In a place like The Villages, where homes reflect the residents’ unique personality and style, entry doors must balance aesthetics with robustness. This is especially true for front doors, which are more than a gateway into the home; they’re a statement of the homeowner’s personal style and a guardian against inclement weather and intruders.
Impact-rated doors
When a hurricane strikes, it brings with it heavy blows and flying debris. In these conditions, a standard front door will likely crack and shatter under the pressure. An impact-rated front door is constructed from reinforced doors skins and a specialized glass that will resist heavy impacts without breaking.
These doors are ideal for homes in Florida. In fact, they are required in some areas deemed to be “Wind-Borne Debris” (WBD) and “High Velocity Hurricane Zones” (HVHZ). A reputable window company will help you determine whether you live in an area that requires impact doors.
Besides offering superior protection, impact-rated front doors are energy efficient. They have insulated panels that reduce heat transfer inside your home, saving you money on utilities. Some insurance companies also offer discounts to homeowners who have their doors impacted-rated. This makes the cost of these doors worth it in the long run. These doors are not only a necessity in Florida, but also a great way to increase your home’s value.
Fiberglass entry doors
Your front door is more than a passageway; it’s an invitation to visitors, a guardian against the elements and intruders and a symbol of your unique style. Luckily, there are many styles of doors to choose from to meet your needs.
Fiberglass entry doors are a popular choice for Florida homeowners because they’re durable, energy efficient and low maintenance. They can resist outdoor elements and repel insects like lizards and house flies. And they come in a variety of colors and finishes to complement any home design.
Unlike steel, fiberglass is an insulator, so it keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Plus, you can customize your fiberglass door with a variety of lites and transom options to elevate its look. You can also create a more stylish entrance with wrought iron grille designs and decorative door handles.
Screen entry doors
Choosing the right front entry door isn’t just an aesthetic choice. It’s a statement of your unique style and a guardian of the safety of your family and belongings. In Florida’s diverse climate, your replacement door needs to be able to withstand heavy winds, resist moisture damage and repel insects.
Compared to storm doors, screen doors offer a more practical solution. They let in cool air while keeping out bugs and other pests. They can also be custom designed to complement your home’s architecture.
Another option is a retractable screen. This type of single-door system is designed for easy operation and is ideal for front, patio or balcony entrances. It eliminates the need for long tracks or noisy hinges, and is available in several colors and finishes. It’s a great choice for homeowners who want to enjoy the warm Florida breeze without worrying about insects and other pests invading their home. It also keeps sand, grass cuttings, and wasp nests from entering the house.
Bi-fold doors
Bi-fold doors are a stylish and functional option for bringing in natural light and creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. They have a unique design that features thin frames (aluminum, wood, or vinyl) enclosing large panes of glass. They slide together when open and stack to the side when not in use.
They provide an unobstructed view and can help to fight temperature loss in the winter by letting in the sun’s warming rays. They also allow for ventilation, reducing air pollution and cooling your home or office.
They are easy to clean and require little maintenance. They also feature a locking system that can be secured at multiple points, giving you peace of mind when you’re away from your home or business. Some of the best ones include a 5-point system that has two hook bolts on top and bottom of the frame, a combination lock, and a deadbolt on the middle of the door.