From TOTAL HOME Renovation Magazine The three most common materials used in residential exterior doors are steel, wood and fiberglass. Each one has distinct advantages and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision. Steel doors are strong, practical, and long lasting because they will not crack or warp. A simple, standard size steel door is usually the least expensive option but they do not have to be plain or boring. Way-Mar offers steel doors in 30 standard colours or can be custom matched to your paint chip to create a bold accent to your home. Unlike previous generations of steel doors, today’s models are factory pre-painted for a consistent high quality finish that stands up to everyday wear and tear. A wooden door is the best choice for homeowners that want to either maintain the traditional styling of an original door or add a unique and bold new entrance system to their home. Wooden doors are a more expensive choice. Custom doors are the pinnacle of craftsmanship and style, designed to fit non-standard size openings and finished to match existing components of your home.
It is recommended that any wooden door be protected by a porch roof to minimize the environmental impact of our harsh climate. Fibreglass exterior doors are an excellent way to achieve the look of a wooden door without the expense. Available in a textured wood-grain finish, they can be painted or stained to give an authentic appearance. Fiberglass doors are well suited to the extremes of our local climate and have the advantages of being low maintenance and energy-efficient. One of the most popular fiberglass doors right now is a traditional craftsman style door which has a stained wood finish with a small accent window above a dentil shelf. Finding the right hardware for your door does not have to be an overwhelming experience even though there is an almost endless selection of levers, deadbolts and entry sets available on the market today. Electronic Keypads - A popular choice for many homeowners is an electronic deadbolt lock. These “keyless” entry systems provide the convenience of a keypad or touchscreen without the need for a traditional key to unlock your door.
Earlier models of electronic locks quickly drained batteries because a motor mechanically moved the deadbolt lock. Current models simply electronically lock or unlock the mechanism and then the user manually moves the deadbolt with a lever or handle. If a battery does drain unexpectedly, the entryset has a key override to bypass the electronic system. They are fully programmable so you can change your code as often as you like providing you with secure and reliable access to your home. Door Handles - Way-Mar customers are increasingly choosing lever handles over traditional door knobs. A lever can usually be opened even when your hands are full by simply pushing down with a forearm or elbow. Elderly homeowners find them much easier to use as well. Way-Mar is always happy to work with their customers to find the best option that fits the home owner’s needs and budget. They will direct customers to a hardware supplier so they can put their hands on the various options before making a decision.
Way-Mar also has the expertise to find the right hardware based on the homeowners input when the customer does not have the time or desire to choose it themselves. In either case, Way-Mar will perform the hardware installation and can take care of other services like keying to existing door locks or putting new matching deadbolts on all exterior doors. In each era of home construction, Way-Mar often sees common building techniques that were employed by builders at the time. Many homes built in the 1960’s have a large masonry sill directly under the front door without the addition of a threshold. Unfortunately this masonry conducts cold directly into the home so when replacing the front door, it is an ideal time to consider a permanent solution to this issue. New doors are installed with a threshold which creates a barrier to solve the cold problem. The downside of leaving the existing masonry sill is that the original step height of the door is raised creating a safety hazard.
The new door may also have to be custom sized to properly fit the opening which is an added expense. Way-Mar’s recommended approach to homeowners in this situation is to remove the original masonry sill entirely and replace it with a lower profile sill. Then a new standard size door can be installed and the original step height is maintained at the top of the threshold. The sill replacement is an additional expense but generally would not exceed the cost of a custom fitted door. The solution is a better, energy saving entrance with minimal impact to the original look of the home or the step height. Venting sidelights are a popular new option for homeowners who do not want to cover up their door with a storm or screen door. Venting sidelites allow you to enjoy fresh air without opening your front door because they crank open similar to a casement window. The integrated screens keep bugs out while allowing airflow and more natural light into your home. They can be installed as a single or a matching pair on each side of the door—either way, venting sidelites are designed to complement the principle door creating a complete entrance system.
With Golden Windows, you can reinvent your home and save money by replacing under-performing or drafty windows with new, maintenance free options. Installing energy-efficient windows and doors is an important factor in lowering your energy bill. Our aluminum, wood, and vinyl windows are vanguards of efficiency and easy maintenance.We manufacture high-quality products in our Kitchener plant and partner with trusted suppliers and dealers, professional builders and renovators to ensure you are completely satisfied with your new windows and doors. Please explore our product lines for solutions that best suit your needs or visit one of our retail locations in Kitchener, London or Ottawa. Our GoldenClad product line offers versatililty with a beautiful wood interior and a maintenance free, extruded aluminum-clad exterior for your home. The windows and doors come in six standard exterior colours with an additional 24 colours to choose from. Custom colours are also available. Click here to learn more.