KW Success Realty
April Davis, KW Success Realty Phone: (850) 774-7221
Email: [email protected]

Doors: The pros and cons of steel

by April Davis 12/14/2023

The primary entrance to any house deserves an attractive aesthetic with reliable security. Property owners often select thick, hardwood materials because they provide curbside appeal and durable strength. Steel doors remain something of an afterthought because they are more closely associated with commercial buildings, which may not appear to have the same design prowess.

But the advanced technologies and design elements integrated into today's steel doors place them on an equal footing with others in their class. Today's steel doors provide a wide range of proven benefits as well as concerns. If you are considering replacing an existing exterior door, these are things to consider about steel options.

Energy efficient

Steel doors rank among the most energy-efficient compared to leading materials such as wood or fiberglass. Steel doors can effectively prevent air leaks, and quality products generally include secure foam insulation.

Structurally sound

Except for extreme heat, steel doors are generally not affected by weather conditions. Wood tends to fluctuate as seasonal temperatures rise and fall, and they can warp when wet. Steel, by contrast, remains an immovable object.

Sturdy

Steel ranks among the most secure materials when deterring break-ins. Many products are integrated into a metal frame and robust locking systems. Wood and fiberglass doors, while typically secure, may not be as secure as a stainless steel door.

Finishes

Contemporary steel doors can be ordered with a wide variety of finishes, mimicking natural wood and other textures. Consumers can also select from wide-reaching color options or pre-primed products, leaving the final color up to DIY homeowners to decide after installation.

Damage

Although steel doors resist showing ordinary wear and tear, hard impacts can leave dents and scratches. Unlike wood doors, property owners cannot easily fix these imperfections with putty and paint.

Rust

The flipside of wood doors warping or peeling is steel doors can show rust after scratched protective coatings come in contact with rain and moisture. This possibility tasks people with sometimes sanding and repainting scratched steel doors.

Installation

A handy DIYer typically possesses the tools and carpentry skills to install wood and fiberglass products, largely because they come with wood casings that only require leveling and screwing into 2x4 framing lumber. Steel doors generally employ metal casings that often require advanced skills to install.

By conducting a little research and considering the pros and cons of different materials, you can make an informed decision about the best door for your home.

About the Author
Author

April Davis

Congratulations!! You have found The Agent who truly believes in treating others the way she would want to be treated. I was NOT born a Bay County resident; I'm a transplant from Georgia. This actually gives me a bit of an edge in seeing things through the vision of a newcomer. This edge is the fact that I've done all the research and traveling to find the attractions, benefits, events and a wealth of other information most new arrivals to beautiful Bay County are seeking to find. I will walk that mile (or more) with YOU to find YOUR IDEAL IMAGE HOME. Although each of us has different wishes for our homes, we can all agree that we want it to be "A place of refuge, comfort, hope, memories and happiness". I know Bay County extensively and I'm familiar with being in the military "family". I am an extremely proud Retired Air Force spouse. My motto as your agent is: "It is my mission to treat YOU as I would desire to be treated". I would like to help you with full integrity, on a timely basis and with positively your best interest at heart. If you are currently a Bay County resident and wish to sell or purchase a home, please consider my services as well...because; that same integrity used for newcomers will be exactly the same for locals!