Here are some of the top reasons homeowners choose to replace their front door, along with material options and simple ways to make an entrance stand out.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Older entry doors can allow drafts and air leaks, especially if they are poorly insulated, warped, or no longer sealing correctly. When outside air enters the home, your heating and cooling system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

A properly installed replacement door can help reduce air leakage and improve year-round comfort. This is especially important for homes in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where temperature swings can make drafts more noticeable.

Better Curb Appeal & Property Value

Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. Replacing it can provide an instant exterior upgrade without taking on a major remodeling project.

A new front door can complement your siding, windows, trim, and exterior colors. It can also help improve perceived home value by making the entryway look more polished and well maintained.

Enhanced Home Security

Modern entry doors are built with security in mind. Stronger materials, improved frames, durable hardware, and multi-point locking systems can help make a home more secure.

If your existing door feels weak, has damaged hardware, or no longer closes tightly, replacing it can provide added peace of mind.

Improved Functionality & Safety

A front door should open and close smoothly. If your door sticks, drags, rattles, or is difficult to lock, it may be more than a minor annoyance.

A properly installed replacement door improves everyday functionality and helps ensure quick, safe entry and exit when needed.  Before choosing a new entry door, it also helps to understand common buying mistakes homeowners make.  Read Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Front Entry Door to help narrow down your options.

Front Door Materials To Consider

Choosing the right front door material depends on your priorities, including maintenance, security, appearance, and energy efficiency.  Not sure which material is right for your home?  Review our front door selection guide to compare popular entry door options and features.

Fiberglass Entry Doors

Fiberglass doors are a popular option because they offer a strong balance of durability, energy efficiency, security, and low maintenance. They can also mimic the look of wood without requiring the same level of upkeep.

Steel Entry Doors

Steel doors are known for strength, security, and affordability. They are a strong choice for homeowners who want a durable entry door that helps resist forced entry.

Wood Entry Doors

Wood doors offer classic beauty and customization. They can create a warm, high-end look, but they typically require more maintenance than fiberglass or steel options.

Ways To Upgrade Your Front Entrance

Replacing your front door is a great opportunity to refresh the entire entryway. Small details can make the finished project feel more complete.  Your entry door can dramatically change the appearance of your home.  Explore more design inspiration in: Grand Openings: Picking the Right Front Door for Your Home.

Choose A Bold Door Color

A front door color can add personality to your home. Bright colors can create contrast, while dark shades like black or navy can give the entryway a modern, refined look.

Upgrade Door Hardware

New handles, locks, house numbers, and knockers can make a big difference. Matte black, polished brass, and other updated finishes can help tie the entryway together.

Improve Exterior Lighting

Outdated light fixtures can make an entryway feel older than it is. New sconces or pendant lighting can improve both appearance and visibility.

Add Architectural Details

Trim, molding, and other exterior details can help a plain entryway feel more custom. These details can create a more finished, high-end appearance.

Is It Time To Replace Your Front Door?

If your front door is drafty, damaged, difficult to operate, or no longer fits the look of your home, replacement may be worth considering. The right entry door can improve comfort, security, curb appeal, and everyday functionality.

Lindus Construction helps homeowners in Minnesota and Wisconsin choose and install entry doors that fit their homes and long-term goals.

Contact us today to schedule a free estimate for your entry door replacement project.

Exterior Fiberglass Doors Pros & Cons For Your Home:

Benefits & Advantages Of Fiberglass Doors:

Offered in an array of styles and finishes due to sophisticated manufacturing techniques, fiberglass exterior doors are a straightforward way to up your home’s curb appeal.  They even can imitate the aesthetics of wood without the maintenance, as painting and staining are unnecessary.  However, if a homeowner wants to change out the appearance of an exterior fiberglass door, they can be painted.  Fiberglass is often used in house windows because of its inability to expand or contract as the seasons change and the same holds true for fiberglass exterior doors.  This property allows to have a long lifespan. Fiberglass entry doors also win high marks for their durability because they do not rot, warp, scratch, corrode, or rust.  With regards to energy efficiency, fiberglass entry doors lower heat transfer and increase energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills.  With regards to safety, fiberglass doors, provide a layer of protection against burglars because they can be outfitted with double or triple pane glass which is tricky to shatter.  Opt for a multipoint locking door system which will provide enhanced security.

