Interior Door Installation and Repair Services in Camel, NY
Doors
Doors are not only vital to your home’s privacy and security, they can have a dramatic effect on the overall aesthetic of your home. Primarily designed to be functional, doors can also serve as focal points, adding both value and curb appeal to your home.
The importance of doors can sometimes make choosing the right type a difficult decision. The door’s intended function will dictate how it is made, what it is made of and where it should be located
Benefits of Doors
Doors are an integral part of a home because they serve so many purposes. Today’s homeowners are able to choose from a wide variety of styles, designs and types of doors. If you are considering updating the doors in your home, this is a great place to start.
Function
Doors enable easy traffic flow from one space to another. They also enable you to create individual rooms, each used for a specific purpose. Depending on the location of the door and what it will be used for, the doors in your home should offer privacy, safety and control access for entry and exit.
Privacy and Security
Exterior doors are the primary access points to your home, which means they must be durable, secure and provide a barrier of protection from the elements and intruders. Interior doors control access into and out of rooms, and simply closing the door behind you can prevent interruptions or distractions.
Curb Appeal
The front door is the first thing people see when they walk up to your home and should create a statement that represents your personal style. Modern doors are available in a wide variety of designs and styles and can be installed virtually anywhere.
Noise Mitigation
Doors can help block ambient sound, which can reduce the amount of noise penetrating an individual space. As an added layer of soundproofing, doors can help seal out external noise and are much more effective at mitigating noise than windows or walls alone.
Energy Efficiency
Modern entry doors are now manufactured with insulative properties that can reduce energy consumption leading to lower utility costs. Doors can help regulate the internal temperature in specific spaces. Simply closing the door can help retain cooler air in the summer and warmer air in the cooler months.
Interior Doors versus Exterior Doors
Whether you are looking for an exterior door that boosts the curb appeal of your home and offers security from the outside, or new interior doors that look great while also providing privacy, understanding your options is a great first step.
The following table contains general differences between interior and exterior doors. It’s important to note the information contained in the table are generalizations. Not all doors are the same, and sizes and features often vary between different manufacturers.
Interior Doors | Exterior Doors* | |
---|---|---|
FUNCTION | Separate rooms for privacy and/or noise reduction; contribute to the flow within a home | Barrier to withstand the elements and improve the home’s insulation |
INSTALLATION | Swing outward (generally open by pushing away from you) | Swing inward with hinges installed on the interior of the door frame |
FEATURE | Hollow core or Solid core | Solid core only |
DESIGN | Design elements on both sides | Majority of design elements on exterior facing side |
MATERIAL | Wood, glass, metal, fiber wood or combination | Combination of glass, wood, metal and steel for maximum strength and durability |
THICKNESS | 1 ⅜” | 1 ¾” |
WIDTH | 30” | 36” |
*Because of their overall function to protect and insulate, exterior doors must be durable and strong. They are typically much heavier than interior doors and are generally made of solid core wood, solid core engineered wood or metal. Many homeowners also opt to feature a perimeter of metal or steel to add an additional layer of security and insulation. In addition, most exterior doors swing inwards for a variety of reasons. Doors that swing inward contain springs that are installed on the interior frame which makes them difficult to access from the outside.
Types of Doors
Accordion Doors
Accordion doors are generally used in large spaces or in areas that cannot accommodate a bifold or sliding door. The door is mounted from a track at the top of the frame and slides horizontally in the manner of an accordion. Accordion doors are widely available in a variety of materials.
Barn Doors
Historically used outdoors, barn doors have become one of the most popular types of interior doors. Whether genuine or reproduction, barn doors are characterized by wooden elements embellished with a “Z” or an “X”. Typically made of wood, barn doors hang from a track that is fixed to the ceiling or a door frame and used to close off larger spaces.
Battened and Ledged Doors
This type of door consists of vertical wood battens (boards) with horizontal ledges (battens). Because they offer a traditional look, battened and ledged doors are commonly found on traditional style homes.
Bifold Doors
Typically used for bedroom closets, bifold doors are made of lightweight materials and are installed on a track at the top of the frame. Bifold doors do not swing open. Instead, as the name implies, the door slides horizontally and folds toward the user to open and close.
