5 Tips to Update Your Front Door This Fall

During these times of what seem like life in pause, it can be natural to yearn for change. Drastic changes can be problematic, complicated, and expensive. One change that could satisfy your fix could be fulfilled by simply upgrading and changing the look of your home’s front door. Here are some easy steps to give your front door a fresh new look.

1. Apply a new coat of paint. 

Keeping up with the Jones’ can prove to be exhausting and boring, if your home’s front door is the same color as everyone else’s on the block, maybe it is time for a change. A quart of paint runs you a little less than twenty dollars and comes in almost every color.

2. Replace the hardware.

Hardware could be anything from mail slots to handles. If the hardware on your door is out of date, or if you’re simply sick of looking at it, it may be time for a change. This is a simple and inexpensive project that goes a long way.

3. Include a new trim. 

If the wooden trim around your door has paint that has begun to chip, then you might want to dress up your front door with a brand new PVC trim that looks like its wooden counterpart, but is much more durable. 

4. Spruce up your entryway. 

The front door is the first part of your home that most people see. You can tell a lot about a homeowner by the way they decorate their entryway. It can really create a pleasant experience for anybody that visits your home. Add a wreath or a welcome mat to spruce up your home’s main point of entry.

5. Maintain cleanliness in your front yard.

Even if you have completed all other steps and you have the best-looking front door and entry on the block, it would all be for not if your front lawn and entryway is filthy and cluttered. Never forget to continuously take the time to tidy up your yard to keep the attention on the doorway. 

There are numberless ways homeowners can improve their homes, as well as their quality of life. For further hints and tips, be sure to take a deep dive into the Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. website and blog to find new ways to keep your house up-to-date. 

3 Tips to Spruce Up Your Entry Door

Panorama frame Green painted front door to a suburban house with floral wreath and Welcome sign alongside

With each new season, many homeowners enjoy setting out decor, both in and outside the home. Entry doors can be spruced up to improve the look and feel using a few temporary and non-invasive techniques.

Door Hangings

Wreaths are a popular choice in all seasons. Flower or pastel wreaths can bring spring color to an area. For those who prefer something more modest, various sizes of galvanized steel buckets can be hung using live or silk flowers. Silk flowers can be updated seasonally. A more adventurous approach could center around silk flowers in a handle-up umbrella.

On the Ground

Welcome mats can personalize an entry while remaining simple. A growing trend this year includes placing a larger rug under the welcome mat to add extra depth to the space. Planters may be placed on the ground near the door as well as a bench and/or chairs.

Off of the Ground

Wall and hanging decor can increase workable space while adding personality to an area. Hanging flower baskets, lanterns, and artwork can improve the atmosphere and leave plenty of space for shoes and other entry-way items.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

The above suggestions are non-invasive and easy to implement. But if you really want to take your sprucing up a notch, consider adding a new coat of paint to your entry door. Black matte doors are trending now and red doors are forever popular. Consider the style of your home and type of door when choosing a new color.

Whether it’s a brand-new home or a home that simply needs a few styling ideas, sprucing up an entry door can add life to it and make that part of the home feel more personal and personable. This can be achieved several ways. If your old entry door is a lost cause and you’re in the market for a new one, call Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, Inc. for complete details on all entry, storm, and patio doors.

How to Secure Your Home and Garage

In matters of home security, the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true. Homeowners often assume surveillance cameras are the best way to secure their homes. But burglars who have perfected their craft do not care for surveillance and will easily prey on weak entrance and garage doors. Thus, sturdy door installation in Pittsburgh is of utmost importance. Professional door installation is the first step to securing your home and garage. Let’s look at how professional door installation in Pittsburgh will help secure your home:

The Front Doors

Most intruders will try to enter a home through the front door first. Therefore, it is important to make front doors as secure as possible. Professional door installation is the first step to securing your Pittsburgh home. Additionally, upgrading from conventional locks to smart locks is also a smart idea worth considering. However, keep in mind that all these safety upgrades mean nothing if your door installation in Pittsburgh wasn’t completed by a professional.

 The Garage

The garage is becoming the most sought after entry point for criminals. Therefore, garage door installation must also be completed professionally to offer the utmost security. People usually don’t lock garage doors when they’re connected to a garage door opener. Also, the door from the garage to the house is usually not as secure as the front door to the house and often even left unlocked. To prevent burglars from entering your home through your garage door, make sure your garage door is installed properly and the connecting door installation was also done with security in mind. 

Also, it is best to keep the garage door opener in the house rather than keeping it in the garage. For extra security, keep the garage door window adequately covered and consider securing garage doors with the help of extra locks and zip ties if possible.

