The functions of exterior doors offer to your home cannot be underestimated. These doors are as important as your interior doors. They contribute to visual appeal, security, and insulation of your home. However, one of the primary reasons why you should install the best entry doors in your home is because of their impact on creating the first impression.

So, you should pay attention to the type of exterior door material that you choose for your home. However, with so many front doors materials out there, sometimes you can find it hard to choose one. Here at NorthTech Windows and Doors, we want to show you some of the most commonly used exterior doors material and the differences between them so that you can make the right choice. Take a look.

 1. Wood

Typically, wood is a traditional option when it comes to exterior doors. Many homeowners have been using it since the time immemorial, and you can see why. It is highly customisable and aesthetically appealing. Besides, there is a myriad of woods that homeowners can choose from that include; maple, mahogany, pine, oak, fir etc.

Moreover, you can paint your wood entry door in different shades as well as apply different finishes. All these are meant for homeowners to have full customisation of their doors and enhance the beauty of their homes. In addition, wood can be trimmed into different shapes and sizes for unique entries. 

However, wood comes with its downsides. For instance, it is affected by extreme weather elements and therefore, it can warp, peel, and sag over time. That is the key reason why you should install storm doors if you have wood entry doors.

However, there is also an alternative of wood that is not affected by weather elements. A solid core, wood veneer entry door that is cheaper than wood. 

2. Steel

Insulated steel is one of the best materials for exterior doors. It offers great energy efficiency, durability and security. Steel doors provide higher insulation value compared to wooden doors. In fact, it is estimated that their insulation value is up to five times more that of wood doors. 

However, one of the aspects that makes steel entry doors are go-for option is their high level of security. And unlike wooden doors, steel doors don’t need a lot of maintenance. They are also cheaper compared to wood.

However, steel has its downsides. Though they are not prone to warping and peeling, they can rust and dent. Their ingrained wood-grain finishes don’t look great as real wood, and some of the finishes need regular repainting. In terms of customisation, they are hard to cut to fit in certain sizes. 

3. Fibreglass

This is a modern option of exterior doors and windows. It is made up of composite materials. Like its counterpart, steel, it offers high energy efficiency and security compared to wood doors. Fibreglass is also quite durable and robust and needs minimal maintenance. The best thing is that fibreglass mimics real wood and isn’t prone to warping and offers a myriad of painting and staining options.

However, fibreglass exterior doors are vulnerable to fading, but apart from this downside, there are few limitations. However, if you choose this type of material, be ready to spend a considerable chunk of money. The price of higher-end wood and fibreglass are the same.

 4. Aluminium

When it comes to energy efficiency, durability and strength, aluminium entry doors are the same as fibreglass and steel doors. The easy to maintain, and if they come with wood-grain, they are not easy to chic and don’t rust.

Aluminium material is mostly used for patio door and storm door frames.

5. Vinyl

When it comes to low price, no other material beats vinyl. Vinyl is mostly used for patio door frames. Besides, it also provides high energy efficiency and hassle-free maintenance. However, when you choose this material for your exterior doors, know that you will not have many options in terms of colours.

When choosing entry doors for your home, it is important to consider the climate in your area as well as the location of each door. If you use a professional, you will be able to get most of these aspects right.