Doors: Tips for Phoenix Homeowners
In Phoenix, the doors that are the biggest focal points will be your entry and exterior doors. Because these doors are exposed to excessive wear and weather, they'll show their age prematurely. Most doors are made from wood. While this is a natural and appealing material, these doors tend to wear out faster. Considering the climate of Phoenix, doors on the outside of your home can really boost the value of your home when they are updated and replaced.
Every season, the intense sun of Arizona will crack and weather your doors in Phoenix. The sun's natural rays break down the lignin in the wood, and moisture will swell and crack wood fibers. With enough time, your doors will show their age. Replacing them can really improve the features of your home that are most noticeable from the outside.
Luckily there have been many improvements in doors in Phoenix. You now have many more options when it comes to selection, including alternatives that last longer than wood. High tech models like steel and fiberglass provide a similar look but last for ages.
One big change with doors in Phoenix is that you can now buy an entire "entry system," unless you're just looking for a bare bones door replacement. In an entry system, the door is pre-hung in the frame, with the bottom edge of the door interlocking with the frame. Weather stripping encircles the door's perimeter for improved durability. Hinges and lock set are designed to work together. While this method will cost more than just buying a door, it's more convenient as you know everything will line up. There's less guess work involved.
Another change you'll notice with doors is that wooden doors aren't necessarily made out of wood anymore. Some doors that look like wood really have steel interiors. You may find a fiberglass door with a wood frame. Any door may have foam core insulation. The advantage of these approaches is you can get a longer lasting door that still has that wood appeal. Unless you're a purist, it's best to have a door that looks wooden but is really much more durable.
Of course, it helps to consider doors according to their main face material just for discussion. The choice to use wood is aesthetic after all, since other materials are much better quality. So long as the door looks like wood, you still have the appeal, even if the wood only covers a stronger steel or fiberglass material.
When it comes to doors in Phoenix, you can choose between paneled or flushed. Flush doors are flat and smooth on both faces. Panels have an even panel pattern on them for decoration. They originally emerged from wood doors as a way to keep them from cracking and warping. The panels provided a space for the wood to expand with the moisture. Today, panels are purely an aesthetic design that is very popular. Choosing between flush and panel doors is really just a matter of preference.
Redoing your doors in Phoenix is a great way to improve the value of your home and give it a face lift. With all the options available, you can find one that is both appealing and long lasting. Choose doors that mimic wood, but are actually made of steel or fiberglass. You get more for your money.
About the Author:
Linda Zimmerman is co-owner of Republic West, a leading home remodeling contractor specializing in complete home remodeling, kitchens, baths, room additions, windows, doors and cabinet refacing. For more about doors in Phoenix, visit our website.
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