Professional door installation in Pittsburgh is the first step to keep your home safe and secure. Today, a proficient surveillance system is no longer sufficient. Remember, your front door and garage door are usually the first entry points intruders will try. It is, therefore, best to make these doors as secure as possible, which starts with proper installation.

How Can a New Entry Door Save You Money?

The front doors in Pittsburgh are quite often the first element of a home that people notice. This means that your front door shapes the first impression of neighbors and visitors to your home. It can add or detract from your home’s overall curb appeal. Front doors that are ugly and old are often not attractive, but they can also end up costing you. Most old front doors will show signs of wear, small warping, chirping, and may even be damaged. And because the damage may be so small, it is easy to pay little to no attention to it since the door is still functional. However, this can cause financial problems in the long run. In contrast, a good front door can be financially beneficial. Here are some ways a good front door can save you money. 

A new front door improves your home’s energy efficiency.

Front doors in Pittsburgh are exposed to the elements all day, everyday. Unfortunately, many old worn out front doors aren’t airtight, thus allowing your heating or cooling system to become less effective. Also, the rain that enters your home through the bottom of an old door can cause the growth of mold and/or mildew. To avoid this, it is crucial to replace your old front door with a new and efficient one that keeps your home comfortable and reduces your utility bills. A new fully sealed and energy-efficient front door will keep the warm air in during the winter, and the cool comfort of your home stable in the summer. A custom sweep at the bottom of your new door creates a thermal barrier that protects your home against the outside temperatures and weather in Pittsburgh. 

A new door is a long-term investment.

A new door can be expensive, hence some homeowners don’t see the value of investing in one. The truth is, a new front door is one of the most affordable investments you can make — one that will pay for itself many times over the life of the door. Besides, a front door with glass in the middle allows for light to enter your home which, in turn, reduces your electricity bill and also increases your home’s property value.

Investing in a new front door for your Pittsburgh home is not only a wise investment, but it is also one that will save you money. Make sure that your front door is not only appealing but that it can withstand Pittsburgh’s weather.

Which Type of Storm Door is Right For Your Home?

Modern storm doors are more advanced and visually appealing than the screen doors of generations past. Made from a durable aluminum frame and glass panels, often with retractable or interchangeable screens. Start by choosing the type of door you want, then decide what level of ventilation you will require. Here are your top choices when shopping for storm doors in Pittsburgh.

Full View Storm Doors

Just as the name sounds these doors have a thick aluminum frame and a full view, top to bottom glass panel. This is the door to select if you still want to enjoy the beauty of your front door when your storm door is closed. These are a high-security door that comes in a variety of frame colors, glass designs, and handle options. For increased ventilation choose your full view door with retractable screens that improve airflow when needed. This is a durable door that can hold up to Pennsylvania winters.

Mid View Storm Doors

Mid view doors are the best option for families with a lot of foot traffic. They have two glass panels instead of one, and the aluminum frame is wider on the tops and sides, with a thick aluminum panel on the bottom. A more durable option than a full view door, perfect in homes where the door is constantly being opened and closed, or for those who have pets who like to push up against your door to get a better look outside. With two glass panels, you can opt for glass in both panels, a screen in one or both, or retractable ventilation.

High View Storm Doors

For maximum durability a high view storm door is your top pick, making this option ideal for your back and side doors. The top third of the door has one or two glass panels and exterior viewing and ventilation, but the bottom portion is aluminum. Choose from glass and screens and feel free to add a pet door in the bottom section.

 This is just a basic description of your storm door options but each is available with a variety of features and in a variety of designs. Still not sure what type of storm doors in Pittsburgh you need? Reach out to the team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today to discuss your options!

How To Choose an Entry and Storm door for Your Pittsburgh Home

For homeowners in Pittsburgh, choosing a suitable entry door for a new home is an important consideration during the construction process. Entry doors Pittsburgh beautify the entrance, help boost curb appeal and command attention. Today, the variety and features of entry doors are boundless, hence when deciding on an entry door homeowners must seek to understand the various materials that an entry door is composed to fully grasp the practicality of the entire unit.

Entry doors

There’s no shortage of entry door styles and the majority of them perform equally well. The main component of an entry door is the slab, which is often constructed of wood, fiberglass, or steel. Manufacturers may also incorporate glass into the material of the door slab to allow in light or to create a more aesthetically pleasing look with higher insulation values entry door. To add an extra level of detail, accessories are available for doors depending on the style. Quality entry doors are also weatherproof to keep harsh weather out of the home. 

Storm doors

Since their inception, storm doors have been installed with one sole purpose: to protect the entry door from bad weather and allow for proper ventilation. The vast majority of storm doors in Pittsburgh provide better visibility and prevent flying insects from entering the home, hence are fabricated with interchangeable glass panels and window screen panels. Storm doors are typically constructed from materials such as wood, aluminum, and different types of plastics. 

