Simple and easy guidelines for buying exterior wooden doors
by editor on Apr.30, 2009, under News
There are many different type of materials and styles when it comes to exterior doors these days. The materials most people are familiar with are solid wood and steel with an insulated core. Exterior door manufacturers are also now using alternative materials including vinyl to produce doors which are virtually maintenance free. There are many advantages to a solid wood exterior door, including the strength and beauty it provides.
Wood doors can be found in a wide selection of woods with cedar, walnut, mahogany, pine, and oak being some of the most common. A wood exterior door will require regular maintenance to help it stand up to the elements. While most quality wood doors will be treated with a preservative by their manufacturer a protective coating will still need to be applied regularly to protect them for the long run. You will find that wood exterior doors will expand and contract in response to both heat and moisture.
Often the overall performance of the door will depend on where it is installed. Wood exterior doors which are in hot and moist environments will need regular maintenance annually. So before you buy consider all the choices you have about exterior doors. Another material commonly used for exterior doors is steel. These doors are most commonly produced with a wood frame filled with foam which is then covered with an outer layer of steel. You will get strength and rigidity from the wood frame while the foam core serves to make the door more energy efficient. Steel doors require very little maintenance.
Fiberglass doors are made in a similar fashion as steel doors with fiberglass being used for the outer skin. These doors are great for long term durability and energy efficiency. An embossing process can even be used to give the outer skin of fiberglass the look of real wood. One of the most modern types of materials used to create exterior doors is vinyl. These doors feature a several chambered vinyl structure with added strength coming from aluminum, steel or wood. These doors are very energy efficient and the ability to stand up under just about any weather condition.
