Steel Door Benefits
There are many exterior door options for your home, but a steel entry door is by far the best when it comes to security and durability - and what could be more important than security and durability when it comes to an entry door? These beneficial characteristics of steel entry doors have contributed to their rise as one of the most popular entry doors for residential homes.
The fact that they are much stronger and less expensive than fiberglass and wood doors has also made them a popular choice. In fact, many good-quality steel doors cost just $150 to $200. Another great benefit to steel doors is that they don't chip, crack or even warp. The worst that can happen is that the door can get dented, but that is easily repaired. You can also consider steel garage doors for your home. Find a garage door contractor.
Steel Door Options
Steel doors are made with heavy-gauge galvanized steel. A very good quality door has 24- or 25-gauge steel, so keep that in mind when you look in to purchasing your door. When it comes to steel doors, you can buy factory-made versions or special-order doors. Most steel doors go through an embossing process to have a wood-grain pattern added to the door, making them look better than simple, plain, smooth steel. Some types of steel doors have a wood-fiber coating so that they can be stained, while some have real wood veneer laminated onto their surfaces. It's easy to find the exact door to suit the look you want, from smooth to textured to ready-to-paint. Plus, as in the image above, many aesthetic aspects, like decorative glass, can be added to a steel door.
Energy Savings
Steel doors are made with polyurethane insulation, which provides a double insulating effect for your house. This adds up to both energy savings and money savings. Steel has natural insulating qualities, and the added insulation makes steel doors great for keeping the warm or cold air in your home. Don't discount that when you choose a steel door over a wood door, you are saving trees from being cut down.
Other Facts to Keep in Mind
Many conventional steel doors are factory-primed with a baked-on polyester finish, which means that the door could chip. If chipping happens, your just have to repaint. To avoid the problem altogether, look for a steel door with a vinyl coating that will protect the door from chipping and make it more resistant to the elements.
