When thinking about updating and replacing the entry door on your home, many of the benefits that are associated with a new door are quite obvious. But, in some situations the benefits are more obvious, like when your door is warped, chipped or damaged. These door malfunctions aren’t simply aesthetic, they compromise the security of your home. In these situations, a new door could provide an added level of security and peace of mind. Additionally, a door frame that is starting to show its age is also a major security concern for many homeowners. The best part of replacing your front door with a new one, is that added curb appeal that will give your home a whole new look. For many homeowners, by simply replacing their old, outdated door with a new, beautiful door, they will fall in love with their home all over again! While often times it is easy to focus on the added benefits that you can see, there are other benefits that aren’t so obvious, but provide tremendous benefits.

For many homeowners, when winter temperatures start to drop, and your home starts to get a draft, the initial reaction is to place plastic in front of the windows. This is done in an attempt to keep the warm air in, and the frigid winter air outside. What most homeowners neglect to realize is that this same concept applies to your doors as well. Doors that are older can be just as leaky as your windows, allowing for cold air to infiltrate your home. Air can seep in around the edges of doors that don’t fit in the door jamb tightly, and also through the wood or steel that the door is comprised of.

While many don’t see saving money on their energy bill as an added benefit to installing a new front door, it can be a huge benefit over time. With the addition of a new steel or fiberglass door that meets the energy efficiency rating, you’ll be able to keep your heat in during the cold winter months, allowing you to keep your hard-earned money in your pocket, right where you want it.

While energy efficiency is probably the biggest added benefit of updating your doors, there are additional benefits that you probably haven’t thought of. These additional benefits include:

• New doors are designed to withstand heat, minimizing warping, bending, and cracking over time.
• Rot resistant door frames.
• Increased home security due to the most advanced defense systems.
• Superior service and installation from leading industry experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors.

When you are ready to take advantage of all the added benefits that a new entry door has to offer, contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors . We have a wide selection of front doors, from the leading manufactures in the industry. We guarantee you’ll love your new door, and the added savings from investing in your home!

Before purchasing storm doors Pittsburgh for your home on a whim, it is important to know what a storm door is, and how the right option can benefit your home. The right storm door can add comfort to your living space, and protection to your entry door. You need to understand the basics of storm doors, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not storm doors are the right decision for your home.

What is a storm door?

A storm door is an additional exterior door that is commonly installed for protection from inclement weather and for added ventilation in warmer weather. Most storm doors are equipped with interchangeable or retractable glass and screen panels. Some styles allow for the glass panel to be removed and replaced with a screen for warmer weather, and then switched back for winter months. Other styles are equipped with screens that roll up or down depending on whether the homeowner wants ventilation, or protection from cold weather.

What is the purpose of a storm door?

Storm doors allow for extra flexibility and protection for exterior doors. Storm doors allow for additional light and increased ventilation into your home, while still creating a barrier from bugs entering your living space. Unlike a solid entry door, a storm door also allows for the option to watch children who are playing outside, or simply to let additional sunlight in. Storm doors work as a way to protect your entry door from the elements, i.e., rain, ice, or snow. When properly installed, a storm door can add an additional layer of insulation, creating a pocket that keeps warm air in and cold air out.

Do I need a storm door?

When you are deciding if a storm door is the way to go for your home, there are a few things to consider. Consider the climate in which you live. If your exterior door is exposed to the elements, then a storm door may be the way to go to protect your door. If you have a new, well insulated, energy-efficient exterior door, you may not need or want a storm door. If you live in a warmer climate, a storm door may not be the best option.

According to the Department of Energy, those whose exterior doors receive more than a couple of hours of direct sunlight each day should avoid a storm door. The glass in the storm doors will trap in the heat, which could potentially cause damage to the entry door. Other doors that are on a porch, or under an overhang that protects the door from the elements, do not necessarily need a storm door.

Pros and Cons of Storm Doors

Before jumping into purchasing a storm door, be sure to do your research to find out if a storm door is going to be the best investment for you and your home. While there are many advantages to having a storm door, they are not for everyone. Some of the pros and cons of storm doors include:

Pros:

• Ventilation in good weather
• Adds visibility and light
• Keeps bugs out
• Protects entry door from the elements

Cons:

• Traps in heat, which could damage entry door
• Not necessary for doors that are already covered and protected
• Inconvenient when carrying small children or groceries

After doing your own research into determining if storm doors Pittsburgh are the right addition to your home, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors can help you find the right look and style to compliment your home. With the added benefits that a storm door brings, if it is the right addition to your home, don’t wait any longer! Contact us today to get your new storm door!

The front door of your home is an essential element to any home. The front door is what greets all visitors to your home when they first arrive, while also saying a lot about the people who live there. How do you pick out an entry door that is going to fit the style of your home, while adding value and being aesthetically pleasing to look at? After all, the entry door is a key component to your home, and therefore, there is a lot riding on you to make the right decision when purchasing entry doors Pittsburgh .

Because entry doors provide a level of security to your home, and can add or subtract from your home’s overall curb appeal, replacing front doors is constantly rated as a high-value project for homeowners to invest in. When you invest in replacing the entry door of your home, the value of a new door will nearly exceed the initial investment, meaning that the money invested in a new entry door is going to pay off quickly. But how do you know what door is the right door for your home? There are many different options to choose from, and you need to be sure of what you want with every aspect of your door, including its materials, design, and safety. We’ve complied four tips to help you find the right entry door for your home.

