J&L Building Materials, Inc. Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:00:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 What You Need to Know About Storm Doors /blog/what-to-know-about-storm-doors/ Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:00:17 +0000 /?p=1439 For many homeowners, the entry door acts as the focal point of a home’s curb appeal. However, there exists an overlooked but equally important feature—storm doors.

Often unnoticed, the correct storm door offers surprising benefits that can significantly enhance your home’s comfort, efficiency, and curb appeal. It could also help you when you go to resell your home. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the information necessary to make informed decisions about storm doors.

Why Do You Need a Storm Door?

You might ask why you need a storm door since you have a regular exterior door. You spent a lot of time picking out the best door for your home, so why should you cover it with a storm door?

Increased Energy Efficiency & Insulation

A storm door creates an air gap between your main door and the outside world. This additional layer of insulation helps to trap warm air inside during winter and cool air during summer. This can translate to lower energy bills throughout the year.

Improved Ventilation & Natural Light

Storm doors, particularly those with screen options, offer valuable ventilation solutions. During warm weather, you can swap the glass panel for a screen to allow fresh air to circulate while keeping insects out of your home.

When you’re not using the screens to let in fresh air, you can use the glass panels to allow natural light into your entryway. This can help brighten your home in dreary months when sunlight is scarce.

Added Security Benefits

While the primary function of a storm door isn’t security, they can offer secondary benefits, like creating a second barrier to your front door. Some storm doors also offer features such as reinforced frames or impact-resistant glass.

The glass panels also offer a sightline to your door so you can see who is there before you open it. While crime rates in Pennsylvania have fluctuated overall, the most common crime in the Midstate counties is theft. Having a sightline can help deter thieves.

Common Storm Door Styles

If you’ve decided to add storm doors to your home, you might think the decision is made. However, there are a few more questions to ask, the first one being, what storm door style should you choose?

Full View

As its name implies, a full-view storm door is made from one pane of glass. This storm door style allows you to have a clear sightline outside so you can enjoy your view or see what’s going on. Some models come with a full-length screen that interchanges with glass for seasonal ventilation so you’ll need to find a safe space to store the glass and screen. Note this shouldn’t be confused with a retractable storm door.

Full-view screen doors give you the widest variety of customization options. Some of the areas you can customize are:

  • Glass design
  • Screen options
  • Handle options
  • Material options

Mid View

A mid-view storm door has glass panels covering most of the door but has around 12-18 inches of solid material at the bottom. This solid material helps provide some protection from wear and tear. You’ll still get the benefits of natural light and ventilation in your home.

Mid-view storm doors offer the same options to have either glass or screen installed.

A downside of mid-view storm door styles is that like full-view storm doors, they require you to manually replace the glass or screen and you’ll need to find a safe place to store the glass or screen. Mid-view storm doors also aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing storm door style so the curb appeal can be lowered.

High View

This type of storm door has a glass panel in the upper part of the door, with a solid panel in the lower part. They offer more privacy than full-view storm door styles and more insulation than screen doors. They are a good choice for people who want a balance between natural light, privacy, and insulation.

Retractable Screen

This type of storm door has a retractable screen panel that can be lowered or raised to allow for ventilation. They are a good choice for people who want to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and natural light while protecting their homes from the elements.

The front entrance to a stone house with a storm door.

Storm Door Materials

Next, you’ll want to think about what your storm door should be made of. Like exterior doors, storm doors come in a variety of materials that can prove beneficial.

Aluminium

Aluminum storm doors are one of the most common types. They’re lightweight, affordable, and relatively durable. Aluminum doors are also sold in various degrees of thickness—the thicker the aluminum, the sturdier the door is.

Another benefit of aluminum is they’re also resistant to rust and corrosion. This means you won’t have as much maintenance or worry about painting it.

However, aluminum storm doors can dent easily and aren’t as good insulators as other types of storm doors.

Vinyl or PVC-Clad

Vinyl or PVC storm doors are available in a variety of colors and finishes, like ones that realistically mimic the look of wood. This allows you to achieve the desired aesthetic for your entryway without sacrificing functionality.

Vinyl can fade when exposed to constant sunlight so keep that in mind when selecting colors. Unlike wood, it won’t crack or corrode, making it highly resistant to weather extremes.

