Keep the Cold Out this Winter with New Interior or Exterior Doors
Choosing the Right Exterior Door for Your Home
Exterior doors are more than the entryways into your home; they are your protection against the elements. This is more important than ever during the winter months, when your home is threatened by cold temperatures, heavy moisture, and wind. Keeping out wintry drafts is especially critical to the heat retention and energy efficiency of your home.
Here is an overview of the three primary types of exterior doors and how they can keep out the winter drafts:
- Wood: Wood doors are some of the most common choices in exterior doors because of their sturdiness and homey appearance. A good frame construction is important for a wood door, and good weather-stripping should be installed to seal the deal.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors use composite construction, making them very energy efficient, and come weather-stripped from the manufacturer, ensuring a good tight fit.
- Steel: Steel doors come with the benefit of foam-core insulation, which is very effective at retaining heat. They also come weather-stripped, ensuring a good seal.
Tools and Tips for Keeping Heat In and Drafts Out
Nothing prevents drafts better than new doors, but there are a few extra things you can do as a homeowner to prevent winter drafts from affecting your home's heat:
- Draft guards: Draft guards offer extra protection from cold, outside air in the form of a door-length foam or cloth guard that can be installed yourself. They are available for both interior and exterior doors, and can also prevent dust and allergens from blowing around your home.
- Good insulation: Most insulation is made from fiberglass or cellulose, and can be purchased and installed in your home to repair and maintain key areas, like above and below your doors. Good insulation helps prevent the cold from sneaking in when doors are opened.
Sources:
Energy Star, Winter Tips
Lowes, Choose an Exterior Door
New York Times, Keeping the Cold Out in Winter
