Exterior doors make a great impact on the overall aesthetic of a home. But looks alone shouldn’t be your only priority when selecting the perfect exterior doors for your house. Exterior doors can also have a big impact on home security, energy efficiency, and even help keep your home cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter.

So how do you go about selecting the perfect new doors for your home? The team at Window Mart as put together a handy guide to give you all the know-how necessary to go exterior door shopping in Calgary, AB like a pro!

How to Decide When an Exterior Door Should be Replaced

Even the highest-quality exterior doors Calgary can’t last forever. An exterior door that has become worn due to age can be a culprit in many household woes, such as surges in power consumption due to drafts. But how can you tell when it’s time to replace a door?

Some signs a door has passed its prime are obvious, such as warping, cracking, and rotting. A simple examination of the front and back of the door will usually reveal these common signs of wear. Sometimes milder cases of warping are more difficult to see with the naked eye, however, you may notice your door doesn’t close as smoothly as it once did.

To check for drafts, hold a flame such as a candle or lighter up to the door. Move it around near the seams and check for flickering. If the flame flickers near a certain area, chances are air is getting in from outside.

The Different Types of Exterior Doors

Entry doors:

Your entry door is the first impression a guest is going to get when visiting your home. For this reason, entry doors are often available in a variety of styles and aesthetics for you to select the perfect focal point for your home. Entry doors also receive the most foot traffic, so durability is an important factor to consider when selecting an entry door.

Patio and balcony doors:

While patio and balcony doors are often less ornate than entry doors, they can be strategically used to enhance the interior aesthetic of your home. Patio doors are often made from glass and allow extra light to enter your home. 

Choosing the Best Material for Your Doors in Calgary

According to home experts cited in the Washington Post, choosing the right material is a critical, yet sometimes overlooked step. Too often home, and even business owners, get caught up on the visual design of an exterior door without considering the implications of the material its made out of.

Wood doors:

Wood doors can be some of the most beautiful and ornate doors on the market. They add a touch of elegance that is hard to achieve with other materials. Wood is also heavy and sturdy, proving a good level of security. However, wood is also often expensive and requires the most regular maintenance.

Steel doors:

If strength and security are your top priorities, steel is the material for you. Steel doors are resistant to fire, warping, and cracking while also being incredibly energy efficient.

Fiberglass doors:

If you like the elegance of wood but are looking for something that is more cost-effective and easy to maintain, fiberglass provides an excellent 3rd option. Fiberglass doors are often available in several wood grain styles without breaking the bank.

A Little Extra Protection

If you’re looking to add an extra level of protection to your exterior door, consider adding a storm door. Storm doors not only add an extra layer of security to your home, they also guard your entry door against the elements and further expand on your new door’s insulating abilities.

Where to Shop for Exterior Doors in Calgary, AB

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in some new exterior doors for your Calgary home, it’s time to move on to the fun part, shopping for the perfect door! But you don’t have to sift through the countless options alone. The door and window experts at Window Mart in Calgary, AB can help you find the perfect door for your home based on your budget and design preferences. Our team can also help you with installation to assure your new doors are aligned perfectly for optimum energy savings. Visit us online or visit our Calgary location today to take a peek at our extensive selection of beautiful exterior doors.