Double Action Doors
Double Action doors operate with special spring loaded hinges that enable the door to swing 180 degrees. Typically used in large spaces to divide very high traffic areas, double action doors are available in single or double doors and can be flush, paneled or louvered.
Dutch Doors (Double Hung)
Generally used as an exterior door, specifically in kitchens, Dutch doors are split in half horizontally, allowing the top and bottom portions to operate independently from each other. This allows for added ventilation or as a way to keep kids and pets out of specific areas.
Flush Doors
Flush doors are typically made of wood, are smooth on each side and do not contain any decorative elements which makes them easy to paint or stain. Flush doors are commonly found in residential interiors because of their clean look. Since they are usually hollow inside, they are also lightweight and versatile.
French Doors
French doors are typically installed in pairs, each with multiple glass panels. The doors open inward and can open together or separately. Generally used as exterior doors, they are also widely used in interior spaces because they provide ample light and have an elegant look where privacy is not a priority.
Garage Doors
As the name implies, garage doors are exterior doors used on garages. They are typically made of a study wood, metal or plastic in order to accommodate frequent use and exposure to the weather. There are several types of garage doors:
- Overhead Sectional: Made up of panel sections that connect with hinges.
- Roll-Up:Roll-Up: Made with 2-3’ steel slat sections that roll around a drum above the door opening (mostly found on commercial buildings).
- Slide to the Side: Folds (slides) to one side of the garage sitting parallel to the wall.
- Side Hinged: Swings open and closed from a hinged frame on either side of the opening.
- Tilt-Up/Up and Over Canopy: A single solid piece with a pivoting hinge that tilts up into the garage. The canopy sits parallel to the garage ceiling and protrudes from the front when open.
- Tilt-Up/Up and Over Retractable: A single solid piece with a pivoting hinge that lifts and and into the garage. The door is suspended from the frame so it does not extend past the house.
Hinged (Passage) Doors
Hinged doors are typically made of either a solid wood panel or a hollow core. The door is affixed to a door jamb by at least two hinges which allow the door to swing open and closed.
Louvered Doors
A type of interior door, typically made of wood that contains louvered (vented) panels. The openings provide ventilation, even when the door is closed. However, because of the way the louvers are angled, they offer privacy.
Paneled (Stile and Rail) Doors
Panel doors feature smooth, framed sections. The panels are typically embossed and rectangular or square in shape that create the door itself. The panels can be made of glass (called lites) or wood.
Pivot Doors
Pivot doors are installed with hinges affixed to the top and bottom of the door at the center. This enables the door to pivot, or rotate 360 degrees to appear as if they are a part of the actual wall. Pivot doors are increasingly used as front entry doors.
Pocket Doors
Similar to sliding doors, pocket doors typically have a hollow core and are a clever space-saving, lightweight option to make operation easier. Pocket doors are mounted at the top, and slide horizontally along a track mounted on the ceiling. The door is hidden when opened as the pocket door “disappears” into the wall. This type of door is used to connect or separate two distinct spaces and are particularly useful in spaces that do not have the room to accommodate a door that swings open and closed.
Roller (Sectional Overhead) Doors
Generally used in garages, roller doors have been increasingly used in residential interiors. The door is composed of galvanized interlocking slats (usually made of steel) that offer a secure barrier. The door rolls up to the ceiling around a steel drum mounted above the door’s opening, so it doesn’t take up a lot of interior space.
Saloon Doors
Saloon doors have hinges that can swing both in and out both ways to make the transition between rooms easier. This makes them a great option for kitchens and dining rooms because they offer a barrier while not closing off the room completely.
Screen Doors
A screen door is typically mounted on the front of an exterior door. The door itself consists of a screen panel with a wood or metal frame and is a great way to allow ventilation and prevent insects from getting inside the home. Because screen doors are not widely considered to be aesthetic, many homeowners choose to locate their screen door on the back or side of the home that leads to an outdoor living space.