It’s also durable to the elements by withstanding snow, ice, and heavy rain without warping or deteriorating. An additional benefit is rust resistance. This is particularly advantageous in areas with high humidity or frequent rain that can cause metal components to rust.

Steel-Clad

Steel storm doors are renowned for their strength and longevity while coming in a variety of colors to help you match your home’s design. They’re more resistant to dents and dings from weather conditions.

Their strength makes them valuable security features since they can deter potential break-ins by acting as a formidable barrier and offering additional protection for you and your family.

A drawback is that steel is susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially in areas with high humidity or frequent coastal winds. Regular maintenance, like applying a protective coating, can help decrease this.

Wood

Wood storm doors are the most expensive type of storm door, but they can add a touch of beauty and elegance to your home. Wood is also a good insulator so this can help with your energy use.

However, wood storm doors require more maintenance than other types of storm doors, and they can warp or rot if not properly cared for. As a result, the frame can begin to curve and lose shape, especially if exposed to intense sunlight. Wooden storm doors also require more maintenance than some other types.

What to Consider

Storm doors are great, but they won’t solve every problem. If you want to lower your energy bill, don’t rely on a storm door to fix the issue. It’ll help, however, your entry door probably isn’t the only area in your home that’s not as energy efficient.

So, before you look into getting a storm door, make sure you have realistic expectations of how it can help you.

Amount of Glass to Screen

Think about what you’re using your storm door for. If you enjoy a good cross breeze, a storm door with a high screen ratio or a retractable screen option would be ideal. These features maximize airflow during warmer months, creating a comfortable and well-ventilated entryway.

For residents in cooler climates who desire to capture natural light, a storm door with a high glass ratio is recommended. This allows ample sunlight in your home, giving you a brighter, healthier,  and more welcoming atmosphere.

Ultimately, the best screen-to-glass ratio depends on your specific needs. Consider your climate, ventilation preferences, and natural light desires to strike the perfect balance for your home’s comfort and aesthetics.

Durability & Use

When selecting a storm door, consider the level of activity on your front door. Do you have a busy home with frequent comings and goings? High-traffic areas raise concerns about potential damage to the storm door, particularly the glass panel.

So instead of a full-view glass panel storm door, a high-view storm door offers a compelling alternative. These doors feature a sturdier lower panel, often made of metal or fiberglass, and an upper glass panel still allows for natural light and a view outside.

Sun Exposure

Storm doors offer numerous benefits, but it’s important to consider how they can impact your home’s interior climate. While allowing natural light to enter, storm door glass can trap solar heat between the storm door and your primary door. This heat build-up can be undesirable in warmer climates so consider storm doors with features like ventilation panels or tinted glass.

When selecting a storm door, it’s crucial to know how much sunlight exposure your entry door receives. Excessive sunlight can cause fading of interior floors and furniture. If your doorway receives direct sunlight for a significant part of the day, opting for storm doors with tinted or UV-protected glass can help minimize the risk of sun damage to your home’s interior.

Another option is to look for a door with low emissivity glass. It’s a durable coating that minimizes the amount of infrared energy without compromising visible light. Having low-e storm doors can reduce interior fading of flooring, furniture, and carpets.

Storm Door Construction

Different materials offer different durability levels. Aluminum offers a balance of affordability and strength but may dent more easily. Fiberglass provides excellent strength and weather resistance, while wood offers a classic aesthetic but requires more maintenance.

For regions prone to seasonal severe weather, like Pennsylvania, fiberglass or sturdier aluminum storm doors with reinforced frames might be the most suitable options.

A forklift driver in a warehouse moving boxes to a different area.

Why Work with J&L

Your home is your biggest investment so you only want to use the best products to protect it. At J&L Building Materials we carry the top storm door products from Larson. We can help you and your contractor find the best storm doors for your home.

Looking for the perfect storm doors for your home? Browse through our offerings to find the best option for you.

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Selecting the Right Materials For Your Project: Best Materials for Doors Edition /blog/best-materials-for-doors/ Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:04:11 +0000 /?p=1254 A door isn’t just the entryway into your home. It welcomes you and any guests inside, protects you from environmental elements, and gives you a sense of security. So picking the correct door is a big decision with lots of options on the market. How do you know which one is right for you?

We’ll be continuing our series on how to choose the right materials for your project and focus on the best materials for doors.

