The Many Types of Exterior Doors for Your Home

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Are you considering updating the exterior doors on your home? Doors may seem like a minor update, but your entry doors can make a massive difference in the appearance of your house. We can help you pick an option you’ll love with many types of exterior doors to choose from.

So how do you select the right exterior doors for your situation? How do you know the type of door you pick will complement your décor? Most importantly, how do you know that the exterior door you choose will be safe and secure for years to come?

Here we break down the many types of exterior doors available for your home through Weather Tight.

Image shows the exterior entry of a home with a front door with frosted windows, and two side windows.

Types of Exterior Doors

A door is a door, right? Well, not exactly. When choosing an exterior door, you’ll want to look at color options, glass features, hardware, and other factors. There are endless possibilities for your front and other exterior doors with the many entry door options available today.

You can get almost any style you like with fiberglass exterior doors. Fiberglass doors mimic the look of natural wood, with beautiful grain details that look authentic. What’s more, there are many finishes to choose from, hardware selections, and other ways to personalize and customize your ideal entry door.

Are you wondering if it’s really time to replace your entry door? Several signs can help you determine when a door is past its prime. In the video below, Tod & Todd explain three easy tests to tell you if you need to consider exterior door replacement.

 

Selecting an Exterior Door Style

If your home is modern, classic, or anything in between, you’ll find the perfect exterior door in our portfolio of options. Decorative details like wood molding, mullions, and panels can create a door that fits the style and feel of your house.

Fancy a modern look? A smooth door with small windows may be the right style. Prefer an artisan look? Many doors are available with rounded panels, shaker-type styles, and more. Fiberglass doors can mimic the look of any wooden door style but with a strong, maintenance-free finish.

Explore the many options for ThermaTru entry doors today.

Color Your Entry Door

At Weather Tight, we have seven different stain finishes to choose from. A range of wood grain shades ensures you can easily match your door to other wood finishes in your home. Many options, from light honey to dark raven, will give your door a perfect look.

Do you prefer a door with a pop of cheery color? Fortunately, our ThermaTru Smooth Star door series is fully paintable. You can pick any color you prefer, from red to green to orange. What do you want people to see when they come to your house? Select a signature color that sets your home apart. With fiberglass entry doors, you get the strength of steel with the ease, beauty, and customizability of wood.

Glass Design

Do you want a front door with sidelights? Seeking the security of a peep window? Would you prefer an exterior door with sidelights and a transom?

ThermaTru provides many decorative glass options for your front door. You can pick from all different types of window and glass features. If you want to let in light but keep your privacy, consider frosted glass or water glass. You can choose a decorative glass design or a solid window.

A transom or sidelight can really open up your entryway. Choose from eye-catching details that bring in light and offer extra security, as well. ThermaTru offers impact-rated glass in many of their door models—this glass will keep your entryway extra safe and secure.

Hardware, Locks & More

Finish your custom door look with beautiful hardware. Choose metal finishes that flatter the rest of your home’s hardware and complete the look. Of course, an exterior door should always lock securely and safely. Our doors have a multi-point locking system option that provides extra safety and security.

Instead of locking in only one point in the middle of the door, the three-point system secures the door in three different areas, making it especially safe from danger. The added locking protection also improves the door’s performance, as it holds it even tighter against the weatherstripping seal.

Compliment your new entry door with a beautiful storm door. We offer the perfect storm door to enhance your entryway with retractable screen options, stylish designs, beautiful hardware, and an array of color choices.

Security and Comfort: The Two Most Important Features of Any Entry Door

No matter the look, color, style, or features of your entry door, the essential part of any door performance is safety. Doors should protect your home from danger, weather, cold air, and more. Our fiberglass entry doors resist moisture and rot. As a result, they stay beautiful and low maintenance for years.

The weatherstripping on the doors helps keep out cold air, drafts, and heat loss. Our doors are energy efficient and can instantly improve your home’s comfort. Many homeowners wonder if their current door is performing efficiently and safely—to find out, perform this simple dollar bill test below from Tod & Todd.

Ever heard of the Dollar Bill Test? Watch Tod & Todd perform this tried-and-true test of efficiency to determine how your entry door is performing and if it’s time for an upgrade.

