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.

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Choosing the Right Materials for Your Twin Cities Deck

Planning a deck construction project can seem like a giant task.  However, a great place to start is websites that showcase home improvement projects, such as Houzz.com & Pinterest.  To determine the appropriate deck size, it’s wise to consider the number of people that will be using the deck and the amount of furniture you wish to place on it.  Many times, homeowners underestimate the amount of space that is needed until they consider these factors.

Choosing the Right Materials for Your Twin Cities Deck

It’s important to note that there are a variety of maintenance-free decking materials within the marketplace and that they have many differences.  TimberTech® AZEK is made of capped polymer.  This means that it does not have the organic sawdust that other composite decking materials can contain.  This makes it impervious to water. Millboard is also gaining popularity, it is newer and brought in from Europe.  What sets it apart is its unique oak-textured look.

Go Behind-The Scenes on a Lindus Construction Deck Installation: 

Another option homeowners should consider when they build a deck is whether to use hidden fasteners.  Hidden fasteners can be used in a variety of ways.  However, the most durable and secure mechanical attachment is a screw through the top of the deck board and not the bottom or side.  However, screws can detract from the deck’s appearance because moisture and debris can collect on the top of them.  With TimberTech® AZEK capped polymer products, a plug system can be used.  In this scenario, a precise hole for the screw is created and then a plug is put back in the hole that is tension fit and matches the decking.  This fills the hole created by the screw, ensuring beauty and stability.  If the decking is made from millboard, a different approach should be taken.  That’s because millboard is thicker than composite decking and smaller trim head screws are used.  They sink down into the wood about a quarter of an inch.  Millboard is unique because it heals itself back together over the screws, which conceals the screw holes.

The stairs for a new deck require careful consideration as a variety of materials can be used.  Popular options include the kiln dried treated pine for the stair stringers and framing from Fortress steel.  Depending on a deck’s height and space requirements, a spiral staircase can also be ideal.  The advantage of a spiral staircase is that it takes up so much less space than those other configurations.  Spiral staircases do a good job of providing unobstructed views.

Homeowners wanting to make repairs to older redwood or cedar decks should understand that while these materials are still available, they have changed over time.  Nowadays, redwood and cedar decks are made from less mature trees.  This means the wood is harder to match and is less durable and rot resistant than the decks of the past. For these reasons, many homeowners opting to build a new wooden deck are choosing kiln dried treated pine.  It’s important to note that this type of deck can crack, experience movement, and split over time.  However, the volume this happens is less than treated wood.  That’s because after it is treated and still wet, it is put into a kiln to remove the moisture in a controlled environment.  This process eliminates most of the shrinking that can happen over time with a new wood deck.

New Entry Doors are a Simple, Yet Stunning for Home Improvement

When it comes to return on investment, one of the best improvements you can make to your home is the installation of a new entry door.  Two of the more popular materials are steel and fiberglass.  In terms of beauty, fiberglass does a better job of replicating the look of a wood door.  However, fiberglass doors can warp and crack in the Midwestern temperature and humidity swings.  This is especially true for fiberglass doors that experience heavy amounts of direct sunlight.  Steel doors are lighter in weight, making them easier to maneuver.  They also tend to edge out fiberglass in terms of durability.

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

Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am.  Have your most pressing home improvement questions addressed by calling or texting(715) 473-9338.  

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Insurance & Restoration After Storm Damage

Homeowners that have a solid working relationship with their insurance agent often find themselves in the best possible situation after a storm hits.  It’s wise to have an annual meeting with your insurance agent to discuss the intricacies of your policy and make certain that you have proper coverage.  Having a list of reputable contractors to contact after your home is damaged by Mother Nature lessens your chance of making an emotional decision and pairing up with a shady storm chasing contractor with bad online reviews.  Many times, storm chasing contractors charge homeowners a price for their project and cut corners on items such as ice and water shield.  This saves them money but lessens the lifespan of a roof.

After a storm passes through and you’ve verified there are no further direct threats to your home, such as live electricity, homeowners should first contact their insurance agent and then a reliable contractor.  This puts you towards the top of the list with both parties.  Homeowners have two years after a storm hits to restore their property.  Those that wait until the last possible moment to start the insurance restoration process often end up with poor results.

