Your entry door is more than just a way to enter your home; it sets the tone for your property’s aesthetic and impacts security, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements. Choosing the right material is crucial, especially in Murray’s harsh climate.
Carved glass offers a variety of designs that can reflect your personal taste and create a one-of-a-kind piece in your doorway. Alternatively, choose stained glass for an elegant art piece that adds color to your home’s design.
Decorative Glass
A decorative glass door welcomes guests with a work of art that boosts the curb appeal of your home. It’s also a functional element that can serve a variety of purposes. Decorative glass refers to any type of glass that has special elements designed purely for aesthetic purposes. It can be tinted, frosted, or shaped. You can see this type of glass in kitchen backsplashes, shower stalls, and interior doors.
The design options available for decorative glass are virtually limitless. Whether you choose an ornate door panel featuring a floral motif, a geometric pattern, or a unique texture like glue chip, each piece of decorative glass is truly one-of-a-kind. These designs complement the aesthetic of a variety of home styles. For instance, simulated divided lites and contour grids add to the aesthetic of a Craftsman, Colonial, and Farmhouse style home. They can also take your new replacement door to the next level of beauty. Decorative glass is also available in a range of colors that enhance the appearance of your entranceway.
Security
The entry door is not only the main entrance to your home, but it sets the tone for the rest of your property’s aesthetic and impacts security and energy efficiency. From the traditional charm of wood to the low-maintenance benefits of fiberglass, there are numerous options available.
A solid core door is a must-have for homeowners looking to keep their home safe and secure. It’s a nearly impossible feat for a seasoned burglar to kick through such doors. Metal cylinder guards also protect your lock by strengthening the frame around the keyhole.
Patio doors also play an important role in the safety of your home. Adding an electronic option like a video doorbell provides an extra deterrent to would-be thieves and gives you eyes on your home’s exterior. Laminated or impact-resistant glass can be added to your entry door as well to protect against forced entry attempts. These doors contain a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between multiple layers of glass that can resist breaking or smashing.
Durability
Durability measures the ability of your door to withstand wear and tear. It can be determined through testing, using different amounts of force to simulate slamming and other conditions. Durability testing can also help manufacturers identify design errors or structural weaknesses before they go into production, saving money and making the final product more reliable.
Fiberglass doors are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy use without warping or rusting. They are also energy efficient and often contain insulating foam. These features make them ideal for Murray homeowners who want to save on utility bills.
Patio doors are a key feature of your home’s interior and exterior. They provide seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces and come in a variety of styles including sliding, French, or bi-fold options. They can be made from fiberglass, steel, or wood and can be factory-painted or refinished to change their look. Many homeowners prefer fiberglass patio doors due to their durability, low maintenance, and security-related benefits.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency measures a door’s ability to keep heat inside your home and air outside. Look for doors with a low SHGC and U-factor to help you reduce your utility costs.
The material a door is made from plays an important role in its energy efficiency. Wood entry doors are the least energy efficient, while fiberglass and steel are among the most. Fiberglass exterior doors often have a foam insulation core, which contributes to their energy efficiency.
Patio doors, which open to your backyard or garden, can also boost your property’s energy efficiency. Choose a wood, fiberglass, or steel model that features a polyurethane foam insulation core and weather stripping. The amount of glass on a patio door impacts the R-value, but one with minimal glass and a low U-factor can be considered Energy Star Certified.