Entry doors serve a vital function, protecting the home from inclement weather and would-be intruders. They can also reflect the homeowner’s style preferences and add to the curb appeal of the home. They can be solid or framed with transom and side lites.
An interior designer focuses on honed design principles that can help create spaces that reflect a homeowner’s taste and personality. They can offer expert advice on how to make your home more energy efficient and attractive.
Energy-efficient windows
Replacing old windows with energy-efficient options improves your home’s comfort, reduces outside noise and helps protect your carpeting, drapery and furniture from irreversible fading caused by harmful UV rays. They also limit heat transference into and out of your home, decreasing summer cooling costs and lowering winter heating bills.
Fiberglass and vinyl are strong, durable materials that keep heat in your home and out of it. Look for a NFRC label or ENERGY STAR logo to see if the window has been certified for energy efficiency. Look for a low U-factor and low solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, which measures how much heat passes through the window.
Many models feature double-pane glass and an air space between them that can be infused with argon gas for extra insulation. This lowers your utility bills, and helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
Durable materials
The front door of your home is one of the most important entrances, and it should reflect the architectural style and design of your house. It should also protect the house from intruders and help control energy usage. Many styles are available to meet your needs. Whether you want a steel door with a wood stain or a fiberglass door with glass, you can find durable materials that will keep your home looking beautiful and protecting your property.
Choosing the right entry door material depends on the climate in which you live. For example, homes in sunny climates may require doors that resist sun damage. Moreover, homeowners need to consider the maintenance costs of different materials. Some options, such as steel and fiberglass, are more energy-efficient than other types. However, they require high embodied energy for production and have limited recyclability. Wood doors, on the other hand, are more eco-friendly and require less upkeep. They also support sustainable forestry practices and are recyclable.
Security
Aside from serving a functional purpose of keeping your home safe, entry doors also offer security features. They can feature shatterproof security glass and tamper-resistant hinges, among other things. These security measures prevent thieves from breaking into your home. They can also help you save money on energy bills, as they prevent the transfer of heat from outside to inside your home.
The design of a front door can make a statement about the aesthetic style of your house. It can be solid, framed by sidelights or flanked with transom windows. It can even be completely glass, which allows more light to enter and adds value to your home. Other options include frosted or tinted glass that obscure visibility and reduces glare.
A reliable exterior door installer Smithtown NY will be able to advise you about your options. They will have experience in installing and replacing doors, and they will be able to recommend the best option for your home. They can also install insulated doors that will improve the overall efficiency of your home.
Curb appeal
A front door can make or break a home’s first impression. It sets the tone for a property, and a well-maintained one can boost its value. It can also demonstrate a sense of pride in ownership and benefit the neighborhood aesthetics. The right color, for example, can draw the eye to the entryway, while a unique design can elevate the whole aesthetic of the house.
A new door can also increase energy efficiency, lowering utility bills and promoting sustainable living. A steel door, for instance, can withstand the elements and is often reinforced with deadbolts to improve security. Fiberglass entry doors use foam cores to insulate, and woodgrain finishes offer a natural look. They’re available in a wide range of colors, textures and stain options to match any style.
Sidelites, or narrow vertical windows on either side of the door, can add an elegant touch. These features can be frosted for privacy or clear to showcase interior decor. They can also be paired with transoms for a more dramatic effect.