Sometimes, front doors can look unappealing and dysfunctional due to too much damage or rot. While we are keen on restoring your front door as they are not only a part of your house’s style and historical character, doors made from way back actually are stronger and more durable than recent ones. However, if your door is beyond repair, then replacement may be your only option. Here are some of the factors you should definitely keep in mind.
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Your home’s architectural design
Although this is completely your preference, we would suggest buying a door that complements your house style. Apart from adding to your home’s appeal, this can help you determine the material you might want to use. There are many different house styles present in the UK, however, some of the most popular ones are Georgian, Tudor, and Victorian-style houses. You can research more about it to figure out what type of house you have. However, here are some of the distinctive features of the doors in their styles.
- Georgian. This type is under the umbrella term “traditional.” These types are usually made from brick or stone and have traditional doors made of wood adorned with fibreglass. The front doors are also stained for a classic look.
- Tudor. Tudor types have very distinctive front doors. This is styled to fit the medieval look, and so they are curved at the top meeting at a point in the middle. They can be adorned with a door knocker or a speakeasy to match well with the look.
- Victorian. Victorian types feature bay windows and intricate patterns and textures. The doors come in bold colours and also feature stained glass designs.
Your door’s functionality
Aside from staying true to your home’s architecture, your door should also serve its actual purpose. This is where you choose between different materials. If you are leaning towards functionality rather than style, then you might consider buying a door made from materials other than wood. Other options you can consider are steel and fibreglass. Steel provides the best security, however, it can be difficult on extreme temperatures as it can conduct heat. It is also prone to rust. Fibreglass doors have less tendency to develop cracks and scratches than steel and wood, but sizes are mostly standard and may be difficult to fit in irregularly-sized door frames. Wood can be transformed to be energy efficient and can easily be custom-made. However, without proper maintenance, it can develop cracks and rot after a long time.
Your budget
Even with several considerations, your budget can only take you somewhere. Analyse your budget and what you can do to buy a door that can serve its purpose but will also not be too financially damaging. Sometimes, restoration can be the least expensive choice, even. Steel doors can be the cheapest option, fibreglass being the most expensive.
Before you venture on to transform your front door, be sure to weigh all your options so you could surely get the most of what you are paying for.
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Pieter Boyce
Wooden Window and Door Specialist
This article was written on behalf of Fortis & Hooke by Pieter Boyce. Pieter has an intense passion for English Architectural history and has been specialising in the conservation of original wooden windows and doors for decades. His exceptional knowledge of timber windows and doors, both listed or non-listed, is attributed to his hands-on approach to learning all aspects of the complete restoration of original features as well as having personally surveyed thousands of items throughout his long tenure as a head surveyor for one of the largest window and door restoration companies in the UK. He now runs a boutique wooden window and door consultancy and fervently champions the retention of original windows and doors. To learn more of Pieter’s services, visit his website at www.boultonboyce.co.uk.