How to Choose the Right Side Door for Your Home

You put a lot of effort and care into choosing every element of your property, especially when it comes to the exterior, which is the first thing people notice when they visit it. Selecting the right side door can make a big difference in the look and functionality of your home. Make sure you’re prepared for that important decision. 

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Side Door

As you select your side door, think about the things that are going to matter most to you, both in terms of appearance and in terms of overall functionality. 

• Privacy: You want your door to shield your home from anyone who might be attempting to simply peek inside. Make sure that windows are frosted or small to maintain your privacy. 
• Durability: Side doors are often a key entry point for people who should not have access to your home. Choose a side door made of a durable material to help improve overall security. 
• Insulation: Any break in your wall, whether a window or a door, can decrease insulation. Select a well-insulated door that will keep your home at the ideal temperature. 
• Swing: How do you want your side door to swing open? Make sure you choose a door that opens the right way based on potential obstacles and overall use. 

By taking these factors into account early, you increase the odds that your side door will meet your needs long-term.

Choosing the Right Material and Style

While it may be tempting to choose your side door based on appearance, take a closer look at the material and construction, too. While wood is a popular choice for look, it may also fail to provide the insulation you need and will certainly need more maintenance. Fiberglass is a popular side door choice, since it is durable and comes in a variety of styles, including those that mimic the look of real wood grain. Steel side doors may be more limited in their appearance, but they are tough, able to stand up to the demands you’ll make on that door for a long time to come, and often more budget-friendly. Take all those factors into account before deciding on your side door. 

Security and Energy Efficiency Tips

There are several simple strategies that can improve security and energy efficiency when you install a new side door. 

• Choose the right door. Choose an insulated door intended for outdoor use to help prevent air leaks. In addition, look at the door’s rating for insulation and heat transfer.
• Install the right hardware. Options like deadbolts and heavy hinges, installed with long screws, can significantly improve your overall security. 
• Consider visibility. If you have a side door that is not clearly visible from the rest of the house, you may want to install cameras to provide more awareness. 

These steps can improve your door’s functionality and help you enjoy a higher level of confidence. 

Measuring and Installing Your Side Door

Measuring is a vital part of ensuring that your new side door fits in the space left behind by the old one. Measure it for height and width at three different spots: the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Use the smallest measurement to improve fit. Keep in mind that the rough opening, without trim in place, should be about 2 inches wider and taller than the door to install proper fit. Once you’ve chosen a door that fits the space:

• Remove the old trim. You’ll need to install new trim along with the door to ensure stability and fit. 
• Check the fit of the new door. Do a “dry fit” before you start installation, checking for fit at all sides and depth. 
• Shim and fasten. Install shims (thin pieces of wood) at the hinges or jamb to improve fit. Fasten them down securely. 
• Screw the door in place. For an exterior door, you’ll need to drive long screws through the hinges and into the frame. Make sure not to overtighten, which could warp the frame or door. 
• Seal. Sealant prevents potential gaps in your new exterior door. 

Make sure you have a good fit at each stage of the installation process, and back up and fix any potential errors early. 

Select Your New Side Door

Are you looking for the perfect side door for your home? Contact us at Iron Doors of Arizona to learn more about our side door options and how to choose the best one for your home.