Homeowners looking to make a stylish impression with their entry door must explore their options carefully. This long-term investment will be around for a great deal of time, and by knowing your family’s needs and goals, the decision will be far easier with satisfying results. Then, you can carry a similar feel throughout your home with the interior doors.

The Newest Trends in Door Systems

First, let’s talk about how far front door designs have come. Who better to tell us about the latest innovations than one of the leading custom door manufacturers, Palma Door Systems of Toronto, ON.?

According to Palma Door’s Vito Smolenski, these are some of the most significant developments in custom doors:

1. Smart and Automated Doors: One of the hottest trends is integrating smart and automated features. These doors can be controlled remotely using smartphones or home automation systems, allowing users to lock and unlock doors, monitor access, and receive notifications.
2. Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient door systems are gaining popularity due to the increasing emphasis on sustainability. These doors are designed to minimize air leakage, prevent heat transfer, and reduce energy consumption. Improved insulation, weather sealing, and advanced glazing techniques contribute to better energy efficiency.
3. Impact Resistance and Security: Manufacturers are developing robust materials, reinforced structures, and advanced locking mechanisms to deter break-ins and withstand harsh weather conditions.
4. Design and Aesthetics: Modern trends focus on sleek and minimalistic designs that blend seamlessly with interior or exterior styles. Customization options, such as various finishes, colours, and materials, are increasingly offered to cater to multiple architectural preferences.

The “Must-Have” Doors Every Homeowner Must Have

In addition to technological advancements, some features go beyond the standard hardware and materials. They help to uphold the door’s structure and appearance, expanding durability beyond expectation.

According to Vito, these are the must-have door features you should look for:

• Fibreglass Doors: Fibreglass doors are known for their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements. They offer the appearance of wood without the drawbacks.
• Composite Jambs: Composite jambs provide enhanced durability, moisture resistance, and stability compared to traditional wood jambs. They can withstand the elements and reduce the risk of warping or rotting over time.
• Multipoint Locking Hardware: Multipoint locking hardware offers improved security by locking the door at multiple points along the frame. It provides a higher level of protection against forced entry.
• Wide Range of Modern Handle Designs: Aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic door handles can enhance the overall look and functionality of the door.
• Anodized Sills: Anodized aluminum sills offer durability and resistance to corrosion and weathering, providing a sleek and modern appearance.
• Stainless Steel Hinges: Stainless steel hinges provide strength, durability, and resistance to rust and corrosion. They ensure smooth operation and long-lasting performance of the door.
• Energy-Efficient Glass: Energy-efficient glass, such as low-E (low-emissivity) glass or double-glazed/insulated glass, can improve the door's thermal efficiency. It helps to reduce heat transfer, maintain indoor temperatures, and potentially lower energy costs.
• Wide Range of Exterior and Interior Colors: A wide range of exterior and interior colours allows homeowners to customize their doors to match their style and the overall design theme.

What Door Materials Last the Longest?

A door’s longevity is only as good as the materials used and the care it receives. But how long do front doors last under optimum conditions?

An entry door can last between 20 to 30 years, depending on the door type. However, it isn’t just about the door but also the frame, sills, hardware, and installation.

Here is an in-depth breakdown of the longest-lasting materials you can find for your doors:

1. Composite frame, brickmould and sub-sill components:
   1. Durability: Highly durable and can withstand various weather conditions without warping, rotting, or corroding. They are resistant to moisture, insect damage, and decay.
   2. Low Maintenance: Composite materials are engineered to resist fading, chipping, and peeling, reducing the need for frequent refinishing.
   3. Energy Efficiency: Composite materials minimize heat transfer and reduce drafts with insulating properties, improving thermal performance and lowering energy bills.
   4. Security: Composite frame components are often built with reinforced cores and robust construction, offering advanced locking systems and hardware.
2. Stainless steel hinges:
   • Durability and Strength: Stainless steel is known for its exceptional durability and strength. It is highly resistant to corrosion, rust, and staining.

1. Longevity: Stainless steel hinges have a long lifespan due to their resistance to corrosion and wear. They can endure years of opening and closing cycles without deteriorating.
2. Security: Stainless steel hinges provide the necessary strength and stability to support the door's weight and maintain its alignment, enhancing overall security.
3. Smooth Operation: Stainless steel hinges offer smooth and frictionless operation, allowing the door to open and close effortlessly to minimize friction, reducing wear and tear on both the hinges and the door itself.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel hinges can add a touch of modern and sleek aesthetics to an entry door. They are available in different finishes, such as brushed nickel or matte black.
5. Low Maintenance: Stainless steel is resistant to tarnishing and requires minimal cleaning to maintain its appearance and functionality. Occasional lubrication can ensure smooth operation and prolong its lifespan.

