Trying to view entry doors in a new light is like trying to reinvent the wheel. There’s just no denying that front entry doors make the first impression of your home and, as it turns out, you! But, aside of placing you at the top of the neighborhood call tree by improving your home’s aesthetic curb appeal, replacing your front entry door system also offers practical rewards.

According to the 2014 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com) featured in Remodeling magazine, replacing your front door is the remodeling project that provides the most financial reward. Replacing your old front doors with new steel or fiberglass doors will give you a 153 percent or 115 percent return on your investment, respectively. Installing a new, energy efficient, front door system will also save you money in utilities. The Florida Solar Energy Center reports that the greatest amount of energy in your North, Central or South Florida home is used for air conditioning, much of which escapes through old windows and doors.

Front door entry systems are versatile enough to accommodate all tastes and economic goals; though it’s probable that, while our personal styles will vary widely, we’re all pretty much on the same page where saving money is concerned.

Here are some things to consider when choosing which front entry door system is right for you:

  • Steel doors often offer the most attractive initial price in comparison with aluminum, fiberglass or wood front doors. The protection steel front doors provide from intruders also ranks a bit higher than wood and fiberglass front entry doors. When exposed to salt air or seasonal rains, however, steel front door entry systems do not have the staying power that aluminum or fiberglass doors do. Although relatively low maintenance doors, steel doors dent more easily than wood or fiberglass doors and will rust if scratches aren’t serviced properly.
  • Aluminum doors are an attractive option to steel, fiberglass and wood doors. An aluminum front door entry system will provide protection against intruders while maintaining an attractive home entrance. Unlike steel or wood entry doors, aluminum front entrance doors resist rust and warping. Aluminum entry doors are also available painted in customized colors and wood grain finishes which provide great design flexibility. Their performance under stress of everyday use, weather and resistance to rust makes aluminum entrance doors very low maintenance.
  • Fiberglass doors are a practical choice for a broad spectrum of homeowners. In comparison with steel or wood entry doors, fiberglass front entrance doors are a great weather resistant choice. Available in flat, smooth surfaces or textured and stained to mimic different types of wood, fiberglass front door entry systems offer a variety of colors and styles. Fiberglass front doors also require little maintenance because they are dent resistant, endure every day wear and tear, and weather very well.
  • Wood doors continue to set the standard for luxury and are priced accordingly. Wood front door entry systems are least likely to dent and scratches are easily fixed in comparison with steel front doors. More prone to the weathering effects of the elements, however, wood front doors require regular painting or varnishing to maintain their luxe appearance.

©2014 Hanley Wood LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

by Kate Donovan