What many don’t realize is just how underestimated an entry door is. Many don’t give it much thought until it needs some repairs. The entry door holds so much potential in beautifying the exterior of a house. It’s a piece that can add value and wow guests upon their entry.
Why Should You Care for the Entry Door?
This is a valid question. If the door is performing its function to insulate and secure the house’s interior, shouldn’t that be enough? As the entryway is the focus of the home’s exterior, it contributes to its perceived value. With that said, it’s worth doing a makeover, especially if it’s not to your liking. Most homeowners tend to keep the front door the way it is after they make the purchase. They tend to get too busy crunching numbers on a mortgage refinance or loan comparison calculator. But others see room for improvement.
When it comes to home makeovers and upgrades, it’s always worth consulting the internet for the current trends.
The Minimalist Style
What’s popular these days are clean-cut lines, neutral colors, and minimal designs. Detailed engravings and exaggerated outlines are out the door (no pun intended). When you are deciding on a design, keep this in mind, but also keep it safe. Don’t go for too trendy that it’ll lose appeal 10 to 20 years from now, and go for something that will appeal to the majority. As for color, neutrals are the safest.
The Chosen Material
The usual options for an entry door are made from steel, wood, glass, and fiberglass. All have their pros and cons. Some are on the more expensive side of the spectrum, while others require more effort and cost to maintain. It’s up to the homeowner what they choose to go with. The classic choice is always wood. It’s highly customizable in terms of color, size, and design. However, a major downside is that it’s prone to rot, contraction, and expansion when not maintained. Many who don’t want to deal with the maintenance but still get that wood-like appearance opt for fiberglass.
The Smart Features
When it comes to the entry door, it’s important to note that the other side is exterior facing. With that in mind, insulation should be considered. It’s important to seal any gaps to prevent your cooling and heating systems from overworking and spending more energy than they should. It also prevents the effects of extreme weather changes from getting in. Insulation is often achieved with insulating foams and weather strips. Of all the entry door materials, fiberglass is the most insulating. Although they still need foam installed, fiberglass doors have an insulating quality. So if insulation is one of the top priorities, fiberglass is the way to go.
Maintenance Tips for Fiberglass Entry Doors
1. Clean It Regularly
Regular cleaning is essential, especially since the exterior side is exposed to many elements and weather changes. This may cause some light scratches if left alone for too long. With a mild cleaning solution or mild soap mixed in water, wipe the door’s surface with a fiber cloth. Don’t forget the other side of the door. Keeping it in good condition means maintaining the interior side, too.
2. Removing Stains
When it comes to removing stains on fiberglass doors, there are two things you can use: acetone or vinegar.
Apply acetone to the stained area. Because acetone is effective in removing stains, be sure to apply only a small amount of it. If an area needs more, then apply just a little more. It’s important to use it sparingly as too much of it can cause damage to the surface. After application, scrub gently until the stain disappears. Grab a clean cloth and dip it in water. Remove the excess acetone from the surface.
Another way to remove stains is by using vinegar. Put some vinegar on a clean cloth sparingly. Apply a little more when needed and gently scrub on the stained surface until the stain is gone. Again, with a clean damp cloth, remove the excess vinegar from the affected surface.
3. Maintaining and Updating Fixtures
As you constantly open and close your entry door, some screws will inevitably loosen, and the hinges will become noisy. Some of its hardware will experience wear and tear, but the good news is that it’s fairly easy and inexpensive to replace. With a new doorknob and a few drops of oil in the hinges, the entry door will look new.
It might seem like a lot of fuss over a door, but a front door upgrade is an affordable way to add value to your property. You use it more often than the other doors of your home, and it leaves an impression on your guests because it is the main point of entry. Therefore, a front door upgrade can add not only security but also appeal to your home.