Storm doors come in several different types with the most prominent being:

•   Full view storm doors, fabricated with a full-length glass panel that requires changing from time to time. 
•   Ventilating storm door, which is made of two glass panels and 1–2 screen panels in the door to allow cross ventilation in the house.
•   Rollscreen storm door. This is a relatively new hybrid of the full view and ventilating storm doors. 

Various styles of entry doors and storm doors Pittsburgh are available and most of them are crafted from high-quality material. When deciding on an entry door or storm door, homeowners must consider the practicality of the entire unit before making a purchasing decision. If you’re interested in either type of door, consider browsing Thomas V. Giel Garage Door’s selection.

Accessories to Make Your Home’s Entrances Safe & Elegant

The front door Pittsburgh to your home is the first thing people will typically notice. You want to make a grand impression, but also have safety measures in place. You don’t have to choose, you can have both safety and curb appeal. Three elements we recommend changing for added safety and aesthetics are lights, door handles, and locks.

Light the way to better curb appeal.

Lights come in a variety of styles and sizes and are a great way to make your door stand out during the day and especially in the evening. Lights are a great accent to your door when properly sized and should match the overall theme of your door as well. The lights will typically be matched to your handle for its material type and color, so you’ll want to make sure the light fixtures match the door as well as the exterior color of your home. Be mindful of lines, in the door and along the walls. These lines can either add to the appealing appearance of the door or clash with the overall fit and finish of the installation. If you have doors installed that use perpendicular lines, it would be appealing to use light fixtures that represent the same type of line or structural pattern. Lights can brighten the outside of your home and also become a great safety feature. Having proper lighting installed can help reduce crime and property offenses by 20 percent, according to the National Institute of Justice.

Door handles & locks can be both charming and discreet.

Door handles and locks are the most important features of your new front door Pittsburgh and can also add to the overall style of your home. Locks come in one of two ways, either inside the assembly of your handle, or separate from the handle. Today there are some pretty sophisticated locking systems on the market and depending on your budget or need for security, you can buy keyless door locks as a way of adding another layer of safeguarding to your home. Keeping with the style of your doors and the aesthetics of your home, your door handles and lock can serve an important function and give you peace of mind while at home.

You want to add curb appeal to your home, but where do you start?

Having professionally installed doors is a great way to start adding some curb appeal to your home. But where do you start? Do you go with something timeless or trendy? Do you want your door to stand out or blend in? Below we’ve provided some tips for choosing the right entry door Pittsburgh.

Picking the Proper Aesthetic For Your Home

The overall look of your doors can go a long way when communicating your style. Depending on how well your door style matches the home, you can install doors that last generations. The front door is the entryway to your home and is often the first thing that people notice about it. So making a strong, or smart, impression here is key. You want to pick a door that first matches the home in its level of intricacy. Doors that overstate or understate the complexity of the home’s design will look out of place, especially at first glance. Consider your home’s architectural style, the shape of windows, etc when deciding on an entry door Pittsburgh that will blend seamlessly with your home’s aesthetics.

Picking the Proper Aesthetic for the Neighborhood

Don’t pick your doors based on what others may think. However, it is important to at least match the overall appearance of the neighborhood in terms of grandeur. The appearance of your home can do one of three things: 1) It can draw more attention than the others, which has its pros and cons. 2) It can draw just as much attention as any other home. 3) It can draw less attention than other homes. It is important to note that your door choices can strongly impact the amount of attention that is drawn to your home. It is important to weigh the consequences of each and determine which of the three categories you would rather fall into. A more stand-out appearance is great in terms of wanting to place a home on the market in the near future, but you may also get more solicitors. You certainly want to make your home feel like your own, so making it fit your needs is what is important.

Repetition Isn’t Always a Bad Thing

You want your home to be your own and make it unique, but sometimes it’s not a bad idea to use the same type of doors for the exterior of the home. It can be difficult for individuals to determine if something actually belongs, and it may come down to personal opinion in the end. But finding something that looks out of place can be fairly obvious. You want to play on this natural tendency for the human eye to pass over similar objects, by coordinating the exterior appearance of your home. For example, doors that have windows or panes can be easily matched with garage doors with windows, and of the same type and style.

What Color and How Much Color?

There are homes that have an eye-popping colored door. And while they may be appealing to some, they may not always appeal to a large audience. Color can often match the home and/or housing type. For example, red doors would be perfectly fitting on a barn but might look strange to some when featured prominently on the front of your house with green shutters. It’s important to at least touch on some artistic terminology when it comes to the color selection of your doors and overall appearance of your home. Things that are “monochromatic” will naturally be easier for the human eye to take in and enjoy. Different shades of a single color, or at least within a certain color range, are naturally more appealing than vastly different colors or ranges of colors that adorn the exterior of your home. Color choices on the exterior of the home can also easily be carried into the home if done properly.

