the best of doors

The Best of Residential Doors contains a small compilation of the best resources on doors, and also some key information on... the best entry doors, the best patio and glass doors, the best storm doors, top door companies, the best weatherstripping materials, the best weekend door projects and the best way to locate door dealers and installers.

The Best entry doors

Solid wood doors aren't definitively the best entry doors. They are popular, but there now better alternatives. Steel entry doors with a good polyurethane core and good frames and weatherstrips are one of those alternatives. Fiberglass entry doors are another. Both these types of entry doors can mimic the wood appearance, and are stronger, less expensive, more durable and require much less maintenance than solid wood doors.

See, for details: Exterior Door Types

The Best patio & glass doors

Patio and glass doors are affordable and they can look very nice but they can be bad news in what concerns energy-efficiency. Be aware, if they are going to be in close contact with your home living space. Patio and glass doors are a source of unwanted energy gain and loss. They should be assessed as windows, and with the advantages and disadvantages of windows.

The best patio doors have double or triple pane glass, and features like low-E coatings, low-conductivity spacers, inert gas fills or thin sheets of special films.

See for more information: Energy Efficient Patio Doors

The Best storm doors

Storm doors can be good for ventilation, natural lighting, and also for aesthetic and safety reasons and eventually for… energy efficiency. But even the best storm doors will not add much to the energy-efficiency of modern and well insulated and air-sealed exterior doors.

The best storm doors have a suitable type of glass panes and features to ease ventilation or to improve protection…

See: Energy Efficient Storm Doors

The Best door manufacturers

Even the best door manufacturers can have some bad or simply reasonable products. So, be aware. If shopping, choosing a top door manufacturer is often a smart option, but you should be informed and look for well-rated energy-efficient doors.

The list of top door manufacturers includes Pella (entry door, patio doors, storm doors), Andersen (patio and storm doors), Jeld-Wen (entry, interior and patio doors), Marvin (patio and glass doors), Larson and Emco (storm doors), Masonite or Therma-Tru… See for a wider list, with links to their sites: Exterior Door Manufacturers.

The Best weatherstripping materials

The best door weatherstripping materials are often more expensive and more difficult to install. Cheap self-adhesive weatherstrips will not last long and are often too ineffective.

The best weatherstripping materials to air seal the top and sides of a door are: 1) Magnetic weather-stripping 2) silicone bulb, vinyl flap and fabric-covered polyurethane weatherstrips 3) Tension seals (with V-strips).

To air seal the bottom of a door consider, if possible: 1) interlocking channels weatherstripping, 2) door shoe weatherstripping and 3) finned door bottom weatherstrips.

See, for details:
Weatherstripping Materials for Doors
Door Bottom and Door Sweep Weatherstripping
Door Threshold Weatherstripping
Stop and Jamb Door Weatherstripping

The Best DIY weekend project involving doors

Installing modern factory-made (and pre-hang) entry doors requires fine tolerances and accuracy, and is best done by trained professionals. Part of the installation services of some dealers is free (that’s the case of Lowe’s or Home Depot) and you will benefit from their expertise and experience.

Much easier (and a typical DIY job) is the installation of storm doors. Top manufacturers have videos and detailed information on storm door installation.

You may also carry on most of air-sealing door jobs. Just follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Other possible DIY jobs involving your doors: door threshold adjustments, small jobs involving the hinges, the strike plate and the door knob (tight their screws, if necessary; doors should operate smoothly and evenly, and you should ensure it before installing weatherstripping).

The best way to locate door dealers and installers

Big home improvement stores are selling doors from the top manufacturers. These companies have also - in their sites - information on “Where to buy”, or on how to get free in-home consultation on doors or on how to look for a door contractor to assist you on your door remodeling or building project.

See, for a list of the top door manufacturers: Exterior door manufacturers.

To find certified door installers, in USA, you may take a look at InstallationMasterUSA. Also in USA, the Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income families to find professionals associated to doors and windows (See: State weatherization contacts); the Resnet organization can also help you to find a pro to repair, replace or install doors.

UK: Energy Saving Trust UK, British Fenestration Rating Council;
Australia: Australia Windows & Doors Labeling: Australian GreenHouse Office.

The Best resources on doors

The NWDA (Northeast Windows and Doors Association) has a wide list of door industry resources (North America): see NWDA Industry Resources. See also National Fenestration Rating Council Helpful Links.

The US Department of energy has some good pages with basic information on exterior doors. See them here: Energy savers: Exterior Doors

For good information on insulation, ventilation and air sealing, including doors, you may take a look at a PDF of the Illinois State: Keep Warm Illinois

Energy Star (Doors, Windows and Skylights) information: Energy Star

To find ratings for door products, you may look at the NFRC directory.

Main Door & Related Associations:

NWDA (Northeast Window and Door Association);
Window & Door Dealers Alliance
Fenestration Canada (Standards for windows and doors)
Forest Stewardship Council (Organization promoting wood harvested from forests managed in a sustainable way).
International Door Association (Organization representing garage door dealers);

Top window associations that are in some way related with doors:
National Glass Association
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC): performance rating and certification of windows (USA and Canada).
International Window Film Association