Doors are used to keep unwanted people, weather, and other entities from coming into our comfort zone. In that case, just because the weather changes outside doesn’t mean it has to change inside!
If you feel a cool breeze coming from your exterior doors, it could be because they’re not the most proper types of doors you need to have in your home during the fall and winter months. Instead of performing your annual door weatherproofing, save yourself time and follow these simple guidelines.
Weather-Stripped
Do you ever notice that black strip that runs along the outside of your door frame? Well, you should, because that is your weatherstrip. A door with an adhesive-backed weatherstrip will provide a sealant against air leaks from the cracks in your door.
You can conveniently purchase weatherstrips from your nearest hardware store, and they come in a variety of types to match exactly what you need regarding effectiveness, material, durability, and of course, cost.
Heat Trapping
First things first, the best type of door against the harsh cold weather is a well-insulated one. Just as insulation keeps the heat out in the summertime, it can also trap heat in during the winter months.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is one of the most used insulating materials out there. It should come as no surprise that doors made of fiberglass are very popular when the cold is coming. The fibers in fiberglass hold pockets of air and keep them from moving past the surface of the door.
Fiberglass doors are durable and low-maintenance, but most importantly, their ability to insulate makes them perfect choices for the fall and winter.
Steel
Exterior steel doors are renowned for their energy efficiency. They’re typically made from two pieces of steel with a thermal break inside, which contains low thermal conductivity. These doors help reduce the flow of cold temperatures between the outside of your house and the inside.
A cool benefit to steel doors is the ability to contain a magnetic weatherstrip which is very effective for keeping the cold out. Unlike wood doors, steel doors won’t have the tendency to soak up any moisture, meaning they won’t warp over time.
Don’t Forget
Glass is a terrible insulator. It’s better to avoid any type of door with windows unless they contain several layers of glass or coatings that provide low conductivity.
To be fair, the best kind of door for the fall and winter is one you don’t have to install yourself. Get a professional from Rusco Windows & Doors to help you install your door to avoid any gaps, problems with alignment, or dents or dings.