Whether you buy a door by itself or the entire door-and-frame system, the process of replacing your door can be a headache. By choosing ProVia, our preferred door manufacturer, you’ll get a ENERGY STAR certified door that is independently tested and certified to meet strict energy-efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
ProVia is committed to making doors “The Professional Way.” Each door is individually customized with the highest standards of durability, security and energy efficiency in the residential market.
Before making an investment, determine how much is too much for an entry door to your home.
1. Determine Your Budget
It’s very easy for home improvement projects to go way over budget. If this is your first time investing in a new door, there are a few things to look at when determining the price tag.
– Upfront costs vs. long-term benefits
– Estimated useful life
– Maintenance requirements
– Energy efficiency: May cost more upfront, but over time can save money
– Weather protection and performance
– Features included
– Pre-finishing costs or additional staining or painting required
– Hardware and accessories
– Remodeling additional entry features like stairs, lighting or doorbell
Many ENERGY STAR certified doors will lower your heating and cooling costs by protecting your home from drafts and leaks.
2. Materials Matter
The most important decision in purchasing a new door is what material it’s made of. The material will directly affect its performance. With quality construction and durable materials, you’ll avoid high maintenance costs. Also keep in mind that your door should be strong enough to withstand the effects of all season weather.
Most manufacturers offer dozens of door styles, and some manufacturers even let you specify the types of panels and glass options you want. With Provia Door Products, they keep it simple with three types of doors, entry, storm, and patio.
ProVia Entry Doors
– Embarq Fiberglass
– Signet Fiberglass
– Heritage Fiberglass
– Legacy Steel
Fiberglass
If security and durability are your #1 priority, a steel door is your best bet. Fiberglass doors are tough and maintenance-free. If a dent or ding were to occur, it can easily be pulled out to its original state. They are high-performing, energy-efficient and are the best choice for harsh winters and/or humid climates. Fiberglass doors mimic the look of real wood with wood-grain texturing and can be stained to match a variety of wood choices, like oak, cherry and walnut.
ProVia Storm Doors
– Spectrum
– Decorator
– Deluxe
– DuraGuard
– Superview
If ventilation and natural light is what you are looking for, consider having a storm door installed. Not only can they can save energy by regulating your home’s temperature year-round, they also add an extra layer of insulation by reducing heat loss in the winter and keeping the cool air inside during the summer.
With 54 models of aluminum storm doors and numerous additional glass options among five different brands, ProVia offers the highest level of customization to provide storm door products that appeal to the aesthetic and functional needs of any home.
ProVia Patio Doors
– Endure
– Aeris
– Aspect
– ecoLite
– Designer
A patio door is a type of sliding door with a large glass window opening. Standard patio doors are six feet, eight inches tall. Width size varies depending on whether the patio door is a two- or three-panel configuration. They are a low-cost, long-term upgrade.
Most doors are made from fiberglass, steel, or wood. If you wish to have decorative glass as an option, expect to pay an additional cost.
Steel
Out of all three options, steel doors are usually the most affordable. If you decide on a premium steel door, you get the comfort of security with it being extra durable. If you are looking to update your home, a small, easy, inexpensive option, is to paint your steel door.
Wood
Want a classic appearance and aren’t concerned with price? Authentic wood doors are the way to go! Yes, they are the most expensive, but there are many styles and options to choose from.
Aluminum Doors
Aluminum doors, like steel, use an insulation core covered by a metal layer. Unlike other types of doors, aluminum doors are sold exclusively through dealers. Each one is custom built to your door entry specifications.
NOTE: ProVia doesn’t offer steel or wood doors. This could still be used in a blog post and not on the Oaks website.
3. Size Does Matter
Have you measure your entryway? Depending on your home, your entryway may require a larger, taller, wider, thicker, or even a double door. If you’re unsure what size of entry door your home needs, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.
4. Style
Choosing the style of your front door can be fun and costly, if you aren’t following your budget. Choose a front door that suits you and your home. If you like the traditional look, opt for a classic wood paneled door. If you are artistic, including decorative glass elements will surely make your door stand out.
Detecting Damage on Your Door
If you have a damaged door, you’ll not only have to replace your door, but also the door framing, which includes the door jambs and threshold. Even if the old door frame looks fine, the wall studs it’s nailed to can bow and settle out of square. This will make it difficult to open and close your door.
If you aren’t sure whether or not you have to replace your door, below is a list to detect damage.
1. If your door is difficult to open and close.
2. If your door has dings and rust on it, the structure may have been compromised.
3. If your wooden door is warped, cracked and weathered, it may have expanded and contracted over the many seasons you’ve had that door.
4. If you have a draft under your door in the cold winter months.
5. If you have a wooden door and have had water damage, the wood has to be replaced.
Replacing your entry door is an important investment that will improve your home. If you can relate to anything listed above, it’s time for a new door. If you do decide to replace your door, we can help. Contact Oaks Construction today!