Storm Doors
Installed on the outside of a traditional door, a storm door’s function is to provide an additional layer of weather protection. The frame is typically made of aluminum with two panes of glass that can be switched with a screen to provide ventilation in warmer weather.
Sliding (Bypass or Patio) Doors
Sliding doors typically consist of full glass panels to allow for easy transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The door is hung by a track on the ceiling. Glides are affixed to the floor at the bottom to keep the door stable on the track. While they are traditionally located on the side or the back of a house, sliding doors are now being installed in pantries, utility/mud rooms and laundry rooms because they don’t take up a lot of space and they allow plenty of natural light.
Door Materials
Doors are manufactured in a wide variety of materials. Depending on its intended use, each material has its own advantages and disadvantages and should certainly be factored into the decision making process.
Wood
Doors have been made of wood for centuries and have remained the material of choice for custom and high end projects. Because of its inherent durability, wood doors can be used virtually anywhere and can be customized to fit any space. Common wood species used to produce wood doors include knotty alder, poplar, oak, mahogany and hickory.
Pros:
- Durability
- Versatility
- Variety of Styles
- Least Likely to Dent
Cons:
- Can Rot (if not sealed properly)
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Maintenance (requires regular painting/sealing)
Composite
Composite doors can be made of a variety of different materials such as PVC, glass and wood.
Pros:
- Low Maintenance
- Durability (won’t warp)
- Insulation
- Security
Cons:
- Expensive
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
One of the most common materials used to produce interior doors. MDF doors consist of a hollow core to make it lightweight and are commonly used to create privacy in interior spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
Pros:
- Budget Friendly
- Lightweight
- Versatility
- Variety
- Design (can be painted)
Cons:
- Durability
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Typically found in bathrooms, PVC doors are lightweight and manufactured to appear like wood.
Pros:
- Low Maintenance
- Lightweight
- Budget Friendly
Cons:
- Durability
Steel
Steel doors have long been used on both interiors and exteriors because of their durability and low maintenance. A steel door is not solid steel. Instead, it is manufactured with a polystyrene or polyurethane coating, which acts as a thermal barrier. In recent years, steel doors have surged in popularity and feature an insulated foam core. According to Consumer Reports, steel doors now comprise 50% of the market.
Pros:
- Durability
- Security
- Fire Resistant
- Weather Resistant
- Energy Efficient
- Low Maintenance
Cons:
- Prone to Cosmetic Damage (dents, scratches etc.)
- Heavy
- Limited Styles
- Can Rust (if not sealed properly)
Fiberglass
Modern fiberglass doors are available in a variety of textures, styles and designs. In fact, some fiberglass doors are manufactured to mimic the look of wood.
Pros:
- Durability
- Low Maintenance
- Insulation
- Design (can be painted)
- Versatility
Cons:
- Can Crack/Split
Aluminum
Commonly seen on contemporary-style homes, aluminum doors can be installed in a variety of methods including hinged or sliding doors. Aluminum is the common material used to produce storm doors because it is lighter (and more affordable) than steel.
Pros:
- Versatility
- Low Maintenance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Prone to stains and corrosion
Glass
Glass is used to create panels that are part of the door’s design. The glass is generally opaque or semi-opaque in order to allow for natural light to penetrate the space while retaining a level of privacy. Glass door frames are made with durable materials such as steel, wood or aluminum in order to ensure long-term stability.
Pros:
- Natural Light
- Unique Aesthetics
- Versatility
Cons:
- Security
- Expensive
- Limited Privacy
- High Maintenance
- Prone to Shattering/Cracks
Considerations
At Honey Do Men, we believe an educated consumer is our best customer. Before investing in updating the doors in your home, there are several important factors to consider.
Safety
If you are planning to purchase a door with glass sidelights, it’s important to consider also installing a high quality deadbolt lock. Since the lock must be opened and closed with a key, an intruder cannot break the glass and open the door. However, deadbolt locks make it difficult to get out in the event of an emergency. As such, many municipalities do not allow them.
Installation
Unless a new door is part of a larger remodeling project, you will want to ensure that a new door is the same size as the old one. For instance, adding sidelights will require altering the size of the door frame, and unless done properly can impact the structural integrity of the entire wall.
