DIY Network

Open Door Policies: Front Doors From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-111

In the first segment host Jeff Wilson went over the importance of door seals in protecting your home from the elements as well as some of the common aesthetic choices you can make with your interior and exterior doors.

In this second segment we'll take a closer look at some of the doors on the exterior of your home, and what better place to start then with your front door.

All doors that open onto the exterior of your home are an important part in your building envelope, but due to heavy traffic volume, perhaps none is more important than your front or entry door. And no focal point says more about your home than the entrance door.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Choosing a Front Door

There are three materials used to manufacture a font or entry door, and which material you choose may depend upon your needs.

1. Wood (figure A) -- If you want to purchase an ornately designed front door, wood will be your best option. The wooden door is easier to manipulate, and therefore used in custom or specialized design situations. With the countless options (mahogany, side lights, transoms, decorative glass, etc.) you can custom design the specific look you want for your entryway.

   Another design advantage is that decorative transparencies such as glass are easier to install in wooden front doors.

   There are, however, disadvantages to having a wooden front door. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause the wood to blow and warp, causing a break in the door's air sealing capabilities.

2. Fiberglass (figure B) -- This material has become increasingly common in today's home building market. These paneled doors can take a beating without incurring dents, etc.

   Not only are fiberglass doors more durable than their wooden counterparts, they can also be stained in order to achieve the same traditional look of wood. And thanks to an insulated core, fiberglass doors give added protection to the building envelope.

   Note: With these advantages to wood, keep in mind that fiberglass front doors may cost a bit more than wood, but the long-term energy savings can help offset the difference.

3. Steel (figure C) -- Security and added safety are the biggest advantages to choosing a metal or steel front door. They have insulated foam within the panels and steel on either side.

   One of the main problems with a metal door, however, is denting that's hard to repair. This can result in the need to replace a door entirely.

Ultimately all three front-door choices have their advantages, so when making a decision, let your builder know what's important to you in an entryway door.

Figure D

Choosing the Rest of the Exterior Doors

Like the front door, the remaining exterior doors will be made from either wood, fiberglass or steel. These choices include a backdoor or side door that might serve as an additional entrance. Rear or side doors should also reflect the function and aesthetics mentioned in the first segment. This means that they should have a proper air sealing system but also reflect a style that fits with the rest of your home.

A common type of exterior door that stands as an exception to the recommended weatherization and aesthetic factors are sliding glass doors (figure D). Because they incorporate large panes of glass into their design, sliding glass doors have their own set of functions and concerns.

It's not always easy to get a great air seal on sliding glass doors due to the heavy traffic, size and weight. Quality installation can help prevent air leakage and installing double-paned glass, tinted glass or adding a UV reflective coating to the exterior side of the doors can help minimize thermal loss.

Tip: If you live in a cold climate and are concerned with heat loss during the winter months, consider a patio door made of wood, fiberglass or metal instead of sliding glass doors.

We'll explore interior-door choices in the next segment.

GUESTS :

Bruce Dickson
Project Manager
IBACOS
Website: www.ibacos.com

John Broniek
Buildings Programs Manager
Ibacos
Website: www.ibacos.com

John Holton
Senior Architect
Ibacos
Website: www.ibacos.com

Patrick Janes
Andersen Windows
Website: www.andersenwindows.com

Larry Shapiro
Director of Marketing
Grace Company
62 Whittemore Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: 617-498-4888
E-mail: Lawrence.s.Shapiro@grace.com

Janet Greenway-Rader
President
Summit Door Inc.
1233 Enterprise Ct.
Corona, CA 92882
Phone: 909-272-6633
E-mail: jrader@summit-door.com