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A professionally installed entry door designed with wood and glass on a residence in Chatham, IL.

What to Look for in an Entry Door

Choosing the right replacement door for your home is a crucial decision that significantly influences the first impressions it creates. Your door serves as the face of your entire house, making a statement about your style and priorities. Beyond aesthetics, it plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and comfort of your family, regardless of the weather conditions. At Sutton’s Inc., we understand the importance of a well-crafted door that not only makes a statement but also stands the test of time. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we follow a meticulous process to customize a door to your specific requirements, ensuring longevity and satisfaction. Our doors are built to last a lifetime, not just a few years. Follow our guidelines and recommendations, and you’re sure to find the best entry door for your home in Chatham, IL.

Material Selection

Choosing the right material for your entry door is a pivotal decision that significantly influences the door’s performance, aesthetics, and longevity. Three primary materials stand out in the market: wood, fiberglass, and steel. Wood doors exude a timeless charm and can be customized for a classic or contemporary look. However, they may require more maintenance to combat the effects of weather over time. Fiberglass doors offer a durable and low-maintenance option, resisting warping, cracking, and rot. They also provide excellent insulation.

On the other hand, steel doors are renowned for their strength and security features but may be susceptible to dents and scratches. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each material allows homeowners to make informed decisions based on factors such as style preferences, climate considerations, and maintenance commitments. At Sutton’s Inc., you can choose from steel, fiberglass, or classic wood with decorative glass and stylish hardware options. Our supplier is Provia, and we are also an authorized Provia Dealer so that we can match homeowners with the perfect entry door for their homes in Chatham, IL.

Design and Style

A beautiful wooden door expertly installed on the front of a home in Chatham, IL.

The design and style of an entry door play a pivotal role in shaping the visual character of a home. Exploring the aesthetic aspects involves delving into design variations, color palettes, and finish options available for entry doors. Beyond being a functional element, the door’s appearance significantly contributes to the overall curb appeal of the home, creating a lasting impression for visitors and passersby. When selecting a door, it’s essential to consider how its design harmonizes with the architectural style of the house. Whether opting for a classic, modern, or eclectic design, the goal is to enhance the home’s overall visual appeal and coherence. Tips for selecting a door that complements the architectural style include paying attention to details such as symmetry, materials, and decorative elements. The right door choice not only adds to the visual appeal but also serves as a key component in expressing the homeowner’s unique style and taste.

Why Provia Doors are an Excellent Investment

When comparing Provia steel or fiberglass doors to those commonly found in box stores or hollow core wood entry doors, several key contrasts emerge:

1. Durability and Strength:

Provia doors, whether steel or fiberglass, offer superior durability and strength compared to many box store doors or hollow core wood doors. Hollow core doors are typically less robust and more prone to damage, such as dents and punctures.

2. Security:

Provia doors generally provide better security features compared to standard box store doors or hollow core doors. The latter, especially being hollow, offers minimal resistance to forced entry.

3. Energy Efficiency:

Provia doors are designed for higher energy efficiency, with better insulation properties than many box store doors or hollow core wood doors. This can lead to significant energy savings over time.

4. Customization:

While box stores offer a range of options, Provia’s customization capabilities are usually more extensive, allowing for a greater degree of personalization in terms of style, color, and finish.

5. Maintenance:

Fiberglass doors from Provia are particularly low in maintenance compared to wood doors, which may require more frequent painting or staining, especially if exposed to harsh weather conditions.

6. Weather Resistance:

Provia doors are built to withstand severe weather better than many box store doors or hollow core wood doors. The latter can be more susceptible to warping, rotting, or water damage.

7. Sound Insulation:

Provia doors typically offer better sound insulation than hollow core doors, which can be important in noisy environments.

8. Cost:

Box store doors or hollow core wood doors may initially be more cost-effective than Provia doors. However, considering durability, maintenance, and energy efficiency, Provia doors may offer better long-term value.

9. Warranty:

Provia often provides more comprehensive warranties than those offered for standard box store doors, reflecting a commitment to quality and longevity.

While box store doors or hollow core wood doors might be more budget-friendly upfront, Provia doors offer advantages in durability, security, energy efficiency, and customization, which can make them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Key Factors with Door Installation

When installing an entry door, several key factors are crucial to ensure proper functionality, security, and energy efficiency. Accurate measurement of the door opening is crucial. Even small errors can lead to problems like drafts, water leakage, or difficulties in opening and closing the door. The door must be installed perfectly level and square in the frame. This is vital for the door to operate correctly, ensuring smooth opening and closing and an effective seal when the door is closed. The door must be properly sealed and weather-stripped to prevent air and water infiltration. This not only improves energy efficiency but also protects against moisture damage.

A high-quality locking mechanism is essential for security. The lock should be properly aligned with the frame to ensure it functions correctly. The hardware, including hinges, knobs, and locks, should be of high quality and correctly installed. Poor quality hardware or installation can compromise both the function and security of the door. While DIY installation is possible, professional installation is recommended to ensure all these aspects are properly addressed. Our professionals at Sutton’s Inc. have the experience and tools necessary to ensure the door is installed correctly. We’ve been improving local homes since 1946, so we have plenty of experience and all the skills needed to deliver quality craftsmanship. Proper installation is key to the door’s longevity, functionality, and efficiency, and these aspects should be carefully considered when hiring a professional.

The Sutton’s Inc. Process

A new entry door set in a brick home in Chatham, IL.

At Sutton’s Inc., our process begins with scheduling an appointment for one of our experienced estimators to visit your home. During this meeting, we take the time to listen to your needs and preferences regarding your new entry door. Our estimator comes prepared with a cutaway piece of an actual door, providing you with a firsthand look at the quality and construction of our doors. We guide you through a range of options, including sample finishes, colors, and hardware choices, as well as various glass packages. This personalized approach allows you to customize your new door according to your taste and requirements. Once you’ve made your selection and signed the contract, we will proceed to order your customized door. Approximately 4-6 weeks later, our team returns to install your completely tailored door at your home. This ensures not only a seamless process but also a final result that reflects your unique style and meets the highest standards of safety and durability. Contact our team of experts now by calling 217.528.3911 to get the process started!


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