In addition, sizing will vary depending on the door’s manufacturer, so it is important to make sure that the door you choose will fit properly. Doors that are not installed properly or that do not fit can lead to air leakage and moisture accumulation which can impact energy consumption and damage the structure itself.
Energy Efficiency
While many modern doors offer energy efficient features, doors with single pane glass inserts will not be as effective because they don’t provide a strong barrier. Instead, consider double or triple pane glass inserts which will help air from entering or escaping.
Rails and Stiles
Wood rails and stiles on exterior doors may eventually bow or warp, so you may want to consider rails and stiles made of wood laminate with veneer. This will help reduce chances of being damaged from exposure and temperature fluctuations.
Price
Not surprisingly, the higher the quality and the more elaborate the design, the more a door will cost. In general, exterior doors cost more than interior doors because of their inherent function. In addition, incorporating glass inserts will likely have an impact on the price of the door. This is an important consideration in the planning and budgeting process.
Swing
Have you ever wondered why a door opens and closes a certain way? The decision between choosing a door that swings into or out of a room is an important one, yet something most people never think about. The way a door swings has a direct impact on its overall function, fit and style.
- In-Swing Doors: Pushed to enter a space.
- Out-Swing Doors: Pulled to enter a space.
The Anatomy of a Door
Whether you are looking for a new front door or are shopping around for available options for the doors inside your home, it’s important to understand the terms used to describe the various components that make up a door.
Astragal
A term used to describe the vertical space between a pair of doors that runs from the head of the frame to the sill.Bore Hole
The pre-drilled hole in a door to fit a lockset.Casing
The trim that hides the gaps between the door frame and the interior wall (casing is also found on windows). Both decorative and functional in purpose (to enhance the look of the door and hide the transition between the jamb and the door).Fixed Panel
The panel in a pair of doors that does not open or close.Frame
The entire framework that supports a door. The vertical and horizontal pieces form an enclosure.Head
The horizontal part at the top of the door frame.Hinge
Consist of two leaves that join together to form a knuckle. The leaves are connected to each other by a pin. Most doors have three hinges in order to attach the door to the frame.Horn and Holdfasts
Secure the door frame to the wall.Jamb
The vertical sides of the door frame. The door is attached to one side of the door jamb with hinges.Lockset
The combination of the door knobs (or handles), latches, locks, strike plates and any other hardware that functions to secure a door.Margins (Rebates)
The physical spaces between the frame and the door. The margins can be delineated into specific areas (i.e., bottom (sweep) margin, top (header) margin and so on).Mullion
Similar to stiles in appearance, mullions are vertical pieces that separate two panels located in the middle of the door between the rails.Panel (Slab)
The term used to describe the door itself (the piece that physically swings open and closed). It is also used to describe the individual panels in a door.Rails
The narrow, horizontal pieces connected to the door panel (the design of the door will determine the number of rails it will contain).Sash
The framework to fit a piece of glass in a door.Security Hinge
A popular alternative to a standard hinge because they offer a high level of security and are manufactured with a non-removable pin. Some are made with special tabs that lock the leaves together.Sidelights
The tall narrow windows located on either side (or both sides) of an entry door.Sill
Fastened to the base of a door frame. The part you cross over to enter or leave a space.Stiles
The narrow vertical pieces on either side of the door panel.Studs (King and Jack)
Used to connect the door frame to the structure. It is important that the studs are installed to code.Sweep
Part of the door that sits on top of the sill in order to provide a layer of insulation. The sweep also ensures stability and a proper seal between the frame and the sill (particularly used on exterior doors). Made of durable materials that can withstand foot traffic.Threshold
The decorative element of a door frame that serves as the transition between the floor of a room and the sill.Transom
Similar to a sidelight, transoms are narrow windows located above the door.TESTIMONIALWhat Our Customers Say About Us
Common Doors Questions
The standard size for an interior door in most homes is 80 inches tall (6 feet 8 inches) and 30-36 inches wide. However, interior doors can come in a variety of sizes, including narrower widths (e.g., 24 inches) for spaces like closets or bathrooms.
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