Does your home need new doors? From exterior insulation to
interior aesthetics, take a look at everything you need to know about doors
before you buy.
Are Exterior and Interior Doors the Same?
Simply stated - no. Placement is an obvious difference
between these two types of doors. But it's not the only reason exterior and
interior doors aren't always the same. The primary ways exterior and interior
doors differ include insulation (inside of the door), weather-proofing outer
layers, security features, thickness, material makeup, and aesthetics. Some
interior doors may have paneled or other designs on both sides, while an
exterior door may only have an ornate outward side.
Why Are Only Exterior Doors Insulated?
While you can buy and install an insulated interior door,
it's not likely your home needs this added feature. Insulation helps exterior
doors to keep hot or cold air out and hold air-conditioned or heated air in.
This increases your home's overall energy efficiency and improves the indoor
comfort level.
A well-insulated, energy-efficient door can also reduce your
home utility costs. Combined with weatherproofing strategies (such as
weather-stripping around the door), insulated walls, and high-quality
multi-pane windows, an insulated exterior door may decrease the price you pay
for cooling and heating.
Unlike exterior doors, interior doors don't need to control
the air flow in and out of your home. Instead, these doors are ornamental and
can help to maintain privacy. This eliminates the need for insulation. If you
need to create a soundproof space or significantly reduce the noise level from
one room to another, you may want an insulated door. While you don't need the
insulation to improve energy efficiency, it can limit sound transfer.
What Types of Doors Can You Buy and Install in Your Home?
Given the differences between exterior and interior doors,
the answer to this question depends on the placement. Common exterior doors
include steel and polyurethane foam doors and fiberglass-clad insulated models.
These types of doors contain multiple layers. The outer layer is an ornamental
weather barrier (on the outside), and the inner layer provides insulation. The
interior inner layer may or may not feature a visually interesting design (such
as raised panels).
Along with steel and fiberglass doors, you can also buy
solid wood, composite wood, or wood veneer options. A full-thickness wood door
typically doesn't require additional man-made insulation. But these doors do
need extra weather-proofing and routine care to prevent warping or rotting.
Wood doors are also a popular choice for interior door
projects. These doors have a clean, classic style and can fit many different
types of home décor. If sound transfer isn't an issue for your home, a
hollow-core door is an economical choice.
Along with the material, you also need to choose a style and
color combination - for both exterior and interior doors. Exterior doors often
have a more visually interesting design. This could include raised panels, a
stained glass insert, or full glass panels. Interior doors may also have a
paneled design. But these doors may also feature a flush (plain), slatted,
louvered, or bifold style. Other popular interior doors styles are sliding,
pocket, and French doors.
Each type of door is available in a variety of colors. If
you prefer a natural look, a stained wood door is an ideal option. Exterior
wood doors require a special treatment (on the outdoor-facing side) to protect
the material against the elements. The specific color or type of stain you
choose depends on your personal preferences and the overall design aesthetic.
Who Should Install an Exterior or Interior Door?
A professional contractor should install all exterior and
interior doors. A professional has the knowledge and experience necessary to
size the door correctly, make sure it's level, install hardware and security
features, and add weatherproofing.
Does your home need a new door? Contact Mikro Corp
for more information.
