doors, permitting a visual connection from room to room.

  • Gliding patio doors consist of two or more large glass-panel doors which glide horizontally to fully connect interior and exterior spaces.

Interior Doors

Interior doors provide privacy, acoustic absorption, design and function. In addition to French doors which add charm to interior spaces, pocket and bypass doors add style and serve functional roles for easy access to spaces.

  • Pocket doors are useful when space is limited. These doors glide on a track into an opening or pocket in the adjacent wall.

  • Bypass doors consist of two or more doors which glide on upper and lower tracks, and slide one behind the other. Bypass doors may be flush, louvered, mirrored or flat panel, and are common for bedroom and utility closets.

Door Materials

Quality entry and exterior door replacements are manufactured from wood, fiberglass or steel. Each of these materials exudes a distinct style with strengths and deficiencies to weigh.

  • Wood doors provide classic beauty, character and charm. Wood doors have a warm and luxuriant feel and are easy to repair. Cons: Wood doors absorb moisture which may cause bowing or warping, are not energy efficient and require regular care.

  • Steel exterior doors stand guard against the elements and provide extra security. Steel doors are available in a variety of styles and designs, so you won't sacrifice beauty for extra protection. Steel doors don't crack or bow, offer nice insulating value and are typically less expensive than wood and fiberglass doors. Cons: Steel doors are easily scratched and dented, which lend to rusting.

  • Fiberglass entry and exterior doors offer eye-catching beauty, energy efficiency, easy maintenance and durability. Fiberglass doors are available in a plethora of styles and designs. Fiberglass doors may be painted or stained, are resistant to scratching and denting, do not rust or deteriorate and are secure. Fiberglass doors carry none of the cons of wood or steel doors.

Quality and your satisfaction with door replacements largely depends upon the company you select. When you're shopping for home improvement contractors, consult with Exterior Medics in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland for best results.

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Image Credit: marc falardeau