If you live in an area that experiences harsh, cold winters, the quality of your exterior door is one of the most important aspects of keeping your house warm. In addition to security purposes and being the face of your home, your front door also controls how much outside air is let in—especially during the winter.
Exterior Door Factors for Cold Weather
Insulation/Energy Efficiency
When it comes to material, fiberglass doors are generally the most popular option when looking at the best exterior doors for cold weather. In addition to being durable and low-maintenance, the insulative properties of fiberglass make fiberglass doors a prime option for keeping the cold out—especially as this will help you avoid high energy bills during the winter months.
While some homeowners opt for steel, the material’s high thermal conductivity makes it important to find a steel door with the best interior insulation. For homeowners who seek a traditional wood door, a solid wood door is the best option for keeping out cold air. It’s important to remember that wood is also the least durable of the three, has less insulation, and is more likely to warp over time. For those seeking the classic wood look, a fiberglass door that mimics the look of wood is generally the best choice when it comes to keeping your home warm in the winter.
Moisture Repellant
The best exterior doors for cold weather are not just insulated well, but moisture repellent and weather resistant. Chances are, if you live in a cold climate, you’re dealing with snow, ice, and wind in the winter. These factors can slowly damage your exterior door.
Fiberglass doors are naturally more weather-proof than wood or steel. While steel will not crack from cold weather, it is more susceptible to dents and chipping and requires quite a bit of upkeep. Wood is more sensitive to a moisture imbalance, so during the cold months especially, wood doors are prone to warping or even cracking.
Glazing
Living in a cold climate doesn’t mean you can’t have window panes on your exterior door; it simply means you have to choose the best type of glass panes for your door. High quality glass, Low-E coatings, and double/triple-paned glass are usually the best for reducing heat loss. Low-E glass in particular means less heat is lost through the panes, but it also allows some of the sun’s energy to come through and heat your home.
Exterior Doors From Plastpro
Plastpro’s fiberglass doors are a great option for customers who live in a colder climate and deal with harsh winters. Our selection of fiberglass doors feature HydroShield Technology, which fully encases and protects the polyurethane foam core, a dense core that offers superior insulation.
Check out Plastpro’s Where to Buy page to find a dealer near you today.