Disadvantages Of Fiberglass Doors:

  When compared to most other door materials, fiberglass exterior doors come at a premium.  Fiberglass door installation is not a DIY endeavor, as any missteps can cause the door to allow air or water to permeate.  The material is also tricky to trim and comes as a full unit with a frame.  This makes it imperative that you ask the right questions before hiring a contractor and delegate the door installation project.

Watch Our Craftsmen Install a New Sliding Patio Door:

Benefits of Installing a Storm Door:

Expanded Airflow: Storm doors with screens allow air to filter through your home even if the door itself is locked.  This feature proves particularly advantageous in homes that do not have air conditioners.

Protection Against Mother Nature: A weather resistant door can act as a barrier for your front door from rain, sleet, and snow.  This can maximize its life expectancy while also acting as an obstacle against air flow and water infiltration.  Storm doors with screens also prevent insects from entering the interior of your home.

Supplemental Security: Storm doors add an additional layer of protection because they present an additional obstacle to burglars entering your home.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency: One of the many benefits of a storm door is it enhances a home’s energy efficiency.  By acting as a barrier between the heat of the summer and frigid temperatures in the winter, it reduces air leaks from the primary entry door.

Increased Natural Light: A home’s entryway can become dreary without the installation of a storm door.  This makes them particularly favorable in spaces with a sizable foyer.

Upped Curb Appeal: Storm doors are offered in and endless array of combinations.  A custom look can be created through experimentation with hardware, glass designs, retractable screens, and colors.  When carefully selected, these items can be a major contributor to your home’s curb appeal.

Storm Door Disadvantages:

Inconvenience of Two Doors: Tasks such as bringing in groceries, moving into your home, and leading your pet inside can become more tedious having to walk through two doors.

Potential Damage to Your Front Door: Another disadvantage includes the glass panels on a storm door having the potential to trap hot air on warm, sunny summer days.  If the spot you’re considering installing a storm door is subject to routine direct sunlight, it may be worth reconsidering, as there is potential to cause damage to your front door.

Not Necessary on All Homes: If the spot you’re considering adding a storm door to is already sheltered with a roof overhang or covered porch, there’s no need to add a storm door to protect your front door.

Go Behind the Scenes on Steel Entry Door Installation Project:

Consider How Much Space You Have When Choosing a Patio Door

The format of a room should be heavily considered prior to committing to a door style.  The closer in proximity the door is to furniture or other potential obstructions, the more it makes sense to opt for  sliding glass doors over French doors.   However, French patio prove advantageous open wider and are ideal for scenarios where there’s a high frequency of guests continually making their way outdoors during parties.  French doors also create an opportunity for large furniture to be moved indoors and outdoors.  However, this layout commands more square footage to open and close.

Design Deliberations for Patio Doors

Both sliding and French doors permit an ample amount of natural light to enter a home.  However, the narrower frame of a sliding door allows more daylight to enter, while also allowing for expanded outdoor views.  Many interior designers steer homeowners towards French doors in historic homes because they tend to mesh better with this architectural style.  Both types of doors can be used in modern spaces, as the color and hardware can complement surrounding windows as well as the exterior of your home.

Exterior Doors With Ventilation

Both types of doors are lauded for their ventilation properties.  Opting for sliding doors absent of screens, does edge out French doors in terms of ventilation.  However, without screens, there is a high probability that insects will find their way indoors.

Price

The manufacturer, material, size, glass pack, and hardware all influence the cost of French and gliding doors.  However, when similar combinations are used, double French doors tend to cost slightly more than sliding doors.

Weather Considerations

French doors also slam shut easier in heavy winds than sliding patio do.  Double patio doors that swing out should be used in climates that experience heavy rain and snow, as this could allow heavy moisture to be inadvertently introduced indoors.

Ease of Use

Although they have a larger threshold, sliding glass doors are easier to operate.  The door is located on a track, requiring the user to step over it to enter or exit a room.  If a homeowner opts to swap out a sliding door for inswing or outswing patio doors, they should be advised that the threshold difference can influence the flooring already in place.