In this second installment, we’ll go over the different types of door materials and styles. So by the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be able to be confident in your choice for your home.

Different Types of Door Materials

Many different factors go into choosing a door. An important question to ask is what do you want your door made from? Below are the most common door materials and the pros and cons of each.

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors are known for their strength and durability. They can mimic the look of wood and come in a variety of finishes. Another benefit of fiberglass doors is that they’re typically low maintenance. They’ll usually need to be cleaned with a damp cloth and that’s it.

These doors are resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, making them a good choice for exterior use. They also feature an insulated core that’s designed to give you better protection from the heat and cold.

Wood Doors

Wood is a traditional and versatile choice for doors since it offers a classic aesthetic and can be stained or painted to match your interior or exterior decor.

Different types of wood, such as oak, mahogany, and cherry, provide varying levels of durability and appearance. Wood doors can be made of solid wood and can be quite heavy and expensive; while engineered wood doors offer cost-effective alternatives with good durability.

Wood is considered a good insulator so they are a good option if you’re trying to keep your energy costs down.

Composite Wood Doors

Composite doors usually have a solid timber core with other materials such as uPVC, laminate, or even GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic—also known as fiberglass) surrounding it.

They’re a low-maintenance option since they’re resistant to weather and most forms of general wear and can be less expensive than wooden doors, but they still aren’t a cheap option. Also, composite doors are harder to paint if they get damaged or you want to change the color.

Steel Doors

While previously used almost exclusively for commercial use, steel doors are now being used for residential homes, mostly as exterior doors. This is in part due to their strength and durability.

Steel doors can be painted or coated to resist rust and corrosion. Since this is the only maintenance required, steel doors are considered a low-maintenance option.

They also provide excellent insulation properties and can help keep in the warm or cool air in your home. This can help you save money.

Aluminum Doors

These doors are lightweight and low-maintenance. They aren’t prone to rusting like other metal doors because they have a baked enamel finish. They are commonly used for sliding patio doors but can also be used as interior door frames on glass doors.

While not as energy-efficient as other materials, they are resistant to corrosion and can be a good choice for coastal areas.

Glass Doors

Glass doors are often used for sliding or French doors to let natural light flow into your space and create openness. The glass door frames can be made of several different kinds of material including wood, fiberglass, and vinyl. A benefit of glass doors is that they can be used as either interior or exterior doors.

While people might think that glass doors wouldn’t be green, they can be made energy-efficient with double or triple glazing and low-emissivity coatings. However, something to consider is the thicker the glass, the higher the price goes.

Since they’re made of glass, they may require more maintenance in terms of cleaning and privacy considerations.

Which One is Best?

Ultimately, it comes down to several things, including your budget and your personal preferences. If you live in an area that has scenic views and lots of natural light, then a glass door would be a good option to take advantage of these elements. If you need more of a low-maintenance option that won’t break the bank, then a fiberglass door would work for you.

There are benefits and drawbacks to each option and doing some research about your options before you start looking at doors can help answer your questions. That’s why we’ve put together this cheat sheet so you can get a quick overview of your options and what will fit your wants and needs the best.

Type Cost Interior Use Exterior Use Maintenance
Fiberglass $ ✔ ✔ Low
Wood $$ ✔ ✔ High
Composite Wood $$ ✔ ✔ Low
Aluminum $ ✔ Low
Steel $$ ✔ Low
Glass $$ ✔ ✔ High

A wood door sill with a wooden door frame.

Extra Tip: Don’t Forget Door Sills

Door sills, also known as doorsteps or a threshold, are the horizontal part that forms the bottom section of a door frame or the bottom edge of a door. They perform several functions from structural support to sealing and weatherproofing, to decorative functions.

Door sills are typically made from durable materials that can withstand daily use and exposure to the elements. Common materials for door sills include wood, aluminum, steel, and various types of composite materials. A door sill doesn’t need to match your door material so you have some freedom in your material selection.

Some materials, like different woods, are higher maintenance since they can crack and will need to be replaced, while others like steel and aluminum will last longer.

Different Types of Door Styles

A door isn’t just a door. There are several different styles you can choose depending on your style and home.

Barn Doors

Barn doors have become more popular over the last few years. They’re mostly used in farmhouses or rustic aesthetics. Barn doors are typically unfinished-looking sliding doors mounted on the exterior of a track. They’ve been used as closet, pantry, or bathroom doors.

