Choosing the right entrance door for your home is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. The entrance door will be one of the first things people notice when they visit and it can also affect your home’s security, energy efficiency and value.
Factors to consider when choosing your entrance door include the material, such as timber, glass, or painted, as well as the width and height of the door. Do you need to consider any BAL ratings due to being in a bushfire prone zone. Additionally, you will need to decide whether a pivot system or standard hinges are needed.
To make sure you get the right fit for your needs, here are some key tips you should consider when selecting and purchasing your new entry door.
Seek Expert Advice
Before making any decisions, it’s important to seek expert advice on what kind of entrance door would work best for your home. Barwon Timber can help advise you on materials, price ranges, styles and other features that may be important for your particular needs. We can also provide insights on pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed decision about which type of door is best suited to your budget and style.
Measure Your Entryway Carefully
Before going shopping, measure the size of the opening in which you need to install your new entrance door. Measure from jamb to jamb (the vertical boards at either side of a door frame), bottom to top, and from corner to corner to ensure the entrance way is square. It is also important to note whether there is a pre-existing threshold (the bottom part of a doorway) that needs to be considered when deciding how much space will be needed around each side of the door once installed. Additionally, consider any trim pieces such as moulding and other decorative elements that may need to be cut away if opting for custom sizing.
Assess your Security Needs
When selecting an entrance door, it’s important to consider your security needs. A good quality entrance door will be made from sturdy materials such as steel or timber and should be strong enough to resist damage from forced entry attempts such as kicking, prying or drilling. It should also feature multiple locking points which are set deep into the frame for maximum security. Knowing these details can help you narrow down your choices and ensure that you choose a door that offers maximum protection against intruders.
Assess Energy Efficiency Ratings
Newer models of doors come with energy efficiency ratings – look out for this when choosing an entrance door as it can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs throughout the winter and summer months. If opting for a timber entrance door, check if it has been treated with paint or sealant so as not to let moisture seep through cracks in its surface causing rot over time due to extreme climate changes outside the house walls.
Consider Aesthetics and Maintenance Requirements
Finally, aesthetics play an important role when selecting an entrance door – think about what style would suit both you and your home’s exterior best while making sure it matches up with existing design elements present in other areas like window frames, garage door etc.. It is also recommended to enquire about how much maintenance different types of doors require; whilst some only require periodic cleaning others may need more extensive attention such as re-staining every few years depending on their material composition and exposure level outdoors versus indoors etc.
Choosing an entrance door involves many considerations but if done correctly could add value not just aesthetically but financially long term too!
When making your selection remember these key points – seek expert advice beforehand; measure carefully; assess your security needs; pay attention to energy efficiency ratings; consider its aesthetics and maintenance requirements – then go ahead confidently with your purchase knowing you’ve taken all necessary steps before embarking on this major decision!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our friendly Showroom team.