When it comes to entry doors, efficiency is just as important as aesthetics. The best entry doors will balance a beautiful and welcoming look with tight insulation against extreme temperatures.

Why Should I Look at Entry Door Replacement?

When you live in a cold climate, keeping your home well insulated is important, both for your own comfort as well as your wallet. Energy efficiency is key when it comes to homes, and one of the biggest culprits of poor insulation is the entry door. Whether it’s gaps in the seal or a low-quality material, replacing a drafty door will save you money and make your home more comfortable.

Best Materials for Cold Climate Entry Doors

Most doors are made of fiberglass, wood, or steel. Fiberglass is considered the best for energy efficiency. Fiberglass doors have an insulating core that provides excellent energy efficiency. Fiberglass doors can be designed to be indistinguishable from wood or painted in a variety of colors that will pop. Fiberglass doors require little to no maintenance with no risk of rot, rust, or other water damage from the elements. Fiberglass doors may be a bigger investment than wood, but they usually pay off in the long run when it comes to energy loss and maintenance, especially in cold climates.

Wood doors offer natural beauty, but because wood is an organic material, it will need care and maintenance to insulate to its best capability. Wood doors often warp with time and are subject to gaps and cracks. If you opt for a wood door, the thicker the better. A quality wood door will be made of premium lumber with an insulating veneer. Steel is often the most cost friendly choice. Despite the budget friendly price tag, steel doors have similar insulation ratings to fiberglass and are built to last. Steel doors are susceptible to dents, rust, and scratches though, and will require maintenance to keep them looking great.

What Other Features Should I Look for in an Entry Door?

In addition to the door material, it’s important to look at the other features of your entry door. Adding glass, will reduce energy efficiency. If glass is part of your door, make sure that the glass is also energy efficient, with double or triple-pan insulation. One of the common issues with entry doors is the door seal. Heat loss can happen when the door isn’t fitted properly, or the weather stripping isn’t adequate. When installing your entry door, make sure that the seal around the door is tight and secure.

Choosing the best entry door for a cold climate means balancing aesthetics, durability, budget, and most importantly, insulation. Speaking with an installation specialist about the best choice for your home is a good way to get started. Let’s talk about your replacement door options today! Contact us to learn more about our quality products.