 

If you discover an exterior door is no longer doing its job, don’t wait. We can replace and update doors year-round. What’s more, an entry door replacement takes little time, and our technicians work hard to ensure your home is safe and comfortable during the entire process.

Many homeowners wonder why they waited so long to improve their homes’ look, comfort, and style. An entry door is a wise investment that can instantly improve your curb appeal, increase your home’s value, and make you feel proud to welcome guests.

If you’re ready to explore the types of exterior doors available for your home, reach out today! We’re happy to help you discover the perfect entrance.

 

Choosing Home Entry Doors: Why You Need a Quality Garage Entry Door

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If you’ve decided it’s time to replace the door to your home, you’re likely thinking of the front entry door. But most of us have multiple entrances to our home, and there are many reasons why a quality garage entry door may be one of the most important doors in your house.

Most homeowners are concerned about the look and feel of their front door. After all, it’s the face of your home, and it really enhances the curb appeal. Not to mention the benefits of heat loss prevention and weather protection, as well as the safety that comes from a solid entry door.

But if you’re replacing your door, we encourage you to consider all the entry doors to your home. Here’s why choosing a quality garage entry door is so crucial to your safety and comfort!

Image shows a fire rated entry door leading from a garage into a home. Inside the garage is a large tool chest to the right of the door, and some tools hung on the wall to the left.

Fire Hazards Start in the Garage

None of us like to think about house fires, but they can be devastating if we ever face one. One key to fire prevention is setting up a quality garage entry door that creates a safety barrier between your home and the garage.

These days, a fire-retardant door may even be a requirement, particularly if you live in a condo or multi-family dwelling. Regardless, a strong, quality garage entry door will protect you and your family in those critical minutes during a fire.

According to the US Fire Administration, about 6,600 residential fires begin in the garage each year, resulting in 30 deaths and 400 injuries. The garage is a common source of fire hazards, including poor wiring, combustible materials, chemicals, and yard equipment. People work on their cars and small engines in the garage. They use power tools there. In Wisconsin, they may set up a space heater to ward off the cold since many garages are poorly insulated.

All these factors create an environment where fire can quickly happen. Having a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher in your garage is a good idea, but if your garage is attached to your home, then a quality entry door is a critical line of defense. A fire-retardant door will protect your family.

At Weather Tight, we offer Therma-Tru products that are fire-rated and meet most code requirements for garage entry doors. Depending on the fire protection level you’d prefer, we offer 90-minute fire-rated steel doors, meaning they can withstand 1700 degrees for 90 minutes. We also sell 20-minute fiberglass fire doors, which feature a cement-based core and can withstand 1400 degrees for 20 minutes. If you’re considering new entry doors to your home, ask about garage entry door options as well!

Watch Tod & Todd discuss the importance of quality, fire-rated garage entry doors.

 

Other Benefits of Installing a Quality Garage Entry Door

For reasons less dramatic but still important, there are other benefits to choosing a quality garage entry door when you replace doors. Many homeowners dismiss the garage entry door, as it’s usually hidden behind the mudroom or the kitchen. They may assume it won’t beautify the house as much as the front, patio, or back door.

But you shouldn’t overlook your garage entry door because often, the most traffic comes through it. When you come and go, you’re probably walking in and out of the garage several times a day. For you and your family, the garage door IS the face of your home. A good garage entry door will not only look beautiful and compliment your home, but it will prevent air loss and close tightly every time.

You’ll want a garage door that offers an airtight seal and has been hung and fitted by a professional. Doors are notoriously finicky to install, and air loss can be a huge issue if they’re improperly hung. A professional installer will ensure you get an airtight door that won’t let the heat out and the cold air in during the winter. You will likely see the benefits of a good entry door on your energy bill.

Not only does an airtight door prevent heat loss, but it will also keep out the nasty smells and fumes that can seep into your house through the garage. If you can “smell” the car running with the garage door open and the garage-to-home entry door closed, you may be getting some air infiltration. Keep those vapors out of your house and away from your family.

