Articles | The Benefits of a Steel Exterior Door

When considering all of the things your entry door should be--aesthetically pleasing, durable and weather-resistant--steel offers a great compromise between fiberglass and wood. Because it is the most versatile type of door and can add a greater sense of security, home improvement shoppers in the market for a new door should spend some time researching this option.

What makes a steel door so great? Read on to find out about its security, cost, style and durability.

Security

One of the most obvious advantages of a steel door is the fact that it upgrades the security of your home. Not only are they heavier and harder to move, but the construction of the door actually makes the locks and hardware harder to compromise.

Cost

Steel doors are often the least expensive options, especially if you shop at a home improvement retail store. If you do choose to splurge in this category and get a more expensive steel door, it can actually increase the value of your home up to two percent. Adding to your cost savings is the fact that steel doors usually include insulation that can reduce the cost of cooling and heating your home. This energy efficiency is not only good for your budget but for the environment as well.

Style

For contemporary homes, choosing a steel door easily complements the exterior decor. However, many homeowners with classic or traditional decor are attracted to the look and feel of a wood door. They quickly become uninterested once they learn of the insulation and durability advantages they would be giving up by installing a wooden door. A steel door provides this particular set of homeowners with an alternative because it can be finished with a coating that imitates the look of wood, so they don t have to compromise on beauty to get full functionality. Most steel doors come already primed and ready to be painted. To make your steel door more attractive, choose a high-performing paint or finish.

Durability

Unlike wood, steel does not swell or warp when exposed to heat or moisture. In addition, a steel door is easier to maintain because it does not need to be refinished every year or two like a wood door.

In addition to its advantages, however, there are also some other factors to take into considering when a homeowner or home builder considers installing a steel door. When it comes into repeated contact with water or salt, the life span of a steel door may be reduced to as little as five years. Also, repairing a steel door that has been dented can be time-consuming and costly.