Exterior Doors: Consider the possibilities

Published by: Paul Batchie, pbpublic@gmail.com
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

Maybe you're to the point where that cold draft coming from your door during Connecticut winters is getting to you, and you're tired of heating your yard due to faulty weatherstripping or broken air seals. Or maybe you're looking for ways to add zest to your home's appearance. Comfort, energy, style - these motivations are excellent reasons to consider upgrading your existing exterior doors. Few things can so quickly make such a large impact in each of these areas as a door with up-to-date weatherstripping, core insulation, and glass technology.

If you are considering a door upgrade, you need not be locked into merely replacing like for like, because there are many design possibilities available today. Many homes are built with a safe, minimalist approach of using only basic materials. When an original unit eventually wears out, it becomes the homeowner's task to consider if a little extra investment might pay back significant rewards.

So if you have a simple door in the front of your home, before you replace it with something similar, consider if a more elaborate unit would add value. From outside the house, the eye intuitively comes to rest on the front door, so it is here that a lot of design impact can be achieved relatively easily.

There are several ways to go about this:

Instead of one door, you could install a grander double door unit.
On the outside of the house, consider framing your new door with a millwork surround. These typically consist of fluted pilasters on the sides and a fancy pediment above. This is a most dramatic way to add curb appeal and value.
You could add sidelights. These are glass units typically about a foot wide that go on one or both sides of the door unit.
You could add a glass transom above the door unit. High glass like this will throw light deep into the house interior.
Consider glass panels in the doors themselves. This can be a good way to go when there isn't room for sidelights or a transom.
For the ultimate aesthetic effect, the upscale leaded glass options for doors these days are truly breathtaking.

Often, a home's rear or side door is also ripe for upgrading. If it's a single door, it might be converted to a brighter, more airy sliding glass patio door. Patio doors most commonly come in six and eight foot widths, but other sizes are available. If you have an old patio door, chances are good that it's an energy liability. Newer glass technology, with argon gas between glass panes, Low-E coating, and improved weatherstripping, can make a huge difference in comfort and energy savings. And if your older patio unit has a cold aluminum frame, you are indeed a major candidate for a new, warmer unit, framed in either wood or vinyl.

You might also consider other glass door options such as swinging patio units. These typically have a stationary glass door with a swinging door hinged to it. This can be an ideal solution when wall space is at a premium, because the stationary unit comes in different sizes, allowing the entire unit to fit into a space of five feet or less.

And of course, another alternative to the sliding patio door is simply the classic French door. The beauty of this double door, outfitted with divided glass panes, will never go out of style.

So when it's time to upgrade existing exterior doors, instead of automatically replacing like for like, give some thought to expanded possibilities. Consult with a Connecticut remodeling contractor and look through catalogs. It may be that adding a little extra to your investment will yield a much greater return.

For a door installation contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today.

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