Ever heard of the Dollar Bill Test? Watch Tod and Todd demonstrate how to tell if your garage entry door has a quality seal:

Last but certainly not least, there’s the issue of security. How many of us close the garage door and assume it means we don’t need to worry about the garage entry door to our home? Unfortunately, intruders know that breaking into a garage window or door is a quiet way to get into a home, especially when the entry door doesn’t have a sufficient lock. Sleep safely with a secure, quality garage entry door that keeps your family safe.

If you’re considering replacement doors for your home, be sure to include the garage entry door in your plan. We offer special deals and rates (including BOGO offers on entry doors). Don’t settle for doors that don’t do the job. Reach out to us today to explore your options for every entry door in your home.

 

What You Need to Know About Entry Door Replacement

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There’s no denying an entry door replacement instantly upgrades the look of your entire house. Front and center, your entry door is the focal point of your home. When friends, family, and visitors come by, it’s the first thing they see—and it makes a big statement.

Plus, your entry, side, or back door protects you and your family. Doors offer security and safety from outside weather and potential intruders.

So, when it’s time for entry, side, or back door replacement, consider all your options and review all aspects of the process. Choose a door to add to the value, look, and comfort of your house for years to come. Here’s what you need to know about the door replacement process.

Image shows the close up of a front porch of a Colonial home. There is a dark red door, and hanging plants on the patio.

How to Know When It’s Time for a New Entry, Side, or Back Door

There are several visible signs it’s time for a door replacement. The most significant indication is the look of the door itself. If your door’s style looks like it belongs in the last century, chances are it’s time to replace it.

Because doors are such a prominent feature of a home, they’re often one of the first areas to look dated. They’re also one of the first spots in your home that will show wear and tear. Cracked or peeling paint, warping, or staining are significant signs your door needs replacing.

Aside from cosmetic concerns, an older door presents a lot of challenges to the comfort and temperature control of your home as well. You may experience air leaks and drafts with an older door. People even see frost accumulate on the inside hardware of their doors in the winter. Indoor ice is a sure sign your door isn’t doing its job.

Some draft sources are obvious, but rest assured there are easy tests to reveal hidden air leakage around your door. One of our favorites is the dollar bill test. Take a dollar bill and slide it underneath your door. If the bill moves freely, it’s sure sign air is getting through.

How do you know it’s time to replace your entry door? Tod & Todd have some tips and handy tests you can try in this Tod & Todd’s Home Improvement Tips Video!

 

 

Another way to test your door is by taking a small flashlight and running it around your door. Ask a friend to stand inside your home. If they see the light seeping in around the door, you’re getting air loss. In the summer months, hold a fan up to the door and ask someone to stand on the other side with a wet hand. They’ll feel the cold air, indicating if and where you’re getting a draft.

Concerns about the locking mechanisms or hardware on your door are another big indication that a door replacement may be needed. Securing your door should never be a challenge. If your door doesn’t lock properly (or is difficult to open or close), consider a door replacement soon.

 

What to Look for in a Replacement Entry, Side, or Back Door

The first place you’ll notice the impact of a new door is on your energy bill. Modern replacement doors have many components built into them to help you save on energy.

At Weather Tight, we install beautiful Therma-Tru doors, which feature a sill and bottom sweep with a tight seal to protect against air and moisture infiltration. When combined with the recommended sill pan, the floor and subfloor will withstand moisture and rot. The composite material of the sill stands up to weather, heat, and humidity.

With weather-stripping and corner seal pads, Therma-Tru doors ensure your home stays comfortable all year long. Thanks to the precise seals that protect against air and moisture infiltration, you’ll save on heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

Choose from a wide selection of beautiful materials for your door as well. Wood is a classic option, but modern fiberglass features woodgrain and offers five times the insulation value of wood. Our doors don’t scratch, dent, warp, or twist. Plus, we offer an incredible array of customization options, including a variety of colors, glass designs, styles, and hardware. Choose a door to match and compliment the look and style of your home. Choose additional features like kickplates, mail slots, and peep sites, as well as surrounding features like a transom window or sidelights to let in light and give your home that extra designer flair.

