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by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers
The front door of your home plays a number of roles—not only does it allow passage in and out, but it’s a major focal point that creates a first impression from the street and even affects property value. If you’d like to add more practical, everyday value to your front door, we have some new features to consider!
A Built-in Storm Door
A storm door adds an additional layer of protection to an entryway. Installed on the exterior of the main entry door, a storm door usually features a durable, low-maintenance aluminum frame and glass in a full- or half-lite design. This prevents airborne debris from hitting the door and even improves energy efficiency by creating an extra air gap between inside and out. Storm door glass can often be swapped for a screen when you want to use the doorway for ventilation, so it can also suit different needs through the seasons. You don’t have to live in an area that experiences strong winds to see the benefits.
If you want to avoid the hassle of fitting and installing a storm door, choose an entry door system that already includes one! An integrated storm door provides all the benefits mentioned above, but it takes protection to a new level because the whole door system is designed to work together. Installed as a single unit and made to coordinate for a seamless, finished look from the street, a 2-in-1 door system saves time and offers better curb appeal.
A Discreet Retractable Screen
Anybody who likes to open their home up for fresh air knows it only takes a minute for bugs to intrude. Screen doors can help prevent this annoyance, but there’s always a tradeoff. Some types of mesh obscure the view outside. Whether you have a sliding or swinging screen door, they can trap debris and look unsightly. And depending on the door—front, side, patio, or house-to-garage—you may also get tired of always having another door to open and close as you go in and out. If any of these issues sound familiar, you should look into a retractable alternative.
A retractable screen is there when you want it and disappears into its housing when you don’t. You can pull the fine mesh across the open doorway whenever you want to let in the breeze; otherwise, leave it retracted into the low-profile cassette on the side so it doesn’t weather the elements, gather dirt, or get in your way when you aren’t actively using it. Retractable screen doors are easy to install and operate, compatible with single as well as French door configurations, and make the perfect screen solution for any exterior doorway.
Internal Blinds for Greater Control
Traditional door blinds have a few downsides. While they provide privacy and light control, blinds hung on the inside of a door will slap against it when it swings open and closed. They also pose an entanglement risk with the drawcord, which is dangerous for pets and small children. Finally, blinds are notorious for gathering dust and are difficult to clean, so they don’t usually remain in good condition for long.
Internal blinds provide the same functionality as regular blinds in a much more intelligent package that eliminates their problems. The blinds are sandwiched between two panes of glass—no need to worry about slapping or dust—and are operated with a single, cord-free handle that raises and lowers the blinds and controls the angle of the slats. The internal pulley system also keeps everything even, which not only looks neater, but also helps the blinds operate smoothly through the years!
If you’re looking for a front door that checks all your boxes, take a look at Therma-Tru® Doors. They offer solutions for every kind of home and family, so you can find the perfect fit for your style. Find a local professional to help you design and install a front entry that’ll introduce a new level of comfort and convenience to your life!