Entry Doors - Which Type is Right For Your Home?

Entry doors are typically found at the main entrances of the house. Any of these entrances that lead to and from the house should be safe from intruders and break ins. There are three basic kinds that homeowners can choose to ensure safety.

Panels

The kinds made from one or several panels are usually thought to be made from wood, but these days, there are several materials that can provide the high degree of safety that homeowners seek. The top recommendations from suppliers of entry doors are the panels that are made from composite, fiberglass, steel, or traditional wood. These are the ultimate in security and privacy because they are made of solid material.

Traditional wooden entrances are thick and can house a glass panel at the top if the owner so desires, but this can be reinforced by wrought iron to provide more security and safety. This is especially true for entries that face the street and are susceptible to people simply checking the door to see whether they can gain access. Many suppliers recommend placing a grill over the glass panel to prevent intruders from breaking the glass and inserting their hand or arm in to reach in and open it from the inside. Security glass is favorable for neighborhoods that may have encountered burglaries or break ins. Composite and fiberglass materials can be safe and secure, provided they are the right thickness. The thinner types can easily break from a sharp crash or encounter with a heavy object. Steel entry doors may provide the best security and safety with the right design. These are usually very sturdy and can take abuse from heavy objects. Many homeowners also find the material favorable since it can be designed many different ways.

Glass and Wrought Iron

Plain glass entrances are usually recommended by suppliers for neighborhoods with low crime statistics and houses with their own security services. Glass can be easy to break unless it is reinforced with wrought iron grilling or security screens. Plain entrances should always have tempered safety glass panels in them because they can be easily mistaken for an open entryway and people might just walk straight into the invisible partition. Some entry doors have the upper half made of glass and the lower half made with wood, steel, composite, or fiberglass. The glass can also be see through, frosted, or have a subtle design to provide some sort of privacy for the residents.

Dutch Doors

These types of entry doors can be opened together or just the upper half or lower half. There are security locks for both upper and lower halves, and they are usually made of solid material since they can both swing open to let fresh air in when necessary. These types are not usually used for the main entrances where people receive visitors. These are usually reserved for the alternate opening from the kitchen going to the backyard or garden.