HOW TO CHOOSE A FRONT DOOR

Your front door serves as a focal point to your home's exterior, and is an important factor in maintaining your home's security and energy efficiency.

Choosing a new front door is a great way to update the appearance of your house, and can be a great investment into the value of your home. Here are some things to take into consideration when remodelling or replacing your old front door.

Choose the material

Select a steel door for optimum security: Steel doors are available in a wide range of prices. Simple steel doors are among the least expensive type of door available, but they have a short lifespan.

• Plain metal doors, in wet and saltwater climates, may only last for 5 to 7 years.

• If security is your primary concern when choosing a front door, reinforced steel doors may be your best option.

Purchase a vinyl door for an inexpensive option: Like steel doors, vinyl doors are typically inexpensive, and are commonly used for screen doors and storm doors. However, they only have a life expectancy of around 20 years.

• Vinyl doors are typically hollow, and with the right amount of force, can crack, making them less secure than steel or wood doors.

Pick a wooden door for a long-term investment in your home: Wooden doors are a classic option, and can provide a luxurious, high-end look to your house's exterior.

There are a number of types of wooden doors available, including solid, hollow, and solid core, which each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

• Hollow wooden doors provide the look of a wooden door, but at a lower cost. However, they only have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

• Solid core doors are wooden doors filled with a wood composite material. They have a lifespan ranging from 30 to 100 years.

• Solid wood doors will typically last for more than 100 years. They are also very difficult to break or kick open, and are therefore a great option for security.