Door Replacement FAQ: Most Common Questions About Door Replacement

Doors accomplish all kinds of helpful things within the home. They can create private spaces, define what would otherwise be more open in the room and supplement the overall aesthetic of your home. When you have doors that need replacing, you have the opportunity to supplement all of these things in your home.

Making replacement decisions isn't just about making aesthetically pleasing decisions. First, you have to choose the right materials for the place you will put it. Then, consider how you intend to use it. If you have questions about door replacement, we have answers for all of the most common queries for those replacing a door for the first time.

Most Common Questions About Door Replacement

What types of doors are available?
Are there many door styles?
Can I use interior doors for exterior applications?
Do I need a fire-rated door?
What makes a front door safe?
Are patio doors safe?
Which type of front door is the most energy-efficient?
Do exterior doors swing in or out?
Do front doors have warranties?

1. What types of doors are available?

Although wood used to be one of the only materials used for sturdy doors for hundreds of years, this has changed with the development of new technology and materials. Now, there are many materials you can find for doors. They change the price, durability and longevity of the door as well as its aesthetic options.

These options include wood, which is the easiest to alter and can come in the widest variety of patterns and shapes. Fiberglass is a relatively new material used for doors but arguably one of the best for its insulating ability and longevity.

Steel and iron are two metal options if you need something extremely sturdy. When the door's design is combined with insulating materials, they can be quite effective. However, they will get extremely hot to the touch in warm, sunny climates.

2. Are there many door styles?

There are many door styles. They vary based on whether you use them for interior or exterior purposes, how many windows they have, how they open and more.

Aesthetic styles:

Avalon doors
Rockport doors
Cambridge doors
Continental doors
Craftsman doors
Provincial doors

Operational styles:

Barn doors
Pocket doors
French doors
Folding doors
Sliding doors
Hinged doors

3. Can I use interior doors for exterior applications?

Do not use a door made for interior use as an exterior door. Interior doors are not made to withstand exposure outdoors and are usually hollow. Exterior doors need to provide insulation and security.

4. Do I need a fire-rated door?

In your home, your exterior doors do not need be fire-rated. However, the door to your attached garage does need to be a fire-rated door for opening protection. Fire-rated doors are also required on most commercial buildings to help protect the occupants. They are made of at least partially fire-resistant materials to aid in stopping or slowing down the progress of the fire.

5. What makes a front door safe?

Doors with fewer windows are generally safer, which is why windowed patio doors are only common in the back of homes. That doesn't keep homeowners from choosing glass doors for front entrances. We recommend having a good security system as reinforcing the door jamb with a strike plate and multipoint locking system.

6. Are patio doors safe?

Patio doors with many windows are generally not your safest option. However, glass doors should always be made of tempered glass. If the glass in the door breaks, this type of glass is less likely to cause harm than your standard annealed glass. Ask your door rep if the door manufacturer you are considering offers additional security features for their doors. Some patio doors, including some sliding patio doors, can be made with reinforced locking systems.

7. Which type of front door is the most energy-efficient?

Fiberglass doors are often cited as the most energy-efficient door option. That is mostly because the material is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.

The most energy-efficient front door on the market is ProVia's Embarq door. The Embarq door is 2.5" thick, has a dual perimeter seal, custom bottom sweep, and an insulation channel.

8. Do exterior doors swing in or out?

Exterior doors typically swing inward for security purposes. When an exterior door swings inward, the hinges have been put on the inside of the door jam. Therefore, it decreases the ability of a burglar to unhinge the door to gain easier entry into your home.

If you purchase made-to-order doors you can ask the vendor if they offer an outswing option.

9. Do front doors have warranties?

The warranty on doors depends on the manufacturer. Entry doors will often have limited lifetime warranties, but not always. The warranty can also vary based on the door's material and finish. If you purchased your door or live in a new construction you may already know about existing warranties. To learn about existing product warranties in a home where you didn't purchase the door you'll need to find out the manufacturer's name or the name of the company that sold the previous homeowner the door.

Popular Exterior Door Manufacturers

ProVia

ProVia is a well-known high-quality door manufacturer. Their doors typically come with a steeper price tag. However, with everything, you get what you pay for. They create entry door systems that are highly energy-efficient. There are five primary lines of entry doors from ProVia. In addition to fiberglass doors, ProVia also offers steel entry doors as well as a variety of patio door options.

Andersen

Andersen is one of the best-known and largest windows and door companies in the country. They create a range of front doors, moving glass walls and patio doors to suit any area in your house. They make their doors from wood, fiberglass and steel.

Pella

Pella creates three types of exterior doors to suit whatever kind of door you want in your home. These include front entry doors, patio doors and storm doors. In addition, they supplement their doors with security options to keep your home as safe as possible.

Waudena

Waudena is one of North America's leading door manufacturers. As such, they have plenty of door series for you to pick from. Their series' are created with either steel or fiberglass.

For more information on entry doors or patio doors, check out the related sources below or explore our product catalog.