Choosing the right doors for your home is an important task. Entry doors help set the tone for the entire house as they are one of the first things people take notice of when walking up to your home. In addition to jazzing up the curb appeal of your home, entry doors also serve important safety functions.

If you’ve never shopped for a new entry door before, here are a few things to consider before making a final purchase.

Consider the Function

When you think of exterior doors, you may think of the front door only, but an entry door includes any door which provides entry into your home. When shopping for a new front entry door, consider replacing the other exterior doors of your home as well to maintain a cohesive look.

Patio Door

New patio doors are a perfect consideration for any home because they allow plenty of natural light to flood in, as well as allow easier access to and from the outdoors which is great for entertaining.

Side Door

Many homes include a side entry, usually leading from the kitchen or laundry area to the outside. Side entry doors are typically more about function than appearance, and are composed of wood, fiberglass, or metal.

Back Door

In addition to a side door, many homes include a back door leading to the backyard. Popular back door options include French doors, sliding glass doors, and your standard fiberglass, wood, or metal door.

Garage Door

When you hear the term “garage door” you probably think of a large, exterior garage door that raises up and down to allow cars in and out, but many homes also contain an entry door leading from the inside of the house into the garage, as well as an exterior door on the side or back of the garage that gives you easy access to the outside.

Storm Door

Protect your home from the elements with a storm door. Storm doors not only shield your home from harsh environmental effects like snow, ice, wind, sun, and rain, but they also provide an extra layer of home security.

Understanding Door Terminology

When discussing exterior doors, you may hear certain terms being tossed around that you aren’t familiar with. To help ensure you choose the right entry doors for your home, here is some basic door terminology:

Lite

Glass in the door or flanking the door.

Casing/Trim

Molding surrounding your door frame.

Caming

Strips of metal used for joining segmented glass.

Stop

Strip of wood around the inside of the door that prevents the door from swinging too far.

Panels

Rectangular patterns on the door for appearance.

Inswing

A door that opens in.

Outswing

A door that opens out.

Left-Handed

Hinges are placed on the right side of the door.

Right-Handed

Hinges are placed on the left side of the door.

Choose Quality Materials

Each entry door for your home serves a unique and important purpose, so opt for high quality materials that are aesthetically pleasing and complement your home, but also provide additional security, energy efficiency, functionality, and durability.

Consider Durability and Maintenance

A new entry door is an investment, so it’s important to select high quality doors that are built to last and require very little care or maintenance.

Professional Installation is Key

To ensure that your new entry door is installed correctly and performs as it should, hire a professional. Your best option is your trusted, local home exterior expert with a solid reputation and years of experience, like Armorvue Home Exteriors. We’ve been making homes more beautiful in this community for over 75 years. Contact us today for a virtual appointment.