Dutch Doors

A Dutch door, also known as a stable door or half door, is where the door is divided horizontally, allowing the top and bottom parts to open independently. They were originally known as double-hung doors. They’re often used in kitchens or as exterior doors. This allows homeowners to take advantage of the breeze but keep animals and dirt out of the house.

French Doors

French doors are typically hinged double doors with glass panes. They are often used for interior room dividers or exterior access to patios and gardens. French doors are perceived as an upgrade when people are looking for a new home.

Hinged Doors

These are the most common types of interior and exterior doors—most of the ones you see are hinged doors. They swing open and closed on hinges attached to the door frame. Hinged doors come in single and double configurations. Double-hinged doors are primarily used in commercial settings but can be found in residential homes.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors slide into a hidden wall pocket when opened, saving space and creating a seamless transition between rooms. One thing to keep in mind if you want to add pocket doors is to have enough wall space to add the pocket for the door to slide into.

Sliding Doors

These doors consist of large glass panels that slide horizontally on tracks. They are popular for access to outdoor spaces and can provide an unobstructed view. A drawback to sliding doors is that they can let in a lot of sunlight, raising the temperature in the room. You can combat this by making sure the glass is double-paned to help keep the heat out and adding drapes to the room.

Storm Doors

A storm door provides an outer layer of protection to your existing door. They also allow more light and ventilation into your home. They can also be interchangeable with screen doors so it becomes dual purpose. You can let light in the winter without letting cold air in and during the summer, use the screen to help keep it cool.

A front door to a home.

What to Consider When Making Your Door Selection

Before you decide on a door, there are a few questions to ask yourself that might change your final decision.

What Type of Door is It?

A question you can ask is “Where is your door located—is it an interior or exterior door?” It seems like an obvious question but certain door materials are better suited for interior use versus exterior use.

Next, if it’s an interior door,  narrow down the specific location of the door. Is it a kitchen or a bedroom?

Finally, think about your family’s lifestyle and where you live. Is it a door where it can be damaged either by the weather or by your family’s normal wear and tear? For example, it might not be the best idea to put glass doors in an area where children are playing or rough-housing.

What is Your Budget?

Doors can be deceptively expensive. You might initially think the price is good but that’s only for one door and most projects call for multiple doors. See how many doors you’ll need with your project since the overall cost can go up quickly.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Remember the adage, “measure twice, cut once?” Well, it applies to doors, too. Measure your door opening and see how much room you have available so you buy the correct door for the space.

You also need to measure your space for the type of door you want. French doors won’t work if you only have space for a single-hinged door. Or if you want a sliding barn door but don’t have the corresponding wall space.

Why Are You Replacing the Door?

Is it because the door is damaged and needs to be replaced? Have you changed your interior design and need doors to match?

Or are you looking to resell the home and you are trying to increase your resale value? It won’t be an obvious feature buyers notice but it will add to the overall feel of the home and help buyers see the value.

The “why” question can affect several other questions. If you’re just replacing a door for style reasons, your budget might be lower. If the door is damaged then you might want to spend a little more to get a more durable product.

Selecting a New Door with J&L Building Materials

Having so many options can be confusing and knowing where to start can quickly overwhelm you. By working with the experts here at J&L Building Materials, we can show you all your door options and help you select the right door for your home and budget.

Another benefit when you work with J&L is if you decide that installing a door is out of your skillset, we can help you find a contractor to help finish your project.

Looking to install new doors and need advice on the best materials for doors? Contact our team for expert advice and guidance.

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Does Replacing Your Doors Add Resale Value? /blog/doors-add-resale-value/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 15:54:33 +0000 /?p=838 What affects the resale value of a home? A lot of different components. From sought-after locations to a sudden seller’s market, many variables can increase a home’s resale value. But one thing you can do as a homeowner to directly improve resale value is upgrading your home’s exterior and interior doors.

You may still be asking: does replacing your home’s doors add resale value? Yes, but only if you opt for high-quality materials and expert installation. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of upgrading your house’s exterior and interior doors to improve your home. 

Is Replacing Your Doors Worth It?

With any home improvement project, you’ll want to consider the ROI on the project before you dive in. Because exterior doors – such as front doors and garage doors – are part of your home’s facade, a new front door has an average ROI of 65%, and a new garage door has an average ROI of 93.8%, according to Remodeling Magazine.

