If your entry door is dented, dinged, and rusted, then it’s probably time for a new one, don’t you think? Exterior doors for your home take a lot of abuse! Abuse that stems from the normal wear and tear it receives from both your family’s coming and goings, and Mother Nature’s rather unpredictable behavior. Here are just some of the benefits you can expect to receive from a new entry door.
1: Express Your Style
You only get one chance to make a good first impression – so make it count! Whether you’re planning on putting your home on the market or staying for a while, a striking new entry door is as crucial to your home as any other element, especially in terms of curb appeal. A wide variety of options, from designs and colors to decorative glass and hardware, allows you to express your individual taste and style no matter which material (i.e. steel, fiberglass, wood) you choose.
- Energy Efficiency
I personally don’t like shelling out my hard earned money on high electricity bills. And I’m sure you don’t either. However, the reality of old and/or poorly insulated exterior doors, is this: They can account for more than 20% of a home’s energy loss. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the average monthly electric bill in 2013 was $110.21*. More than half of this is spent on heating and cooling your home. Energy that just flows out an old, worn-down, or uninsulated door.
A new entry door is more energy efficient, less drafty, and makes it easier for you to maintain an optimal temperature inside your home year round. Insulated entry doors reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. What makes a door energy efficient? According to ENERGY STAR requirements; multiple glass panels, improved core materials, a tighter fit, and improved weather stripping make the most energy-efficient doors available today.
- Increased Property Values
A new entry door increases property values. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report, an entry door replacement project featuring a new steel door returns 91.1% of the installed cost, while a new fiberglass door returns 82.3% of the installed cost. What’s more, if you choose an ENERGY STAR certified entry door, you’ll be eligible to receive a tax credit for 10% of the cost up to $500 for 2016 (not including installation costs).
- Bonus: Added Security
Homeowners usually think deadbolts are the first line of defense when it comes to home security, but the entry door plays a significant role as well, which is why it’s imperative for you to choose a high quality exterior door. Both steel and fiberglass doors combine strength with durability to create a secure entry door that looks great and provides peace of mind. For homeowners looking to make a grand entrance, without sacrificing security, wood doors are the material of choice.
Sources:
Dynamic Door Service 