It’s also important to consider the locking system of your door. Weather Tight offers a multi-point lock system for extra security. Our multi-point locking system locks in three spots on the door and is a great option to help you rest easy, knowing your home is safe.

Check out the handy custom door designer to see all the ways you can change your home with a replacement door. Print out your design and share it with your Weather Tight representative to ensure you get the door of your dreams.

 

What to Expect During Your Weather Tight Visit

Image shows a side by side photo showing the before and after of a home entry door replacement. On the left is a storm door with large glass window. On the right is a frosted window.

If you’re considering a door replacement, give Weather Tight a call to set up a consultation with one of our trusted experts. Our expert will come to your home and assess your door needs. During the visit, he or she will look at your door opening, take measurements, and go through the options to ensure your door perfectly fits the style of your home while offering suggestions that fit with your wants and needs.

We discuss all possible looks and provide real before-and-after pictures of customers who have replaced their doors. We also discuss your needs and what you’re looking for in terms of seals and efficiency. Thanks to the weather here in the Midwest, most of us need to consider the impact of the winter months—especially cold and moisture—on our doors. Wood doors tend to expand and shrink with the weather, whereas fiberglass doors hold up to the harshest conditions.

Your Weather Tight representative will also go over the door replacement process and timeline with you. We usually see an uptick in replacement doors in the spring, but summer, fall, and even winter are perfect times to consider a door replacement, so don’t wait! Weather Tight takes steps to ensure your home stays comfortable during construction and installation.

If you’re ready to improve the curb appeal, security, and comfort of your home, a replacement door is the right investment. Give Weather Tight a call today, and we’ll discuss the many options for a door you’ll love!

Windows & Doors: Two of the Best Condo Upgrades

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Upgrading a condo isn’t simply about investing in your own home. With condo living, you’ve got the whole neighborhood to consider!

Condo living has many benefits—beauty, simplicity, less maintenance, and great neighbors, to name a few. But when it comes to changing the outer look of your condo, you probably have to follow the rules. Condo upgrades are often subject to CC&R (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) and other association guidelines to help maintain the uniform curb appeal of all the condos in the association.

While you may worry this will stifle your individuality and creativity, never fear! There are plenty of updates you can make to your individual unit without rocking the boat at your next association meeting.

The Top Two Condo Upgrades You Can Make Today

Hands down, two of the best condo upgrades for unit owners are windows and doors. These updates are simple, affordable, and, best of all, often don’t require buy-in from your condo board or association!

Before you decide on an upgrade, it’s important to realize updates to an individual unit, such as windows and doors are often the responsibility and at the discretion of the condo owner.  Exterior updates — large-scale projects like roof replacement and exterior finishes–on the other hand, typically affect the entire condo association and require more extensive HOA (Home Owner’s Association) approval.

Of course, check your CC&Rs for guidelines and rules about all updates to your unit. If you’re unsure, you may still need to appeal to your HOA for approval. Getting your neighbors to see the benefits of the improvements is often key to securing consent.

Once you’re ready to move forward, here’s why windows and doors are the best bang for your condo upgrade buck.

 

Best Condo Upgrade #1 — Windows

Images shows two photos side by side. On the left, the photo says "before" and shows an old sliding window with wood trim. On the right, the photo says "after" and shows an updated replacement double hung window with white trim.

Updating windows is one of the most needed—yet often overlooked—upgrades that can make a big impact on any home, including a condo. Yes, there’s an upfront cost, but the benefits of the investment begin to pay off immediately.

Condo window replacement is a great way to save money. The moment new windows are installed, homeowners start to enjoy savings on energy bills. Modern windows improve ventilation, greatly increase indoor temperature control, and feature updated hardware for better security.  Newer models also fold down easily to make cleaning a breeze!

Updated condo windows improve the curb appeal of the unit, and the new windows look great. They expand and enhance outdoor views. Most windows offer a wide variety of customizable open positions that help control and improve airflow. Open or close your windows to accommodate outdoor temperatures without blocking your line of sight.

Bow and bay windows offer beautiful panoramic views while creating the illusion of a larger room. Garden windows (named after their greenhouse-like qualities) offer plenty of light and create excellent conditions for indoor plants.