But it’s not just the curb appeal of exterior doors that affects home resale value. Interior doors can increase your home’s value by improving its sense of privacy. All of this makes replacing old and worn-out doors a worthwhile investment with a potentially large benefit.

Does Replacing Exterior Doors Add Value?

The curb appeal from a new front door alone could add as much as $24,000 to a home’s perceived value. But how does replacing your home’s doors add value, exactly?

Attracts Potential Buyers

Your doors say a lot about the rest of your home. Cracked, chipped, and rundown exterior doors signal to buyers that the rest of your home may be in similar shape. All of this can add to purchasing anxiety, as poorly-kept doors may lead some to suspect the home’s foundation may also be in disrepair.

Welcomes Visitors

You’re not the only one thinking about how exterior doors can attract guests. Homeowners often envision their life in their potential home before buying. This means they’ll be thinking about how different types of door architecture can add curb appeal to a flat front house and enhance a home’s first impression. From Friday game nights to gameday on Sunday, buyers want a house that’s welcoming from the first glance

Adds Color

Studies show that a house with a vibrant and engaging color scheme can help encourage potential buyers to make an offer. Advances in color psychology show that our brains are very sensitive to the hues around us, and real estate agents across the country report having a harder time selling homes in less popular colors.

Improves Home Security

Old doors with weakening locks are a security threat. If your exterior doors are suffering from loose door handles, faulty locks, or broken keyholes, it’s time to upgrade your home’s exterior front entry doors. With an estimated total of 56% of all break-ins occurring through a front or back door, exterior door replacements aren’t something you want to put off.

Improves Energy Efficiency 

High-quality entrance doors can help reduce your energy bills by 15%. Fiberglass doors are your best bet when focusing on improving energy efficiency because they’re manufactured with a solid polyurethane foam core that protects your home against extreme temperatures. They’re also highly durable, reducing the likelihood of fading or denting over time.

However, if you’re a homeowner who prefers wood or vinyl doors, you can still find smart options that will improve your home’s current energy efficiency.

A picture of white sliding inside doors.

Does Replacing Interior Doors Add Value?

While not as immediately obvious to a potential buyer, interior door replacements that focus on quality door design play a huge role in increasing a home’s resale value. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) estimates that homebuyers tour at least ten houses before making an offer, so interior door options and upgrades to your home’s cosmetics can go a long way. 

Cohesive Aesthetic Appeal

One of the benefits of interior door replacements is the aesthetic cohesion they bring to a home’s character. Mismatched doors that look like they were replaced years apart can hinder a potential buyer’s excitement over a home. Similar to exterior doors, updated interior doors can be the push a potential buyer may need to make an offer.

Increased Privacy

Updated interior doors made with high-quality materials can increase privacy, safety, and cut down on noise pollution between rooms. Whether it’s a child practicing for their first drum recital or a private study where someone can escape and enjoy some quiet time, noise cancellation is key. Interior doors that look great and serve this function are a major selling point.

When looking to upgrade your home’s interior doors, you want to keep the size and style of your rooms in mind. Regardless of quality, selecting interior doors that don’t fit the aesthetic of your home will likely do more harm than good when it comes to resale value. 

Wood doors lend themselves to a more contemporary décor while materials like glass and metal favor a more modern style. If you’re looking to enlarge the look of a room, you may opt for mirror doors, as they can make a small room appear larger. French doors can add value to your home because of their striking design, making them a good entry door to a formal dining area.

A picture of a turquoise inside door with a color matching dresser next to it.

Quality Door Design Matters Most

So, does replacing your home’s doors add value? Absolutely! Whether you’re replacing exterior or interior doors, an upgrade can increase your home’s resale value in the future and your home’s aesthetic right now. No matter what door you end up replacing, the most important component to prioritize is finding high-quality materials and expert design.

When shopping for new garage, entry, or interior doors, one of the most important factors to look for are companies with ENERGY STAR®-certified performance. By focusing on replacing doors to add value and upgrade the functionality of your home, your house will be a cut above the rest. 

At J&L, we partner with trusted contractors to offer you the high-quality materials you need to upgrade your home. For more information, visit our doors product page or contact us today for specific questions related to a product or service.
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