3. Aluminum clear and black anodized sills:
   • Durability: Aluminum sills, especially when anodized, are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, rust, and weathering. They can withstand exposure to moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations without deteriorating.

1. Enhanced Weather Resistance: Anodized aluminum sills provide excellent weather resistance. They effectively seal the gap between the door and the threshold, preventing water, drafts, and pests from entering the interior.
2. Easy Maintenance: Aluminum sills are easy to clean and require minimal upkeep to preserve appearance and functionality. Anodized finishes are also resistant to stains and fingerprints.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Aluminum sills, whether clear or black anodized, can add a sleek and modern touch to an entry door. They offer a clean and sophisticated look that complements various architectural styles.
4. Customization Options: Aluminum sills can be customized to fit different door sizes and designs. They are available in various depths, allowing for flexibility in matching the specific requirements and style of the entry door.
5. Longevity: Anodized aluminum sills have a long lifespan due to their resistance to corrosion and wear. The anodized coating forms a protective layer on the surface of the aluminum, preventing oxidation.

1. Fibreglass door panels:
   • Durability: Fibreglass withstands various environmental conditions without warping, cracking, or rotting. It is resistant to moisture, insects, and decay, making fibreglass door panels ideal for exterior applications. They can maintain their structural integrity and appearance over a long period, even in harsh climates.
2. Energy Efficiency: Fibreglass door panels have high thermal resistance, reducing heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building.
3. Low Maintenance: Fibreglass door panels are relatively low maintenance compared to other materials like wood. They do not require regular painting or staining and are resistant to fading, chipping, and peeling—clean fibreglass panels by wiping them down with mild detergent and water.
4. Design Versatility: Fibreglass door panels can be moulded to simulate the appearance of natural wood grains or other textures, providing the beauty of wood. They are also available in various styles, colours, and finishes.
5. Security: Fibreglass door panels can be reinforced with internal structures and foam cores, making them strong and secure.
6. Sound Insulation: Fibreglass door panels have excellent sound insulation properties, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment, especially in areas with high ambient noise levels.

Manufacturing and Delivery

Of course, lead times will always vary depending on your material selection, colour choices, extra features, and when your order is placed. According to Palma Door Systems, the following is an example of estimated lead times.

• Factory White Doors: The lead time for manufacturing factory white doors is approximately five weeks. It includes the time required for fabrication, finishing, and quality control processes specific to white doors.
• Painted Doors: The estimated lead time is seven weeks if you choose a painted finish for your doors. Painting requires additional steps such as priming, applying multiple coats of paint, and allowing sufficient drying time for a flawless finish.
• Stained Doors: Stained doors typically have a longer lead time than factory white or painted doors. The estimated lead time for stained doors is approximately nine weeks. Staining involves carefully applying and drying the stain to achieve the desired colour and finish.
• Shape Transoms: Shape transoms, which involve complex glass shapes, may require additional time for manufacturing and delivery. The extra time needed for shape transoms is typically 2 to 4 weeks beyond the standard lead times for the corresponding door type. It accounts for the intricacies involved in producing and installing custom-shaped glass.
• CNC Grooving: If you opt for CNC grooving on your doors, it adds an extra two weeks to the lead time. CNC grooving involves precision carving or engraving designs or patterns on the door surface, requiring specialized equipment and additional manufacturing steps.

As you can see, the intricate details can be rather complex and may require additional planning for your renovation. Speak directly with your contractor and the door manufacturer’s sales team to coordinate your door construction and delivery.

Discover the Multitude of Options Available

Vito says, "Palma Door System’s unique features and commitments to innovation, engineering, customization, product support, and online resources distinguish it in the marketplace, contributing to its reputation as a trusted and industry-leading provider of door systems.

The choice of doors ultimately depends on individual preferences, budget, and specific needs. Consult our sales team for valuable insights and guidance to select the doors that best meet your requirements.”

Discover your perfect Palma door by contacting their office at 416-746-9970 or at sales@palmadoor.com today.

Jenny Kennedy of Kennedy Literary Agency provides written copy and content for the design-build industry and is the author of “Launch Into Interior Design.”

Photo provided by Palma Door Systems.