Are you designing a new home; or,
perhaps you're just remodeling an older one; maybe you just simply need to
replace an Exterior Steel Door? Whatever the situation in which you find yourself, if
you are faced with a decision to make between Steel doors, wooden doors,
plastic doors or fiberglass doors, there are some things you might wish to
consider before you make your purchase. Come along with me while we look at
some of the benefits of steel doors and frames.
Security
This is most likely the first
benefit that will come to mind when most people think of Steel Doors. Doors
made of steel are able to withstand traumatic impacts from wind-driven items
during storms, hurricanes and tornadoes. They are better able to withstand the
trauma of forced entry than doors made of other materials. The steel frames
that come with these doors also helps to prevent forced entry through the use
of pry bars or crow bars to bend the door frame to gain entry. Steel plates can
be mounted on the exterior side of wooden doors to help prevent forced entry
but this option affords only minimal protection as most doors made of wood are
not designed to withstand problems that result from bending the hinges.
Easy to Maintain
Doors of steel look great when
you install them and they could not be easier to maintain. They won't rot like
wooden doors and they don't need much maintenance to keep their beautiful
appearance and integrity. Wooden, plastic and fiberglass doors will need to be
painted and repaired periodically to maintain a beautiful appearance.
Energy Efficient
Steel Doors are more energy
efficient than wood, plastic or fiberglass doors. This is a major concern for
the budget minded home owner as well as for those who are concerned with protecting
their environment by using less energy for heating and cooling.
Fire Resistance
Did you know that most steel
doors afford some fire resistance? This is due to the materials from which they
are made. A reasonable level of fire resistance protection is available from
most of these doors and, if you require higher levels of fire resistance, then
it is possible to obtain doors that are certified fire resistant for up to 4
hours.
No Warping, Cracking or Bowing
The materials used to make these
doors will not rot, as mentioned above, nor will they take on moisture to
swell, warp, crack or bow. Wooden doors are subject to all of these problems
when moisture is prevalent. A warped, cracked or bowed exterior door will not
afford much security, energy efficiency or fire resistance and will require
some pretty major repairs or replacements after damage from moisture occurs.
More Cost Effective
In the beginning, the cost of a
steel door may be higher than wood, plastic or fiberglass, but in the long run,
when you consider the ease of maintenance and the durability of these doors of
steel, you will spend less for a better product.
In the long run, the safety,
security and protection of you and your family can best be achieved by using Steel Doors and Frames when you design, remodel or make repairs to your home.