What to Look for in New Exterior Doors

As with replacement windows, it’s important to know what to look for when buying new exterior doors. New models of exterior doors seal and insulate better than older models, which can lower a household’s electric bill by up to $200 a year. They’re also better at resisting extreme weather conditions, which lessens the chance of the door cracking or warping.

When researching energy-efficient doors, first you’ll need to consider your region’s climate. Also be sure to get the exact measurements of the door’s width, depth, and height.

Don’t forget to review the door’s energy performance ratings, as well as its insulation R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the better. Most steel and fiberglass doors have an R-Value of 6.

Types of Exterior Doors

There are several types of exterior doors, the most popular being wood, steel, and fiberglass. You can also purchase a composite door, which is made of a combination of materials. Newer doors generally have a foam insulation core that helps save energy and lower your electric bill.

Instead of purchasing a single door replacement, now you can purchase an entire "entry system." An entry system includes the door on a pre-hung frame, the bottom threshold, and weather stripping along the perimeter. The entire entry system is built as a single unit; therefore, it is perfectly measured to seal tightly, minimize drafts, and increase energy-efficiency.

*Go Green* Tip!

Investing in top-quality, energy-efficient windows and doors
not only saves you money by lowering your electric bill, it also reduces
dependence on non-renewable energy resources and helps the environment!