What to Consider When Buying Exterior Doors?
The entrance door is the calling card of your home – it should be secure, energy-efficient, and visually appealing. A well-chosen exterior door protects against heat loss, noise, and burglary, while enhancing the overall comfort. Here are the main aspects to consider:
Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency
A key parameter is the thermal transmittance factor (Ud). The lower the value, the better the insulation.
- Standard home: Ud ≤ 1.3 W/m²K
- Energy-efficient building: Ud ≤ 0.9 W/m²K
Doors with double sealing systems and insulated cores help reduce heating costs and keep rooms warm.
Acoustic Comfort
If your home is in a noisy area, choose a door that reduces sound by at least 30–40 dB. This ensures peace and quiet indoors.
Security
Entrance doors should provide strong burglary protection. Recommended are RC2 or RC3 security class doors equipped with multi-point locks, reinforced hinges, and durable frames.
Materials and Weather Resistance
- Wood – natural look, requires regular maintenance.
- Steel and aluminum – durable and resistant to moisture and UV rays.
- Composite materials – combine strength and insulation.
Design and Appearance
Doors should match the facade and windows. Options include classic wooden designs or modern models with glazing. Colors range from natural wood tones to anthracite and bold shades.
Practical Features
- opening direction (left/right),
- low threshold,
- compatibility with smart home systems,
- electronic locks and door closers.
Certificates and Warranty
Quality doors must have CE marking and official certification. A long warranty period ensures peace of mind.
Summary: When buying exterior doors, don’t focus only on design. Thermal performance, sound insulation, security, and practicality are equally important. A good entrance door is a long-term investment in comfort and safety.
