Frequently Asked Questions About Entry Door Installation in Cleveland

Your home’s entryway really sets the tone for your property. Inviting. Appealing. Welcoming. That’s how you want others to describe it. At the same time, you also want it to work for you, practically speaking. You need a door that will offer safety, protection, and energy efficiency. Thankfully, you can have it all when you work with Fairview Home Improvement for entry door installation in Cleveland. 

That said, you likely have plenty of questions about entry doors and how to make the right choice for your home, needs and preferences. Here we’ll discuss some of the more commonly asked entry door questions. And of course, get in touch with us if you want to know more!

Which material is best for an entry door?

As is always true when it comes to home improvement decisions, the answer is, it depends. Each homeowner is going to have a myriad of variables and countless factors to consider when choosing a new entry door. These could include matching your home’s architectural style and blending with the existing aesthetic while also offering superior security, energy efficiency, durability and a long lifespan. Each material used to craft modern entry doors has its pros and cons, but in general, the pros are what we’re looking at. 

At Fairview Home Improvement, we offer steel and fiberglass entry doors, and we stand behind all the products we offer–they all meet or exceed homeowner needs while still being affordable. Fiberglass doors can offer better durability than their counterparts, since they resist denting, corrosion, and require very minimal maintenance. Steel entry doors are also naturally durable and they offer the highest level of security. If they suffer impact and sustain a dent, they’re easy enough to repair. Steel entry doors are also easy to maintain, and both fiberglass and steel doors offer homeowners a beautiful finish in various colors and textures along with excellent soundproofing features–a must if you live in a busy neighborhood. We don’t offer wooden doors, due to the obvious risk of warping, rot, and more problems, but a high-quality fiberglass door perfectly captures the look and feel of natural wood with a longer lifespan, higher durability, and far easier maintenance routine.

How do I maintain an entry door?

Steel entry doors feature a coating of baked-on finish that is applied during production, at the manufacturer’s facilities. This ensures the best appearance and long-term performance, so fading and repainting is not an issue. Since the ProVia doors that Fairview Home Improvement offers are warrantied against flaking, checking, blistering, and peeling for 10 years from the date of installation, there won’t be much more maintenance necessary other than a light dusting or periodic washing. ProVia fiberglass entry doors feature hand-applied door stains and glazes, accompanied by a 10- or 15-year finish warranty, depending on the model chosen. Other than routine, light cleaning with mild, non-abrasive products and ensuring that hinges are lubricated and locks are functioning, homeowners will not need to perform major maintenance on their ProVia entry doors.

Fiberglass doors generally resist damage. If a steel entry door sustains a dent or ding, these can easily be pulled and puttied.

How are steel and fiberglass entry doors constructed?

Fiberglass entry doors feature a polyurethane core and an interior framework of wooden supports and framing. The molded and embossed exterior perfectly mimics the look and feel of real wood. Steel doors include a strong interior structure and a computer-driven foam filling process for optimal energy efficiency and strength. Steel doors can be smooth or may have an embossed pattern or bevel.

Should I buy an entry door with or without glass?

This is a personal, case-by-case decision, but we can shed some light on the various factors at play here. Obviously, an entry door with a glass panel will let in natural light and potentially be more ornamental and inviting to guests, offering an elevated aesthetic appeal. Adding sidelights or decorative glass panels can take the beauty to the next level. That said, even the best glass door panels can compromise important considerations like safety, extreme weather conditions, and privacy. And though modern glass door panels are available with energy efficiency coatings and ratings, glass will always be less efficient than insulated steel or fiberglass. 

If your entry door is facing the hot afternoon sun, the prevailing winds, or will take the brunt of seasonal rain, ice and snow, glass may not be the best option. However, if paired with a storm door, you can have greater leeway on your entry door choices. And the glass panel types available include those that offer more or less privacy or light penetration. Speaking with your local provider of home improvement in Cleveland will ensure that you make the right choice for your needs and preferences. 

What is the most secure entry door?

Without a doubt, reinforced steel is the strongest option for an entry door. The ProVia steel entry doors that we offer at Fairview Home Improvement utilize 49% more steel than the average entry door, being made using 20-gauge metal. However, the door material is not the only consideration when deciding on the most secure entry door. Installing multi-point, high quality locking hardware, secure door frames, and other security features can make any door more resistant to a break-in. Choosing a solid door versus one with a glass panel–or upgrading to impact-resistant glass–is also a good idea if security is your top concern.

What is the most energy efficient entry door?

Energy efficiency is built in to entry doors by means of the insulated foam core. ProVia doors feature a proprietary process for computer-driven foam filling that ensures total coverage. All the entry doors we offer at Fairview Home Improvement boast ENERGYSTAR certification, a promise that you are choosing an energy-efficient option for your home. Modern glass panels can be insulated and feature low-E coatings, so it is possible to have a more decorative door while also appreciating reduced energy use. ProVia doors are also built with efficiency in mind, so they feature robust weatherstripping to prevent drafts and ensure a tight seal.

How do I know if I need a new entry door?

Take a good look at your existing entry door and it will be pretty easy to differentiate cosmetic issues from structural or other problematic symptoms of an aging door that needs to be replaced. Faded or chipped paint and a ding or dent here or there can be repaired. However, missing or deteriorated weatherstripping, obvious moisture within any glass panels, warping, cracking, or clear signs of corrosion and rust or moisture damage point to the end of the door’s lifespan. A compromised door is not as secure, far less energy efficient, and will not end up contributing positively to your home’s curb appeal or resale value. If you are seeing these signs, it is time to consider seeking out entry door replacement in Cleveland.

How much do new entry doors cost?

Total cost of a new entry door will depend on the material, the size, additional features like glass panels and sidelites, special energy efficiency features and the complexity of the installation process. Local labor rates, location, and other variables can also factor in. On average, you can expect to spend $2,000 or more on a new, fully loaded fiberglass or steel entry door. This is a ballpark figure that can vary greatly. Contact our knowledgeable team to get a more precise, tailored estimate.

What are the benefits of replacing an old entry door?

A new entry door gives your home an instant facelift. It also immediately improves security, energy efficiency, and privacy. On top of these practical concerns, a new entry door also beautifies your space, can let in more natural light if you opt for glass panels, and can add greatly to your home’s resale value. Also worth noting is that the return on investment of entry door installation in Cleveland is undeniable, as it helps to increase the overall perceived value of your home.

What are good entry door brands?

There are many brands on the market, but the Cleveland home improvement specialists at Fairview work exclusively with ProVia®, both when recommending and installing entry doors. They are crafted using durable fiberglass or heavy-duty 20-gauge steel and offer a wide range of customization options and security and efficiency features.

Your Local Cleveland Home Improvement Professionals

There are plenty of good quality entry doors to choose from, but to find the perfect selection you need to ask plenty of questions and work with Cleveland home improvement pros who are ready and willing to answer them. You could be tempted to DIY your new entry door install, but trust us, it’s not worth it, and it could even void the robust manufacturer’s warranty. Our trained and experienced team will ensure that your new entry door functions perfectly and looks great. 

Contact Fairview Home Improvement today for more information on expert entry door installation in Cleveland. Check out our portfolio to see our work and visit our testimonials page to hear what our customers have to say!

Is the entry door on your home more of a patio door? Check out our dedicated FAQ and find answers to your questions there!