HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FRONT DOOR ?

THE CHOICE OF CONFIGURATION OF YOUR DOOR

Here’s some useful information on the various available door configurations. Whether you’re looking for a single or double door with or without a transom or sidelite, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. Front doors are offered in a wide variety of configurations to fit all different types of openings.

Single door

The choice of a single door is probably the most popular among homeowners. This type of door is often less expensive than other door configurations and often meets the main criteria of homeowners. Another advantage of single doors is that their installation is simpler than double doors, making them an excellent choice no matter the circumstances.

Double door

If you want to give your home a more luxurious style or simply allow more natural light, you can opt for double doors. A double door is a type of door made up of two panels. There are different variations, with one panel that opens or both wings that open.

Double doors are often favored for the aesthetic they provide, but also for the wider opening they can offer compared to single doors. However, they require more labor during installation and are usually more expensive at the time of purchase, but in the long run, you won’t regret it, as they provide true comfort!

Extra-large exterior door with a side window by Novatech

This frame, designed to replace the width of two standard sidelite, creates almost the effect of a double door. Several window models are available.

STEEL DOOR

Hot-dip galvanized steel cladding, 24-gauge (G)
Rigid polyurethane foam insulation by injection

PINE FRAME

Magnetic weatherstripping at the top and handle side.
Compression weatherstripping on the hinge side.
Polyflex weatherstripping at the top and on the sides.

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Door with a sidelite and a transom

You have the option to add a fixed panel to the side of the door (sidelite), above the entry door (transom), or both options together. Of course, these choices are entirely optional, but they have the advantage of providing a significant increase in natural light while also giving your exterior entrance a different aesthetic.

Custom-made entry door

If you can’t find the perfect size for your door or the right configuration, you always have the option to choose custom-made doors. As a manufacturer of high-end doors, feel free to get in touch with our teams to share your project with us. We will be happy to assist you in creating an entry door that reflects your style!

Altitude Collection by Novatech
– Height of 2.4 meters (8 feet)

Elevate the appearance of your home with our Altitude collection of doors for a grand entrance.

This new, magnificent format is available in several door models: Vog, Uno, Soho, London, Orléans, as well as 6-panel and 2-panel options.

STEEL DOOR

Hot-dip galvanized steel cladding, 24-gauge (G)
Rigid polyurethane foam insulation by injection

PINE FRAME

Polyflex weatherstripping at the top and on the sides.
Magnetic weatherstripping at the top and handle side.
Compression weatherstripping on the hinge side.

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Steel doors

Choosing a steel door means choosing security. This makes it a preferred choice for exterior entrances. This material offers exceptional resistance to impacts and break-in attempts. These types of doors are often made of a sturdy steel panel surrounding an insulating foam core to optimize the thermal insulation of your home. Generally, these doors are available at an affordable price and are available in a wide variety of finishes and colors.

FULL DOOR OR ENTRANCE DOOR WITH WINDOW

Now that you’ve found your configuration, it’s time to focus on the style you want. This step will greatly influence the aesthetic of your home. Do you prefer a solid door or an entrance door with glass? Let’s explore the different options available.

The choice of solid doors

As the name suggests, a solid door is a type of door completely filled with materials. We focus on steel doors.

The advantages of solid doors are that in general, they give a greater feeling of security compared to glass doors. Additionally, solid doors are stronger. Finally, what we also like about solid doors is that they generally offer excellent thermal and sound insulation compared to other types of doors.

Glass doors

If you opt for glass doors, they come with many advantages. They instantly add elegance to any entrance. Aesthetics are generally one of the most important factors when choosing a glass door.

In terms of security, one might think it’s not optimal, but nowadays, many glass doors have a special treatment on the glass to make it more resistant to impacts.

Thanks to the glass aspect, you will greatly increase the amount of natural light. Going back to aesthetics, it’s also an excellent solution for creating a sense of continuity between your different spaces or for keeping an eye on what’s happening outside when it comes to an entrance door. When you choose double or triple glazing, depending on the model, it helps to minimize energy and sound loss as much as possible.

OPENING DIRECTION

Another important factor is the direction of the door’s swing, which should not be overlooked. Generally, a door opens inward, often referred to as a ‘French opening,’ but there are also mechanisms that allow the door to open outward.

We strongly recommend opting for an inward-opening door, as this requires enough space in your room for the door to open. The downside of doors that open outward is that, since the door is exposed to the elements, it won’t be covered by warranties against water infiltration and warping.

