Why Builders Demand the Best in Premium Doors

Builders and renovators are well aware that the strength of a home’s doors is the only thing separating the interiors from your exteriors. Harsh weather, ice and rain storms, and prolonged periods of moisture or dryness can really damage not only the door frames themselves but also the efficiency and inner ecosystem of your household. It’s important to remember that entrance systems have to be resilient and durable specifically because they’re located in a high-traffic area of the home, used repeatedly in all kinds of weather and expected to hold up in all seasons.

When you look into Golden Windows for Kitchener windows and doors, you’re choosing from a selection of wooden and aluminum-clad high-performance entry systems that open and close smoothly, hold up against moisture, and look beautiful in a variety of fiberglass and steel panel designs.

Several factors determine how well a door performs:

• Insulation: Often, the stuff a door must keep out is related to the weather. It should minimize heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer. But how to tell which doors do this better than others? Fortunately, the experts at Golden Windows, who have been manufacturing top-tier Canadian products for over half a century, can provide lots of information. These manufacturers voluntarily submit their products for energy ratings, do tests of their own technologies, and function according to a philosophy of continuous improvement. Tests are performed to establish non-solar heat flow, solar heat gain, and air leakage. The most energy-efficient products will score the highest in these categories, and their performance is available in online products descriptions. Many have come to show that they've earned the prized Energy Star designation and thus exceed national standards.

• Material: Popular materials for doors include fiberglass, steel, and the traditional wood. There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Wood doors are typically considered the most beautiful and most flexible in terms of finish and installation requirements. However, as a natural substance, wood is likely to be the least durable and requires the most maintenance. Fiberglass, steel, and aluminum-clad doors tend to be more efficient because they transfer less heat. They are also, when purchased from Golden Windows, virtually maintenance-free, always high-quality, efficient, and available in all kind of colours. Decide which factors are most important to you, or speak to a professional for recommendations. •

• Security: A high-quality door must strongly resist intrusion. Solid-core wood and steel doors tend to do best in this regard, though fiberglass can also be a good option. Make sure the door you choose features strong, heavyweight hinges and is drilled (or can be drilled) for the lockset that best matches your budget and demands for security.

• Function: A door must open and close with a trouble-free glide, and weather-stripping surfaces should mate cleanly and tightly with no gaps or air leaks. On top of that, they should remain well-sealed whenever closed, all the while creating a pleasurable reflection of your personal taste and style.