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.

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.