If you’re like many homeowners, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your doors—until it’s time to replace them. To ensure that your new doors are beautiful, energy efficient, and secure, it’s important to ask plenty of questions when you talk with exterior door replacement contractors.

With over 40 years of combined experience, our crew has helped countless customers find the perfect replacement doors for their homes, and we’ve answered plenty of inquiries about our products and the installation process. Before you head out to select your new doors, keep the following questions in mind.

  1. What is the Best Door Material for My Home?

    2. When choosing a door material, you’ll need to consider price, energy efficiency, maintenance, and of course, style. Doors are commonly built from one of the following three types of materials:

    • Wood: Wood doors are particularly popular for historic homes, and they are available in custom finishes so you can create a unique door that matches your home’s architectural aesthetic. They do require regular maintenance and can fade or warp over time if they receive several hours of direct sunlight every day.
    • Steel: It’s hard to beat the strength of steel when it comes to entry doors. Plus, they can be painted to match other exterior elements and are extremely energy efficient.
    • Fiberglass: For an energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and cost-effective door, fiberglass is a great choice. Many companies even offer durable fiberglass doors with the appearance of real wood.

  2. What Do I Need to Know About Locks and Hardware?

    3. While locks and hardware are designed to add style to your doors, their primary function is security. With countless options available for new doors, it’s best to ask an experienced door installer for recommendations to ensure that your new locks and hardware provide the level of security you want at a cost-effective price. Some manufacturers even offer state-of-the-art options such as integrated lock sensors for an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

  3. Should My Doors Swing Inward or Outward?

    4. While most doors swing inward, the climate where you live can impact your decision. Outward-swinging doors are popular for homeowners in regions that experience strong winds, tropical storms, or hurricanes since they help decrease chances that the doors will be blown in. Inward-swinging doors are beneficial in areas that receive heavy snowfall. With an inward-swinging door, you won’t get trapped inside your home when snow piles up against the door.

  4. Do My New Doors Come with Warranties?

    5. In order to protect your investment, you want to make sure that your new doors are at least covered by a manufacturer warranty. While most door manufacturers offer lifetime or limited lifetime warranties on their products, also ask your contractor if they offer a labor warranty.

  5. Are You a Licensed and Insured Contractor?

    6. With so many home remodeling scams in the headlines today, it’s important to choose a professional contractor to install your new doors. Ask to see proof of the contractor’s insurance and licensing, as well as coverage for any workers who will be on your property.

  6. How Long Have You Been Installing Doors?

    7. Door installation isn’t a simple DIY project or a job for the neighborhood handyman. While you might be tempted to simply ask a contractor how long they have been in business, when it comes to replacement doors, it’s more important to know how long they’ve actually been installing new doors. Even if they have years of experience performing basis home remodeling jobs, you’ll want to make sure they are door installation experts dedicated to providing high-quality products, workmanship, and service.

Are you in need of new doors for your home? At Design Windows and Doors, we offer a wide selection of beautiful, energy-efficient doors that will keep your family safe and secure for decades. From sliding glass door replacement solutions to secure entry door installations, we’ll help you create a custom door that you’ll love for a lifetime!

Give us a call today to learn more about our experienced exterior door replacement contractors or fill out our simple online form right now to request a free, no-obligation quote.