3 Questions to Ask When Purchasing a New Entry Door

Entry doors are an important component of any home, not only as it pertains to curb appeal, but also when it comes to security. Sifting through the many entry doors Pittsburgh and ultimately deciding on one that best represents your style and protects your family and possessions is a big decision. Before you make the purchase, here are a few questions you should be asking to ensure you get the right door for your home.

What Kind of Door Should I Purchase?

If this is your first time purchasing a new entry door, you may feel a bit overwhelmed with all the options and decisions that go into making this purchase. An entry door is an investment that will last you for many years and is not something you exchange often. There are a few important factors that you should keep in mind throughout the decision-making process, including style, energy efficiency, and security.

• Style: There are many different styles you can select from—traditional colonial, craftsman, glass or no glass, etc. Do you want your new entry door to make a bold statement or do you prefer something subtle?
• Energy Efficiency: Purchasing a new, quality door can dramatically reduce your home’s heating and cooling bills. Because homes lose the majority of their air through the doors and windows, having a door that is high-quality and energy efficient can help prevent cooled or heated air from escaping your home.
• Security: Because entry doors are the main entry point into your home, it is imperative you have a door that provides optimal security to protect your home, family, and possessions.

What Type of Material Should I Chose?

You have options when it comes to the material you want your entry door to be constructed from. The material you select will set the tone for how visitors perceive your home and property. The three most common types of materials available include wood, fiberglass, and steel.

• Wood: Wood doors provide a classic look that many homeowners are drawn to because of the natural, beautiful look they offer. This classic look does, however, generally come with a higher price tag than other materials. In addition to their increased upfront cost, they also require periodic maintenance to help them retain their refined look and feel.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors generally cost less than wood doors and also do not require much maintenance. These doors are extremely durable and energy efficient, providing homeowners with security and overall lower energy bills. As an added bonus, fiberglass doors can mimic the look of a wood door, for a fraction of the price.
• Steel: Steel doors are extremely strong and durable, making them the best choice for homeowners most concerned about security and longevity. They can also be painted any color, allowing you to get a door that complements the rest of your home. Similar to fiberglass doors, steel doors also provide excellent energy efficiency.

Will the Door Swing Inward or Outward?

The most common way for exterior doors to swing is inward. This is because entry doors that swing inside provide better security. Although, climate can play a role in determining whether the exterior door swings inward or outward. For example, homes located in areas of the country that are prone to hurricanes or tropical storms may have outward swinging doors because they are less likely to be blown in by high winds. On the other hand, those who live in areas that are prone to high amounts of snowfall, are more inclined to have a door that swings inward so that don’t get trapped inside their home as a result of snowfall.

When you are ready to invest in a new entry door Pittsburgh for your home, contact the experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors to help you find the right style, material, and swing of your door to complement your home. At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we can help you replace your existing door with one that will provide you with optimal security, energy efficiency, and style.

What Does Your Front Door Say About You?

Your front door Pittsburgh is one of the first things that people see when they come to your home. That being the case, it’s also creating the first impression that people will have of your home. Do you know what your front door is saying about you? Here is a guide to help you decipher what message your front door is sending.

Front Door Color

The color of your front door says a lot about you and your personality. While you might personally like the look of the traditional, stark white door, visitors coming to your home might think you are kind of boring, or just don’t care about first impressions. Add some color and tell your visitors a little more about the people inside.

• Red: A red front door is a good indication that those inside are full of energy and passion.
• Brown: Brown doors are typically associated with a desire for privacy and a message of warmth. Therefore, a brown door typically sends a confusing message to visitors about what message homeowners are trying to convey.
• Blue: Blue is the most popular color choice for a front door, as it conveys a message that the home is a serene sanctuary.
• Green: Green is a peaceful color that is often associated with earthiness.
• Black: A black door symbolizes strength and sophistication.
  

The Condition of the Door

The overall condition of your door will also send a message to visitors. Doors that are in disrepair, breaking and need to be replaced, may be inviting burglars. Doors that are well kept, and in good condition will send the message that you take pride in your home and you care about protecting what is inside.

Style

Finally, the style and decorative features on your front door Pittsburgh will send a message saying something about the occupants who live there. Ornate decorations are seen as being a connection to a busy personality of those who live there. Whereas, a simple door, painted a solid, traditional color, will demonstrate that occupants are traditional in their style and décor.

As you can see there are many subtle messages that your front door is sending about you, your home, and your family. If you are in need of an upgrade or if you need to replace a broken door, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today.