What to Look for When Buying New Exterior Doors in Miami FL
Your front door does a lot more than just keep your home shut up. It tells visitors what to expect once they step inside. Your door provides the ultimate first impression. It also keeps you, your family, and your belongings safe. Clearly, finding the right exterior doors for sale Miami, FL is of the highest importance. How do you even know where to begin? It’s not as difficult as it may seem. Simply follow this expert advice:
#1 First, what style door do you want? Front door styles vary just as much as house architectural styles. Whether you’re looking for a traditional panel door, a solid wood door with an arched top, or a door with windows, you want to find something to suit your taste. Maybe a carved wood door is perfect for your style. Teak and Mahogany are both popular options here in Miami because they look great and hold up to our fierce weather. An iron door is another great option.
#2 Look for energy efficiency. In general, there are three ways to evaluate energy efficiency of a new front door. Make sure any door you choose is ENERGY STAR certified. ENERGY STAR is a federal government-backed program that provides simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions on energy efficiency. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certification is specific to windows, doors and skylights. You’ll want to look for this too. The R-Value provides a measure of thermal resistance. It’s a traditional measure of a variety of insulation products. The higher the R-value of the energy efficient entry door, the better the insulation. For example, a R-10 rating is better than a R-5.
#3 Consider safety and security. Maybe you love the idea of an all-glass front entryway. Sure it may look stunning, but is it actually a good idea? Will a hurricane drive flying limbs right through it? Will a burglar easily break in? Safety and peace of mind that you are keeping intruders out of your home is essential. Ensure that your entry door is solid and not hollow. Doors with hollow cores are easy to kick in or break. If you’re unsure if a door is solid or hollow, knock on it. Solid doors sound “dead,” while hollow doors echo. Pay special attention to the locks and other metal components. A high-quality door needs high-quality hinges, locks, knobs, and latches. You’ll probably also want to design your entryway so that you have a method to see who is at the front door. Whether it be through glass windows on the side or a peephole, you want to know who is approaching your home.
A front door is functional by keeping homeowners secure and cool, as well as showing off your house’s style and personality. When searching for new exterior doors in Miami, FL, be sure to take your time and do it right! This isn’t something you want to replace on a frequent basis.