You may take your front door for granted. You may even have the best locks on the market, including a dead bolt. But locks aren’t the only thing keeping intruders from your family. The type of door you choose makes all the difference. A flimsy one can be kicked down easily. So, we ask: how secure is YOUR front door?

Materials

Doors come in all types of materials, from wood to steel. The one you choose will depend on your budget and your security needs. Solid core doors are heavily constructed and are common for front entry doors and anywhere sound proofing, insulation or security are of utmost importance. Hollow core doors are just what they sound like. They’re cheap and lightweight and are better for interior doors rather than exterior ones.

Aluminum doors are strong and durable, and surprisingly lightweight and affordable. Of course, no other material is stronger than steel, so choose this type of door if you need top-notch security.

Iron doors are also a good choice, offering enhanced security, durability, and functionality. Plus, they lend a certain ornate beauty to your home that you can’t get with other types of doors.

Wood is the most common overall, with many reasons for this:

Hinges

The material of the door is important, but the reinforcements you add are just as important to the safety and security of your home. From reinforced doors to composite doors, you have many options at your fingertips. Hardware, of course, is the crowning glory of your door and will determine how secure it ultimately is. The right hinges can help you prevent weaknesses that leave your home vulnerable to attacks. If your door opens outwards with external hinges, those pins can easily be removed and the door can be freed. Today’s modern security hinges are designed to provide more protection to ensure the pin isn’t so easy to remove. Riveted pins, security studs, non-removable pins, and hinge bolts are all types of hinges you should consider.

Locks

The type of lock you choose, above and beyond the one that comes with your door, is critical to security. Here are some tips from Reader’s Digest:

• Add a heavy-duty dead bolt: These don’t cost much and they add a high value to your security system. A dead bolt is a low-cost, high-value addition to your security system. You can choose a double-cylinder dead bolt (keyed on both sides) or a single-cylinder dead bolt (keyed on one side). Make sure it comes with a grade 1 security rating.
• Put in a strike box: This will further secure your entry door, as these structures comprise a metal pocket and over-sized plates. They connect into the wall stud behind the doorjamb using three-inch screws.
• Consider a reinforcer plate. A three-sided metal reinforcement plate encases a door around the handset or dead bolt.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

For more insight into the security of your doors, contact us at 214-973-0373. Dallas Door Designs, a family owned and operated company, offers you the very best products that fit your needs. With a focus on outstanding service, dependability, and a personable experience, you can count on us to determine which front door is best for your home.

Looking to install new exterior doors on your home? You may be wondering about which materials are best. Perhaps your focus is on high security, or maybe you are more concerned with aesthetics. Whatever you need, it’s important to research the types of doors out there and the materials that are best for your specific application.

Types

You will find several types of doors depending on where you live and which provider you’re using. Sometimes, people even combine a couple of different materials for their exterior doors for an interesting contrast. But in general, the main types available to most consumers include:

• Wood
• Steel
• Fiberglass
• Iron

The one you choose will depend largely on personal style and budget. Overall, wood is best for an attractive, classic appearance; steel and iron are perfect for the highest level of security; and fiberglass is a great low-maintenance choice for many homeowners. Your door installation professional can go over your choices and help you decide on the best for your needs. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each material.

Wood

This is the best choice for aesthetics because it gives a traditional, authentic look you just can’t get with any other type of door. However, wooden doors can be expensive these days. While they are fairly heavy and offer a moderate level of security, they do need to be sealed for protection from the sun and other elements. In addition, they can be prone to rot and insect damage if not well maintained. They require quite a bit of upkeep in the form of sealant, stains and paints to ensure they can resist pests and the weather.

Steel

This is another expensive material, even more so than wood. However, for that price, you get a high-security option that makes for a strong and secure safeguard for your home. Steel is also energy efficient, weather resistant, pest resistant and low-maintenance. This type of door won’t crack or warp like wood or fiberglass can, but it can be susceptible to dents which are difficult and costly to repair, says SF Gate.

Fiberglass

A great choice when it comes to maintenance-free living, fiberglass doors are also extremely energy efficient. And with the ability to resemble the look of other materials such as wood, they provide that classic look without the upkeep and risk that comes with it. In fact, fiberglass can resist wear and tear as well as the elements even more so than steel. If you go the cheap route and get low-quality fiberglass doors, they can crack in cold weather.

Iron

The unique design and character that iron doors bring to the home is unmatched. However, they only fit with a select archictectural style of home, which could be a drawback to many home owners. However, wrought iron doors certainly do add curb appeal as well as value to your property, acting as the centerpiece for your home.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Here at Dallas Door Designs, we have a variety of exterior door designs and materials to choose from that can boost your curb appeal, property value, and energy efficiency. Let our designers help you choose exterior doors that complement your home, style, and budget. Contact us at 214-973-0373 to schedule a showroom or home visit.