Choosing Front Entry Doors for Your Florida Home

Your front door does more than provide a point of entry. It has to be tough enough for Florida’s heat, humidity, and hurricane winds and match your home’s architecture.

Look for models labeled as impact rated to avoid damage from flying debris and high wind. Adding a decorative screen entry lets you enjoy the breeze while keeping out lizards, house flies and other pests.

Curb Appeal

The front door is often the first thing that people notice about a home, so it’s important that it makes a great impression. New doors can add a splash of color, wrought iron details, or decorative glass to create the perfect look. They can also make your home more energy-efficient and increase its security.

Your entry door should be tough against the elements, and it should match your home’s style. Wood and steel are common options, but fiberglass offers the best combination of beauty and durability. Unlike wood, fiberglass doesn’t warp or rot when exposed to moisture.

FWDS offers a selection of high-quality replacement entry doors in Central Florida that will enhance the beauty of your home and improve its curb appeal. These doors are made with impact-resistant fiberglass reinforced skin and a non-wooden door frame that won’t rot in Florida’s harsh weather conditions. We can help you select the best style and color to match your home’s architecture.

Security

Front doors are much more than a gateway to your home; they also enhance the appearance of your outdoor space and set the tone for its architecture. They must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions and protect your property from uninvited intruders. Fortunately, today’s entry doors are crafted with sturdier materials and feature a wide array of aesthetic finishes. Choose from multiple panel designs, frosted glass windows, and decorative sidelights for privacy and elegance.

Front door material is critical to a Florida home, as it must be resilient to humidity and potential storm damage. Look for models that are rated as hurricane resistant or impact-rated, and include features like a reinforced core and sturdy frames to prevent damage from wind-blown debris. For extra security, consider adding a smart lock with remote locking and unique access codes to ensure your home stays safe from unauthorized intruders. These locks can also be paired with door jamb reinforcement kits to prevent them from being kicked down.

Energy Efficiency

Florida’s unique climate demands an entry door that combines beauty with performance and value. That’s why you need options resilient to humidity, heat and potential hurricane winds. You also need to find a solution that will reduce energy bills and improve comfort.

Therma-Tru and ProVia offer a variety of fiberglass entry doors designed to meet your budget. They come in a range of colors, panel styles and sizes. Many of these doors feature windows that enhance your curb appeal and provide a welcoming light inside your home.

For maximum efficiency, look for doors with glass that offers low emissivity and a high R-value rating. These features help keep your home warm during winter and cool in summer. A screened front door is another smart addition. It will allow you to enjoy the breeze on beautiful days without letting in insects and dirt. This upgrade is a popular choice for homeowners looking to add value and curb appeal.

Hurricane Resistance

In regions like Florida, where hurricanes are a common occurrence, incorporating impact doors into your home or business makes sense. These doors have been through rigorous testing, ensuring that they meet strict building codes and regulations.

They also offer protection against wind-driven debris, air and water infiltration and the risk of glass shattering into dangerous projectiles. These doors are usually made with clear laminated impact glass that can withstand direct impact from large pieces of debris without cracking or shattering.

The frames of these doors are often infused with steel and other reinforcing materials that offer strength, insulation and impact resistance. They may also be reinforced with shoot bolts and Ashland multipoint locking systems for additional security.