Since visitors see the front door as soon as they come to your house, it needs to be impressive. Wood and fiberglass may sound familiar, but steel door is a great choice as well.
Homeowners in Canada are choosing steel doors more often because they are tough and durable. Even though steel entrance doors are praised for being strong and resistant to flames, other important aspects need to be considered. Go on reading to discover all the information you should know before purchasing an entry steel door.
A Steel Front Door Provides Great Protection
A steel door is tough, trustworthy and will not wear out quickly.
Still, the name ‘solid steel’ is a bit misleading, as they are not completely made out of steel. If so, they would be difficult to deal with, not very realistic for homes, and expensive. Their main structure is polyurethane or polystyrene, a light foam that keeps the space warm and they are later covered with a steel shell that comes in different thicknesses.
It is interesting for buyers to find out that these durable entry doors actually insulate better than both fiberglass and wood doors. The insulation made of polyurethane or polystyrene helps stop heat from escaping or entering.
Besides being very solid, steel entry doors let you choose from a variety of unique styles, finishes and window settings. Basically, going for a steel door means you get a door that values endurance, safety and appearance but never overlooks its performance.
Things To Consider Before Picking a Steel Door
People should take these five aspects into account when picking the best steel entry door for their home:
Security
The majority of homeowners choose steel entry doors because they are very strong. Since steel is built to be strong, it prevents forced entry and improves your home’s security. Additional security comes from the core and the locking system, making steel doors a tough barrier to uninvited access.
Energy Efficiency
When energy efficiency at home is important to you, going with a steel door is a wise decision. Thanks to their structure and insulating materials, the warmth inside a building is stable, so energy bills go down.
Costs Involved with Steel Doors
Even though steel doors are more expensive at first, they usually stay in good condition for many years and are strong enough to last. The total expense for owning a door such as lower energy bills and less upkeep over time, should be taken into account by homeowners.
The price of a steel entrance door can be as low as $1,000 or as high as $4,000.
The cost of a steel door depends on its materials, the amount of labor needed and any other customizations. Fire-rated steel doors are more expensive as they are made in line with fire regulations. They are perfect for buildings in industries or businesses where fire hazards are frequent.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintaining the condition of steel doors should be an important factor. Because of their impressive durability, these front doors require very little maintenance, as opposed to wood or fiberglass doors.
They resist damage from warping, rotting and deterioration and usually only require mild cleaning and examination every so often to check for damage. Because it is so durable, a glass door can keep its beauty and work well with minimal care from the owner. You don’t have to spend time painting or staining your wood pallets.
Steel Grade
Many homeowners find it difficult to know what kind of steel is suitable for a door. This question is appropriate because the quality of steel in a door can really affect both its performance and its life span.
People should look for exterior doors made of galvanized steel because it is very strong and does not corrode easily. If the steel gauge is low, it means that the metal is thicker. It is important to consider this value for the door and the door frame.
Usually, a steel entrance door will have 24-gauge steel, weigh 1.15 lbs. per square foot and be 0.020 inches thick. Even though the material is fairly light, it provides all the benefits we’ve mentioned at an affordable rate.
If homeowners are concerned mainly about security and can afford it, they can go for 20-gauge steel doors. Some commercial or industrial properties may also have to install fire sprinklers because of building regulations.