Watch a Sliding Patio Door Be Installed by the Craftsmen at Lindus Construction:

Patio Maintenance

Because of their frequent use, there is potential for the sliding mechanism of a gliding door to come off the track or become stuck.  This is why it is advised that homeowners steer away from doors in the builder grade class.  Distracted guests and excitable pets can also run into the screen, bending it.  These factors give French double doors a slight edge when it comes to maintenance.  The biggest areas homeowners should keep an eye on for maintenance are the hinges and the trim around the glass.

1. Making It a DIY Project

While there are many projects a homeowner can do themselves, front door replacement shouldn’t be one of them.  Incorrect installation techniques can lead to an unbalanced door that is susceptible to air and water infiltration.  Even worse, botching this installation can lead to a front door that’s easy to break into.  There’s also very little in the way of cost savings if a homeowner must purchase all of the tools necessary in order to execute the project.

2. Not Considering Energy Efficiency

Just like windows, the front door plays a significant role in the energy efficiency of a home.  A poorly manufactured door creates the opportunity for air infiltration to take place, causing your HVAC system to work harder than it should.  This, in turn, leads to higher utility bills.

3. Buying a Builder Grade Front Door

Not all front doors are created equally.  If you skimp on the quality of the door and opt for a builder grade door, you’ll pay a lower cost upfront, but the lifespan of the door will be shortened significantly.  This is because cheaply manufactured parts like hinges, door knobs, and screws will wear out faster.

4. Ignoring Security Concerns

Before committing to a new front door, take the time to research the robustness of the handles and deadbolts to avoid becoming and easy target for intruders.  Choose solid doors over those with hollow cores to ensure that the door cannot easily be kicked in.

5. Failing to Contemplate Whether A Door Should Open Out Or In

Most of the time, exterior doors swing inward to allow for the opening of the door from the inside after substantial snowfalls.  However, in areas that experience hurricanes, outward swinging doors are picking up traction because they are not able to be blown in.

6. Disregarding Your Home’s Architectural Style

Savvy homeowners understand that it’s imperative that you match your front door choice with the architectural characteristics of your windows and the dimensions of your home.  Take care to select a door that adds to your home’s curb appeal, rather than detracts from it.  Websites like Houzz and Pinterest allow homeowners to get inspiration and see real- life examples of front door installations.

7. Not Carefully Considering Material Selection

Front doors are offered in an array of materials including steel, wood, and fiberglass.  Each comes with their own unique set of pros and cons related to beauty, longevity, price and durability.  Prior to making a commitment, take the time to research the benefits and drawbacks of each material so that your final selection is one you enjoy for years to come.

If you are still deciding whether front door replacement makes sense for your home, review our guide on reasons to replace your front door. It covers energy efficiency, curb appeal, security, functionality, and material options to help you make a more confident decision.

Go Behind the Scenes on a Twin Cities Steel Door Installation:

Choosing The Right Entry Door

There are tons of options out there for styles, features, and budget friendly doors. When it comes to choosing the right one for your needs, get at least three estimates from different reputable contractors and move forward from there. A new front door installation can up your home’s value, make it more secure and safe, change your view and even help keep unwanted dust and allergens out of your home. Homeowners also replace their front door to improve energy efficiency, functionality, curb appeal, and security.  Learn more about the top reasons to replace your front door. Some important factors to consider when choosing a front door include your budget, material selection, style preferences, and desired features.

Steel Entry Doors Have Many Perks

One style in particular, the steel door, has the highest return on investment rate in recent history. Industry sources have cited that the return on investment for a steel front entry door can be in excess of 101%. This means homeowners are getting more back than they spent on the door itself. A new door not only provides the safety and warmth you’re looking for, but aids in being a solid contender for home improvement. Freshly installed doors also come with tons of curb appeal when it comes to selling, becoming an attractive attribute to a new homeowner. Front door replacements fall in line with a great profit margin for small projects. They improve the appearance of your home, are energy efficient and budget friendly.