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Opt for a New Metal Roof for Your Twin Cities Home

For homeowners that opt to have a steel roof installed after a storm, experience a high satisfaction rate when they choose one made by Englert.  The roof is accompanied with a Kynar finish that has a high reflectivity and low emissivity.  The finish is accompanied with an industry-leading 35-year warranty.  Englert metal roofs lower a home’s cooler costs because of their high reflectivity.

Tips for Planning a New Deck Installation

While it can be tempting to keep a deck’s current framing when switching from wood to composite, this approach is not advised, as more framing is often needed.  This is because a composite deck needs one foot on center.  Bear in mind that the framing and footings of the deck are not the most expensive components of the project, so the cost savings of reusing old components are minimal.  When it comes to your home, taking the easy route often ends up costing big time in terms of time and money because the work often needs to be redone.

Stunning Patio Doors for Your Twin Cities Home

Homeowners looking for new patio doors can choose between sliding and French doors.  From an energy efficiency standpoint, French doors are preferable.  This is because they have lower air infiltration rates because of the door’s locking mechanism.

Superior Siding Installation with Lindus Construction

When it comes to new house siding, LP® SmartSide prefinished in Diamond Kote® proves to be a choice that offers the ultimate peace of mind.  The product is accompanied with a 25-year finish warranty, meaning that it will never have to be painted.  Color choices are abundant, allowing homeowners to create a custom home exterior.

Contact us today to get started on your storm damage repair project.

Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am.  Have your most pressing home improvement questions addressed by calling or texting(715) 473-9338.  

When faced with roof replacement, one of the first questions homeowners have is how much the project will cost.  The answer to this isn’t as straightforward as one might imagine.  First, asphalt shingle style and color need to be considered.  Your home’s insulation and ventilation also need to be evaluated to see if upgrades are needed.  Without this, the lifespan of your roof may be lessened.  Many times, seamless gutters also need to be added and soffit and fascia needs repair.  This is why it’s wise to get estimates from reputable roofers to understand what your best option is and make an informed decision.

Roof Replacement Considerations

A reputable roofer can also help you understand the differences between asphalt shingles and metal roofing.  Quality metal roofs are accompanied with a lifetime warranty on the material and a finish warranty that spans 25 to 35 years.  If shingles are properly selected, such as those from GAF asphalt roofing, they can be accompanied with 50-year, non-prorated warranties that cover both labor and materials. Timberline® UHD with Dual Shadow Line proves to be a popular choice because its thickness enhances curb appeal.  Timberline® ArmorShield II Shingles combine the aesthetics of Timberline® shingles but are accompanied but are UL 2218 Class 4-rated, meaning they are designed to better withstand the impact of hail damage.  For homeowners looking to imitate the appearance of cedar shakes without the maintenance, GAF Glenwood® shingles are a popular selection.  These asphalt shingles are also impact rated for extreme weather, which should be of vital importance to homeowners in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin, where hail is prevalent.

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Why Roofing & Insulation Installation Should Be Addressed Simultaneously

Homes that suffer from chronic ice dams frequently have attics that are tricky to insulate. They often benefit from the installation of a metal roof because the snow and ice do not accumulate on them.  The dirty secret about ice dams is that once they hit a home’s insulation, ice dams become more prevalent because the integrity of insulation has been compromised, allowing for attic frost formation to happen easier.  It’s worth noting that a metal roof is more labor intensive to install, but the price of asphalt shingles is more than most metal roofing products.

Selecting The Right Front Door Installation

Prior to having a new front door installed, it’s imperative that you understand the popular materials that are available.  ProVia manufactures many different styles of front doors to fit any home’s architecture.  Both fiberglass and steel entry doors are available.  Regardless of the material, homeowners should strive for a multi-point locking system that can provide top-tier energy efficiency and security. Front doors aren’t used as often as other doors around a home.  As homes experience expansion and contraction throughout the seasons, a multi-point locking system will ensure that the door does not get out of adjustment.  It also provides optimum air infiltration ratings because the seal pulls the front exterior door tightly against the home.

Deciding On A Three Or Four-Season Porch Installation

Homeowners that are considering the installation of a three-season porch should also price it against the building of a four-season porch, which can be used year-round. The cost of exterior home  to retrofit a three-season porch can be two to three times as much than if a four-season porch has been initially built.

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