Living in Canada, we’re subject to extreme weather and harsh, blistering winters. There are a number of things you can do to make sure your home is as warm and comfortable as possible during the winter months, and one of those things is upgrading your exterior door. Your door controls how much air comes in and out of your home, protects you from the elements and provides safety and security for your home. Poorly designed doors can make your home more drafty and boost heating costs during the winter. Finding the best exterior door for cold weather is of utmost importance. Here are 4 tips to choose the right door for harsh Canadian winters.
1. Proper Insulation
The best exterior doors for harsh Canadian winters are ones that are well insulated. Look for fiberglass insulated doors, solid wood doors, metal insulated doors, and other doors with heat-trapping materials. You want to make sure there’s an air-tight seal around your door at all times so that no draft is able to come in, so check your frame for any gaps or leaks. Properly insulated doors are also more energy efficient, which is always a big plus.
2. Choosing the Right Material
Not all doors are created equal, and there are certain materials that will work better to protect your home during the winter. Fiberglass exterior doors are one of the most popular among homeowners due to their affordability, durability and low maintenance. Fiberglass is a poor conductor of heat, so it’s more efficient at insulating your home, saving you money on your energy bills. Vinyl and steel doors are also great choices as they’re poor thermal conductors, maintaining the temperature inside your home. Glass, on the other hand, is a poor insulator, so unless you choose a door with multiple glass layers, it’s best to choose a solid door for cold winters.
3. Consider a Storm Door
You may also consider installing a storm door around your exterior door if you’re worried about extreme winter elements, such as hail. Gentek’s storm doors are designed to suit our Canadian climate, fabricated using a heavy duty frame to provide superior weather protection and ventilation. Each door is custom made to suit your home and is virtually maintenance-free, so you don’t have to worry about winter upkeep. You also get added security for your home, while accentuating the appearance of your exterior.
4. Professional Installation
Getting your door installed properly is just as important as choosing the perfect exterior door for your home. Hanging a door can be complicated if you don’t know what you’re doing, and doors need to be perfectly hung if they’re going to insulate your home. A professional can help you pick the right door for your home and environment, and will install your new door seamlessly. Click here to find quality contractors and retailers across the country!
Canadian winters are no walk in the park. To keep your home warm and comfortable, use these tips to choose an exterior door perfect for harsh Canadian winters!