Are you looking to purchase a new door for your home, but aren’t sure which one to choose?
Purchasing new residential doors can be a tough decision, as there are so many options to choose from. But, you can quickly narrow down your options depending on the type of climate you live in. This is because certain doors are better suited for warmer climates.
Check out this guide to discover the best types of residential doors for homes in warmer climates.
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Steel Doors
Steel doors make an excellent addition to any home. They’re strong and durable, and they enhance the security of your home. Steel doesn’t warp or crack, and if your steel door dings or dents, you can pull or putty out the damage with an auto repair kit.
Steel doors are also very inexpensive. In fact, you can purchase a 3×6 door for as low as $150. Of course, you’ll end up paying a little more once you add in glazing and hardware, but this is still a very affordable starting price.
Most steel doors come with an inner wood frame that helps strengthen the steel even more. The frame’s cavities are filled with high-density foam insulation to add more protection to your door. Here are some other benefits of residential steel doors:
- They’re low maintenance
- They can withstand wind, rain, and snow
- They’re energy-efficient
- They add an elegant look to the front of your home
However, it’s essential to understand that steel doors do come with their downsides. While it likely won’t be an issue if you live in a warm or temperate climate, if you live somewhere with scorching temperatures, a steel door may not be the best option.
This is because steel doors absorb heat, making them unpleasant to touch when the weather is sweltering. Additionally, most steel doors come with a baked-on polyester finish that requires periodic repainting.
Also, most steel doors come with a pre-hung system. If you’re replacing an old door, you need to make sure the hinge area on the new steel door matches the hinge area on the old door frame.
Aluminum Doors
Another excellent type of door to consider for a warm climate is an aluminum door. The great thing about aluminum doors is that they’re all custom built to suit your home.
Aluminum doors come with a baked enamel finish, which means they don’t rust and they don’t need repainting. For this reason, a 20-year warranty is typical for an aluminum door. Aluminum doors also add warmth, style, and beauty to your home.
Another great thing about aluminum doors is that they’re environmentally-friendly, as aluminum can be recycled indefinitely. Aluminum is also very strong and durable, and it can easily withstand extreme weather conditions. Aluminum is excellent for warm climates because it can also withstand extreme temperatures without experiencing any wear and tear.
However, there are downsides to aluminum doors to take into consideration. One of the biggest downsides is that aluminum doors can stain from water. If you live in a place where it rains a lot, expect to see some marks on your door.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that aluminum doors are a bit more expensive than other options on the market. Most aluminum doors start at around $600.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors are another great choice for warm climates. Fiberglass doors are maintenance-free, durable, and versatile. There are literally hundreds of styles to choose from, so it’s easy to find a door that suits the exterior of your home.
Fiberglass doors can also mimic the look of wood. They can be stained to match cherry, walnut, oak, and a variety of other woods. These doors also come with long warranties, and they’re very affordable. You can purchase a 3×6 fiberglass door for as low as $200.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that fiberglass doors are difficult to trim. For this reason, you should only purchase a fiberglass door if you have a standard-size door frame.
Vinyl Doors
Another type of door to consider for your home is a vinyl door. Vinyl doors are energy-efficient and require little maintenance. These doors are also very durable, and they’re resistant to termite damage.
Vinyl doors are also cost-effective, and they can last a couple of decades in warm climates before needing replacement. They’re also lightweight, and if you have basic handyman skills, you may be able to install your vinyl door on your own. Another great thing about vinyl is that it’s a recyclable material, making vinyl doors an environmentally-friendly choice.
The biggest downside to vinyl doors is that they can become damaged when exposed to too much sunlight. Additionally, you don’t have as much design flexibility when it comes to vinyl doors, and vinyl doors aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as steel or wood doors.
Wooden Doors
Speaking of wooden doors, these are also another great option for warm climates. Wooden doors are beautiful, versatile, and are available in a number of custom finishes.
Some common finishes to choose from include:
- Walnut
- Cherry
- Oak
- Mahogany
- Fir
- Pine
- Maple
Wooden doors also offer superior durability and insulation. The biggest downside to wooden doors is that they can attract termites. Also, they’re the most high-maintenance of all of the options on this list.
Are You Ready to Buy New Residential Doors?
Now that you know about the best residential doors for warmer climates, it’s time for you to decide which door material is right for your home. The right door can totally transform the look of your home, so start shopping today.
And, be sure to check back in with our blog for more home design tips and tricks.