1. Establish A Budget

Before you begin to shop for a new entry door, set a pre-determined budget of how much you are comfortable spending, and stick to it. As is typical with most home projects, it is very easy to go over budget by not considering all of the included costs up front, or unexpected delays. Because a new entry door is an investment, it is important to take time to carefully set a budget that reflects careful planning and decision-making on your part. When determining the budget for your new door, here are a few things to consider:

• Upfront cost vs. long-term benefits
• Estimated life
• Maintenance requirements
• Energy efficiency
• Weather protection and performance
• Pre-finishing costs or additional staining or painting required

Entry doors that stay within budget and add value to your home are the ideal options. Many Energy Star certified doors can lower your heating and cooling cost by protecting your home from drafts and leaks.

2. Choosing Materials

The material that your door is made of will play a role in determining the overall effectiveness of its performance. Another aspect to consider is that different materials will also come with different maintenance that will need to be taken care of to ensure that your door lasts for years to come. Materials also affect the cost of the door, so be sure to do your research to know what materials will fit in your budget and which ones won’t. Most doors will be constructed of either wood, steel, or fiberglass, and many offer panel styles and have the option of adding glass. Decorative glass will be an additional cost, and is generally available in a variety of patterns, featuring different textures of glass and bevels.

• Wood: Wood doors add a classic appearance to any home, with intricate grain patterns and color markings. When it comes to wood doors, there are many different styles, wood types, panel styles, decorative glass, historic accents and embellishments to choose from. While wood doors are beautiful and add a lot of character to any home with their natural, warm appearance, wood doors are generally more expensive than doors made of other materials. This is important to remember, especially with a lower budget.
• Steel: Steel doors are generally the most affordable door material option available. Premium steel doors are the elite class of steel doors. They are extra durable while resisting dents, and they also don’t warp or crack. Most steel doors are limited to panel design and paint color, all while featuring a smooth surface. Some steel doors can include an insulated core that helps with the energy efficiency of the door.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors give you the option of either having a door that has a realistic look of stained wood in a variety of grains, or a smooth panel surface for those who prefer a painted door, all without the high price tag of a custom door. Fiberglass doors are high-performing, energy efficient doors that are also durable and require little maintenance. Not only are fiberglass doors energy efficient, but they are also available in a wide variety of panel styles, decorative glass, and finish options. They are also dent-resistant and won’t rust or corrode, making fiberglass doors a popular option for homeowners.

3. Size

The standard size for an entry door on a home is 80 inches tall by 36 inches wide, and 2 inches thick. Depending on your home, the entry door required may be taller, wider, thicker, or even need double doors, a side light, and so on. In order to purchase the correct sized door for your entryway, include any side lights, transoms or other decorative elements to help you ensure that your purchase is the correct size.

4. Style

When selecting an entry door, select a door that complements the style and design of your home, while adding curb appeal. An entry door is a way to showcase you and your family’s personality. Those who are more traditional may choose to select a classic wood door, while those who have a more artistic personality may opt for a door that has more customizable options available. Because your home is your place to reflect your style and personality, it is important to find an entry door that fits you and your home.

For those homeowners who live in Pittsburgh, a professional can help you to select the right entry door for your home that fits your style and budget. Entry doors Pittsburgh can help to make your home stand out from the other houses on the block, making your home distinctly yours. Call Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today to get a free estimate on replacing your existing entry door with one that adds value to your home, while showcasing your personality!

Maintenance on your entry door is essential to keep it looking as beautiful as possible and making sure you don’t have to replace them more frequently than usual. Different materials require a different kind of maintenance and this is everything you need to know!

Steel Doors

Once or twice a year, wash the outside of your door with a mild detergent. It is a good idea to apply a liquid silicone wax at the same time you wash the door. A liquid car wash & wax product that does both in one step works wonders and can be found at most auto part stores. Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash and Wax is a great option!

Remember this rule: If you can use it on your car, you can use it on your door.

If your area uses salt on the roads in the in the winter and your door gets wet, you should rinse the bottom of your door clean to prevent the salty water from hurting your product.

We also recommend that you don’t use a paste wax. Paste waxes tend to dry in the wood grain texture and beveled edges of the door and are difficult to buff out. This leaves behind a dried residue in the low spots which will ruin the aesthetic appeal of your door.

Fiberglass Doors

Apply the clear coat/paint annually or every other year depending upon the amount of sunlight your door receives. The clear coat is a two-part urethane to protect from the sun’s UV rays.

Finish is usually available in pint or gallon size from the manufacturer or a paint shop. We suggest using a water based clear coat. If the clear coat is not maintained, the sun will damage your door similar to a “sun burn” causing it to peel and pull off the stain finish in the process.

The only way to repair this damage is stripping the door completely. Consistent maintenance will prevent this extreme damage from happening.

Wood Doors

Wipe away dust and dirt monthly with furniture polish. On painted wood doors periodically check for blistering, cracking or peeling, particularly around any fixtures on the door.

The painted surface keeps water from damaging the wood. If the paint is coming away or is not sealed, water can soak into the wood and damage it over time.

If your door has a stained finish, check to see if it is still water repellent. If the door is becoming discolored, and water soaks into the wood, it is time to refinish the door. There are chemical treatments on the market that will rejuvenate discolored wood, for example polyurethane clear coat.

Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors serves a 50-mile radius around Pittsburgh. We handle all your needs when it comes to entry doors! We also provide storm doors that are installed in front of the entry door to protect it.