A new front door is a great way to add curb appeal to your home. It is also a functional element that can provide security and insulation. But before you can enjoy the beauty of your new entryway, there are a few things you should know.
First, you need to have some knowledge of exterior door parts. This includes the frame, jamb, stop, threshold, weatherstripping, and hardware. Second, you need to know how to choose the right parts and accessories.
In this article, we’ll show you how to identify and select the right front door parts so that you can get the entryway of your dreams.
Let's jump in.
What Material Used in Exterior Door?
The most popular materials used in entry door parts are wood, fiberglass, steel, and aluminum. Any of these materials can be used to make up the anatomy of an exterior door, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the right one for your specific needs.
- Wood: Wood is the most traditional option for custom front doors and can give your home a classic look. You can also mix it with other materials to get a modern finish, however, the parts of door made of wood will require more maintenance and can warp or rot over time.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is one of the most popular exterior door components because it is low maintenance and can withstand the elements.
- Steel: Steel is the most durable option, but they're also the most expensive. They typically make up all or most of the parts of an outside door in commercial settings because they're tough.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is one of the best front door components, and can be used for a wide variety of spaces including kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and more. They are extremely strong, durable, and lightweight.
Options for Exterior Entrances
Have you ever stopped to ask what are the parts of an exterior door? Let's take a look at the four main components of this structure.
Glass existence
Glass is the most common and widely used component for these structures. Glass panes are usually held in place by a wooden or metal frame. This frame is an indispensable part of the anatomy of a front door, as it is designed to hold everything in place.
Exterior doors with glass provide natural light. You can also clearly see who is outside before opening. For better energy efficiency, the glass can be double-paned.
Lock Options
The lock is an essential part of any front door parts list. It is what keeps your home safe. There are many different types of locks available such as mortise locks and deadbolt locks. You can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Mortise locks have a hole or slot in the middle of the structure where you can insert a key; deadbolts on the other hand, have a mechanism that locks automatically when closed. However, if you are concerned with security, a multi-point lock may be what you need. It is the best option for security.
Hinge Options
The hinges are also very important parts of the front door. They’re what allow you to open and close it. There are many types of hinges available from basic ball-bearing hinges to more complex self-closing options.
Jamb Components
The jamb components include the jambs, sill, mull, threshold, and other parts that make up the frame. All of these hold up the structure and give it support as well as a nice look. Most people choose to paint the jamb so that it reflects their color preference, but be sure to use colors that will not conflict with other outside front door parts.
Accessories for Exterior Doors
If you’re going to have a new front entrance, apart from a good understanding of the front door anatomy, you may want to think about the accessories you’re going to need to make it function properly.
There are many types of accessories that you can choose from and the most common ones are:
- Address Plaques
- Ball Catches
- Hinges
- Kickplates
- Stops
- Flush Bolts
- Glass
- Grilles
- Handle and Lockset
- Handrail Brackets
- House Numbers
- Latches
- Privacy Bolts
- Push/Pull Plates
- Surface Bolts
- Switchplates
- Weatherstripping
Final Thoughts
Understanding exterior doors anatomy is key to maintaining their appearance. For example, you'll know that it's time to replace one or more parts of a front entry door if it starts to allow in drafts, doesn't sit well in its frame, and makes noise during opening and closing.
Hopefully, this article has taught you some of the important things you need to know about exterior front door anatomy. Now you can get started with transforming the look and feel of your front entrance! Be sure to buy from a reliable doors manufacturer so that you can get value for your money.
Choose from a wide selection of the finest products from United Porte and give your home a fresh new look.