The benefits provided by new condo windows improve property values. Updated windows are always an attractive selling point to potential buyers, making condo window replacements one of the best condo upgrades you can invest in. New windows improve the safety, security, and beauty of your condo. You’ll lower your energy bill, enhance your view, and see the world in a whole new light!

The Weather Tight Window Guarantee

Weather Tight has some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts who will help you choose or design the perfect windows. We work hard to guarantee 100 percent satisfaction. Weather Tight commonly serves condo, apartment, and multi-family properties and has more than 32,000 satisfied customers and an A+ BBB rating. We love working closely with our customers to find the best windows for their homes.

 

Best Condo Upgrade #2 — Doors

Image shows two photos side by side. On the left, the photo is labeled "before" and shows a condo entry with dark siding, an older entry door with light trim and a large window to the left of the door. The right, labeled "after" shows updated siding in a lighter color, and a new entry door with side windows on either side of the door, and a window panel over the door for more light.

Door replacement is a relatively painless condominium upgrade that can give your whole unit a facelift. Whether you decide on a French door, upgrading your sliding patio door, or adding a transom and sidelights, a door update is a great improvement. Best of all, doors are installed quickly with very little disruption. Updated doors offer significant benefits.

Condo door replacement saves you money almost immediately. Old doors often suffer from many problems, including poor energy efficiency. Doors that don’t fit properly are terrible for indoor temperature regulation, ballooning energy costs while making the indoor environment less comfortable.

Better yet, the new doors look great! Let in the light with a beautiful transom and sidelights; put a modern twist on your sliding doors with brand-new French doors. Imagine stepping out on your porch or balcony through a gorgeous, easy-to-open, secure patio door. No matter what door you choose, you’ll be happy you made the investment.

One of the most heavily used and highly visible parts of your condo, doors see a lot of abuse. Entry doors are exposed to the elements and must be well-insulated. They must also be moisture-resistant to maintain energy efficiency while withstanding damage from weather. When exposed to moss and rot, a door becomes unsightly with swelling and delamination, which, if left untreated, severely damages the door. This damage not only compromises aesthetics but it causes air leaks and even security concerns.

The other issue with condo doors is that old doors often sport outdated designs, which instantly make a condo community look old-fashioned and behind on modern trends. New doors instantly improve aesthetic value, offer enhanced security and better energy efficiency, and help to increase in-home comfort with improved temperature control.

A new entry or patio door is a great investment for your condo!

Easy Condo Door Upgrades from Weather Tight

The best part of working with our pros is the Weather Tight experience. We measure everything during the initial consultation, make recommendations, and walk you through the design process from start to finish. We work closely with condo owners, managers, and investors to update the appearance while adhering to association guidelines. We have doors in a wide variety of colors, styles, and functions available for entry, storm, and patio doors. We can meet the guidelines set forth by your HOA for a door that will look fantastic.

 

Get the Weather Tight Advantage from The Leaders in Condo Services

We know there’s a lot to consider when you’re considering condo updates, repairs, and maintenance. Once you decide on an improvement, working with your HOA to agree upon and approve condo upgrades is often a delicate task.

Fortunately, at Weather Tight, we’re experienced in working with individual unit owners as well as HOAs. We will help you select the best condo upgrades to keep everyone in the association happy and satisfied. We’ll work with you to ensure your updates fit within the CC&Rs, and we’re happy to work with condominium boards and HOAs as well.

At Weather Tight, we focus on recommending the best condo upgrades for your particular situation. Weather Tight has been helping homeowners and condo associations for over thirty years. We stand behind our work on any condo upgrade you choose.

Give us a call or chat here with one of our reps for a free estimate today! If you’re ready to improve the look of your home with some great condo upgrades, we’ve got you covered!

6 Signs it is Time to Replace your Entry Door

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An entry door on our home acts as the first line of defense for safety, privacy, security, efficiency & curb appeal! But just how efficient is the current entry door on our home? If you have ever found yourself uncertain about ‘if’ & ‘when’ you should replace it, look no further! Not knowing what signs to look for can be a costly oversight for a homeowner. There are many important factors to consider when looking to replace our old entry door with a new one.

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