Considering a Steel Entry Door?  Here’s a Recent Project Completed by Our Team:

Customize Your Front Door To Fit Your Lifestyle

A new door needs to fit your lifestyle. If you’ve got children or pets, you may consider finding a door that allows for the blinds to be inside of the window. This allows for them to be conveniently opened without the hindrance of them being dusty, dirty or broken from the small humans and pets.  There are basically four types of door material to choose from. Those being wood, vinyl, steel or fiberglass. Each of these options comes with many style options from French to sliding or hinged. You also have the option of the type of pane design for the door as well. For example, using grilles in the door will give the appearance of having individual windows and a sleek design. Customize the hardware on your door to match the feel of your personal tastes and design of your home.  Meet with at least three reputable contractors to figure what’s best suited for your needs.

Final Considerations About Front Door Replacement

While the annoyance of door replacing can be disenchanting, the end result will leave you and your visitors staggered. Replacing the main barricade to your abode, becomes more secure thus giving you and your family a safer space inside. This ups not only your curbside appeal, but the attraction to having a safer home. Varying styles of doors can open up your home to more sunlight and a better view of your community. For example, sidelights and transoms are an elegant way to make your home feel warmer and more welcoming by providing more natural light. With customary sealing, the closed door will also keep out any unexcused outside irritants such as dust and allergy inducing particles. A new door brings in new protection. Multi-point locks aid in that protection by making it harder to bust into your home, compared to those with only one lock. Using an insulated frame and triple pane glass can help reduce outside noise invading the peace and quiet of your home.

Answering the Four Main Concerns for Entry Doors

Privacy

Glass manufacturers offer various levels of privacy to allow homeowners to customize their door’s aesthetics.  Low privacy glass is absent of texture and can be seen straight through.  This type of glass works well on homes with long driveways that are not easily visible from the road.  Medium privacy glass is a combination of clear and nontransparent glass that provides a partial ambiguous view.  High privacy glass is extremely textured and allows an outsider to only detect interior colors and shadows. This type of glass works well for homes on busy streets.

Safety

A common concern for homeowners considering the inclusion of glass in their front door is whether or not doing so makes it easier for burglars to enter the home.  The answer to this relies on the type of glass used in the front door.  To ensure the utmost level of safety, reinforced tempered glass should be used in your home’s front door.  This glass is trickier for an intruder to break.  An added perk of this type of glass is its energy efficiency, which will save homeowners on their heating and cooling costs.

Curb Appeal

Your home’s front door is one of the first features potential homebuyers and guests view.  Adding glass to the front door can create a more alluring façade, especially if the glass is stained or has an imaginative pattern.

Go Behind the Scenes on a Twin Cities Door Installation Project: 

Natural Light

Research has shown that natural light is a top priority for those in the market for a new home.  A natural mood enhancer, natural light gives the illusion of a larger space.  This makes it worth strongly considering the inclusion of windows in your front door.  For homeowners wanting glass, but not wanting to feel exposed to the neighborhood, frosted, opaque, and decorative glass can offer the best of both worlds.

Contact us today to get started on your next door installation project.

Prior to committing to door installation, one of the most important decisions you need to make is which material your door will be made from.  One of the more popular materials within the marketplace is steel and we’re here to weigh in on its pros and cons. 

Steel Entry Door Advantages

• From a safety standpoint, steel entry doors tend to be among the most reliable within the marketplace.
• High quality steel doors that are insulated with foam are energy efficient and hold up well against air and water infiltration when properly installed.
• Because of their composition, they hold up against fire, cracking, and warping.
• In terms of cost, steel doors are a more budget-friendly option than wood or vinyl doors.
• Homeowners that have steel front doors installed appreciate that they are low maintenance.
• Steel entry doors are an investment that offers the ultimate peace of mind because it consistently ranks as one of the best improvements for home resale value.

Go Behind the Scenes on a Twin Cities Steel Door Installation: 

Steel Entry Door Disadvantages

• One of the biggest drawbacks of steel doors is that they can dent, chip, and crack.  When this happens, rusting can ensue.
• These imperfections cannot be popped or sanded out.  When this occurs, the best course of action is the installation of a new entry door.
• Homeowners opting for a steel door should be extremely committed to the color they choose because steel doors cannot be painted and offered in fewer colors than other materials.
• Steel entry doors provide an industrial look and may not be the best fit for all architectural styles, as it cannot imitate the aesthetics of wood.
• Steel doors are heavy and the installation of them is best left to an experienced contractor that can ensure air and water infiltration do not take place.