Next, will you prefer the door to open to the left or to the right? These details are mainly important for determining where the hinges will need to be installed. It’s important to note that, when discussing this with your representative, you should consider that in the industry, the hinge side is viewed from the outside. So, when the hinges are on the right and the door opens to the left, this is from the outside.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE COLOR OF YOUR DOOR?

Choosing the color of your front door is essential for creating a welcoming and harmonious entryway. Here are some key points to consider when making your decision:

• Harmonization with architecture: Choose a color that complements the style and colors of the facade.
• Contrast or continuity: Opt for a bold, vibrant hue for a striking contrast, or a neutral color for a seamless transition.
• Meaning of colors: Red symbolizes a warm welcome, blue represents serenity, green reflects nature, and black conveys elegance.
• Local regulations: Check for any restrictions in your neighborhood.

HARDWARE & OPTIONS

Here’s some useful information on hardware options to help you make an informed decision. You can discuss this with your Portes et Fenêtres Verdun representative.

Contemporary or classic style handle

These products and many others are offered in various finishes, the most popular being nickel or bronze finish.

Contemporary or classic style latch

These products, as well as several others, are offered in a variety of finishes, the most popular being nickel and bronze finish.

Electronic

An electronic lock is a device that includes a battery-powered motor. Once the code is formulated, it triggers a mechanism that slides the deadbolt.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Your doorglass can be part of an ENERGY STAR-approved entry door system, depending on the options selected. Check with your advisors to see if your selection of products (door, window frame and doorglass) is ENERGY STAR certified.

Here’s some useful information and advice on energy efficiency to help you make an informed decision when choosing a door.

Doors and energy efficiency

The measurement of energy efficiency in an exterior door is slightly different from that of a window. Whether a door receives Energy Star certification or not is based on the new regulations that went into effect in January 2020 and depends on the glazed surface and model of the door. Discuss it with your Portes et Fenêtres Verdun representative.

The door manufacturing process

The secret to good energy efficiency in an exterior door lies in the way it’s assembled, in accordance with the manufacturing process used at the factory. First, the frame is assembled, followed by the panels. Next, the door is weather-proofed, caulked, outfitted with weather-stripping and then tested to make sure that everything is in compliance with regulations. If the door has a window, the window must also be of superior quality.

Whether the door you purchase is Energy Star-certified or not, it will automatically lose all of its advantages if it isn’t properly installed. If the door isn’t perfectly straight, if there isn’t enough urethane insulation around the edges or if the door sweep and weather-stripping don’t fit snugly, the door can let in drafts, resulting in significant heat loss. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to have it installed by a professional.

Minimum values for meeting the new Energy Star requirements.

MEASUREMENTS

Here are some tips to help you take measurements of your door before you visit the store.

Width and height

Include the width and height of your interior moldings. They hide the actual opening of your walls. Your representative will confirm the final measurements.

Depth

Take the measurement between the exterior wall and the interior wall.

Geographic focus

From the inside

ESTIMATES

A cheaper estimate is always appealing, but you need to make sure that the lower estimate offers all of the same elements and that they’re of comparable quality.

Here are the things you should look for in an estimate:

• All of the elements that are specific to your project
  The number and type of doors, their format, the direction in which they open and their orientation.
• Installation method
  All of the relevant details that are specific to your project.
• All of the finishing elements
  Colors, interior and exterior molding, grilles, slot covers, integrated blinds, frames, architectural details, models, finishes, etc.
• All of the hardware elements
  Knobs, handles, locks, screens, models, finishes, etc.
• Warranty
  The warranty on parts and installation.
• Permits
  Information related to obtaining permits in accordance with your local municipal regulations.
• GENERAL CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE
  The number of the company’s license from the Quebec Building Authority (RBQ).
• CCQ
  Owners of rental or income-generating buildings must comply with the regulations of the Quebec Construction Commission (Commission de la construction du Québec).
• Financing
  If discussed, the financing option, including the amount, interest rate and payment schedule.

INSTALLATION

Having a door installed by a team of professionals is essential for ensuring the optimum durability and performance of the product.

Entrust the installation of all your doors to the experts at Portes et Fenêtre Verdun

Even the best-quality product can perform poorly if it isn’t properly installed. That’s why it’s strongly recommended that you entrust the installation to a specialized company with the necessary experience to work with the manufacturer’s products. Your comfort will be ensured by an installation performed in accordance with best practices.

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