When I went to Bel'm to place an order for my new exterior door, I had no idea that this initiative was going to make me doubtful about many questions that I had not considered; but that's good because it allowed me to clearly define some important criteria.
Before going around the models offered for sale on this online store, remember to take the dimensions of your old front door, especially if you ordered it to measure, as is my case for example. This will prevent me from having a model delivered to me that is too small or too large, in relation to the space provided for its location. However, if you bought your door ready-made, the standard measurements are 215 centimeters high by 90 centimeters wide.
Made-to-measure is often reserved for newly built architect-designed houses. And when the dimensions are known, it is necessary to check its direction of opening, to know if the model folds to the left or to the right. Many people often forget to take this parameter into account. In addition, do not forget that apart from its aesthetic side, the main function of a door is to protect your interior against burglaries and intrusions.
This is what led me to choose to optimize its safety by preferring class P5A glazing, for example, or by opting for three-dimensional hinges. Otherwise, when purchasing the door, I also inquired whether the hinges were well integrated into the frame of the chosen model. It is also a guarantee of robustness and solidity. Otherwise, if the priority is high security, nothing beats an armored door with anti-hinge reinforcement.
Once these questions have been settled, you can proceed to the selection of the door design. Three major options are then available to you. First of all, there are the solid ones which are undoubtedly the most common models in private homes. Its advantages ? This type of door is very efficient in terms of both acoustic and thermal insulation. I would recommend this model for people obsessed with home security.
Personally, I preferred the semi-glazed. Apart from the fact that these models are perfectly hermetic to outside noise, they also increase the brightness of my interior. Since then, I no longer need to leave the light on all the time, to illuminate the entrance hall. Of course, the ideal for me was to install a fully glazed front door, only triple glazing was too expensive. However, this system is necessary for good sound insulation.
Regarding the color of your front door, the different materials today offer many possibilities of tones and shades. And do not be afraid to opt for a colorful model. It's very fashionable now. Personally, I have a big weakness for mixed doors. More specifically, the exterior facade is very colorful and the interior sober by imitating the natural appearance of wood. Finally, the handle must be in harmony with the style of the door.