Contact us today to get started on your next door installation project.

Door Jargon Simplified

Transoms

A transom’s distinguishing feature is its placement directly above the door.  Their main functional purpose is to introduce additional natural light to your entryway.  Transoms are offered in rectangular and oblong configurations.  Many times, homeowners opt for decorative glass and grille styles in order to add character and style.

French Doors

A set of French doors provide an elegant, sizable door opening with a traditional feel.  Frequently, they are manufactured with glass panels.  They are most commonly installed as patio doors but can also be used in the home’s interior to promote a regal passageway in between rooms.

Split Door

While not a widely popular option, split doors add flair to a home’s entry.  They’re lauded for their security because they provide homeowners with the option to only open the upper portion of the door while allowing the lower portion to remain secured.  Homeowners also appreciate that split doors can allow fresh air to enter through the top open portion while being secure enough to prevent pets and young children from accidentally wandering off.  Lastly, split doors make accepting deliveries and welcoming trick-or-treaters is a breeze.

Sidelites

Sidelites are slender, vertical, inoperable windows that are placed adjacent to an entry door.  When they are incorporated into home design, they provide broadened views, enhanced curb appeal, and additional sunlight.

Panel

This time-honored style normally has three to four horizontal rails and three vertical stiles.  The areas in between are filled with skinnier panels.  Ornamental molding envelopes each panel.  This creates an aesthetic that can be utilized in both traditional and modern homes.

Sliding Patio Doors

This door style is comprised of sizable glass panes ensconced in wood, vinyl, or metal frames.  They are an optimum choice for providing expanded views of your outdoor living space.  A perk of this style is that they do not hog floor space when opened, a complaint with those that have French doors.  However, a downside is that they only have the ability to open half as wide as the doorway.

Watch Our Craftsmen Install a Patio Door: 

Pocket Doors

When space is of concern, pocket doors can be the ideal solution.  Rather than swinging in or out, they are ensconced within the wall cavity when not in use.  It’s worth noting that care should be taken to place pocket doors in areas that are absent of electrical or plumbing lines.

Contact us today to get started on your next door replacement project.

This decision shouldn’t be taken lightly, as the front door you select deeply impacts your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and resale value.  Allow us to clue you in on two of the most popular door materials in the marketplace, fiberglass and steel.  Both types receive high marks for their allure, ability to hold up against Mother Nature, and energy efficiency.  Here’s how they differ.

Considering a Steel Door?  Here’s a Recent Project Completed by Our Team:

Steel Entry Doors

Characteristics homeowners appreciate about steel doors are their versatility and customizable features.  Oftentimes steel doors are offered in smooth and wood grain textures.  Paint finishes and stains allow homeowners to customize the look of their doors.

One aspect where steel doors edge out fiberglass doors is the level of security they provide.  This is due to a steel exterior combined with a polyurethane or polystyrene core, as a door comprised strictly of metal would be a strong conductor of heat and cold.

In terms of resale value, steel entry doors often have the highest return on investment over most other home improvements.  A notable drawback of steel entry doors is that they are prone to scratching, denting, and chipping.  Once this happens, rust can ensue.  Steel doors cannot be painted over.

Fiberglass Entry Doors

Lighter than steel, fiberglass doors earn high marks for their longevity, resistance to temperature fluctuations, and ease at which they can be installed.  Homeowners that opt for steel doors appreciate that they are available in woodgrain patterns, which adds to their charm.

Fiberglass does not rust, giving it a leg up over steel.  Fiberglass doors also hold up against denting and scratching and are easily cleaned with a mixture of mild soap and water. Refinishing fiberglass doors is an option, but this task should be left to the professionals.

In terms of energy efficiency, there is an array of ENERGY STAR certified fiberglass doors available in the marketplace.  In climates with rampant temperature fluctuations, fiberglass is an excellent option.  Beware of opting for builder grade fiberglass doors which are prone to cracking, compromising the door’s lifespan.

Contact us today to get the right front door installed on your home with the experts at Lindus Construction.