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It’s easy to ignore your front entryway door. Lots of people do. As long as it opens, closes and locks, what’s there to worry about?

But in reality, replacing your front door could offer a wealth of benefits. It’s quite literally the gateway to your home, and door replacement is a great opportunity to improve security and energy efficiency, not to mention your home’s appearance.

Long story short: don’t wait until your door is falling off its hinges to have it replaced. Read on to learn more about the benefits of front door replacement.

Boost Your Energy Efficiency

Old doors are often woefully inefficient. It’s a problem we see all the time, especially on historic homes. These old houses often have had the same doors for decades, and they’re simply not up to modern standards. Not only are they often drafty, but the doors themselves often don’t provide nearly as much insulation as a modern door. A new door replacement will have better insulation, and a tight seal to keep those chilly winter drafts outside where they belong.

Door replacement can improve your home’s energy efficiency overnight, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature while shaving dollars off your utility bills every month. And if you live in an older home, it’s even possible to get a modern, energy-efficient door replacement that matches the historic character of your residence.

Let There Be Light

Front entry door replacement offer benefits that can be seen and felt throughout your home. A new door is like a blank slate, and you can choose among an incredible range of door styles to go with the overall aesthetic of your house. One of the most popular options in recent years has been replacing a solid front door with a windowed door or a glass entryway door.

One of the key benefits of a glass entryway door is that it allows much more natural light to enter your home, while still providing privacy thanks to frosted or pebbled glass. Natural light gives your home a warmer and more inviting feel, and there’s evidence to suggest that it has a wealth of health benefits.

Add a Layer of Security

If your door is starting to look like a stiff breeze would blow it over, then it’s probably not providing you and your family with the security you need. A new door will be stronger and more durable than an old one, and significantly harder to break down. Modern doors are made from steel, fiberglass and other materials that are much stronger than their older counterparts, and provide vastly improved security.

Modern doors are also more compatible with advanced security features, like smart locks and deadbolts that you can open and close using a keycode or an app on your phone. That’s a nice perk if you’re prone to forgetting your keys! Plus, many new doors simply look more intimidating. There’s a good chance that a would-be burglar would be deterred by seeing a brand new door with advanced locks and security features.

Improve Your Curb Appeal

Your front entryway door is a major focal point. It’s one of the first things people notice when they walk up to your house. Wouldn’t it be nice if it made a good first impression? Replacing windows and doors is one of the easiest ways to make your home look more appealing, and a front door replacement can have the biggest impact of all. You can choose among an incredible range of different types of doors, and pick a style and material that matches your unique taste.

That being said, improving your curb appeal isn’t all about having the best-looking house on the block (although that is pretty nice). It also comes in handy if you ever decide to sell your home. New windows and doors are among the leading factors that can help your home sell more quickly.

Contact us today to learn more about the potential benefits of replacing your front entry door. At Bellari, we’ve been serving New Jersey’s window and door needs since 1950, and our team is dedicated to only the finest products, installation and service.

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Glass panel doors are one of the most popular styles for the entryway, especially in modern and contemporary homes. And it’s easy to see why. The wide range of styles and the natural sunlight they let in can benefit the home—both inside and out. Here are some common reasons why New Jersey homeowners have continued to love glass entry doors over the years.

1. They’re beautiful. Doors with glass panels offer a sleek, elegant look that complements your home’s interior and exterior and presents a very different appearance than a solid door. They’re a great way to give your guests a positive first impression before entering your home.
2. They let in natural light. Even if the glass is frosted or pebbled for privacy, it still helps the space feel more bright and welcoming.
3. They offer a great view. Imagine looking out your front door and seeing blue skies on a summer day or a snowy winter scene. The glass panels allow you to welcome nature into your home, without ever having to open the door.
4. They’re easy to maintain. Glass entry doors, especially full-glass entry doors, are often preferred because they’re easy to clean. Glass doesn’t warp or rust and will keep your home looking beautiful for years to come.
5. They’re highly customizable. You can select a single, full-length glass panel, a small glass panel, or several panels. You can leave the glass clear or add flair with a frosted coating or decorative design. To make the front door stand out even more, you can also frame it with elements like:
   • Sidelights – Sidelights (sometimes spelled “sidelites” are the glass panels located on the sides of the door. Depending on size, orientation, and preference, some people opt for a left or right sidelight, or both.
   • Transom – A transom is a section of glass on top of the door. Because it’s so high up, many homeowners leave the glass clear for an uninterrupted view of the yard.

Shop Glass Entry Doors

Discover a glass entry door you’ll love for your North, Central, or South Jersey home at Bellari Home Remodeling. Our expert design team, headquartered in Branchburg, NJ, can help you find the right door for your home — and guide you through our warranties and available financing if appropriate for your home improvement project. Contact us today to learn more.

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If your front door has seen better days, it’s time to call Bellari for a replacement. While there are many important considerations to take into account when selecting a new entry door, choosing the material is one of the best places to start.

Common Entry Door Materials

Most residential entry doors are made from wood, fiberglass, or steel. However, as long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer, you can trust your new door to do everything you need it to regardless of the material. At Bellari, our doors are sourced from ProVia, a leader in dependable, energy-efficient entry doors.

Don’t know where to start? Think about what’s most important to you and how you need the door to function to help decide which material might be best.

• I want a door that’s very secure. If you’re looking for a door that can withstand harsh weather and wear and tear from kids, as well as protect against potential break-ins, a steel entry door is the way to go. Durably constructed and corrosion-resistant, you won’t have to worry about shrinking or warping over time. Steel doors also tend to be easy to maintain and come in a variety of paint colors. For extra security, choose a steel door with a lower gauge. While it might seem counterintuitive, the lower the gauge, the thicker and more durable the metal.
• I want a door that will look great for years. Get your money’s worth by opting for a fiberglass door. These doors are built to look great and work great long after install day. The sturdy fiberglass is less likely to ding or dent than other types of doors and is even available in an extensive array of designs, including natural-looking wood-grain textures.
• I want a door that’s beautiful. If you’re all about aesthetics, a classic wood door might be the route for you. You can select from sturdy solid wood doors or hollow core wood options. But no matter which one you choose, you’ll be able to achieve that rustic, welcome-home vibe you were hoping for. But keep in mind that while wood doors can offer security and durability, they tend to wear down faster and typically require more maintenance.
• I’m concerned about energy efficiency. Fiberglass and steel doors offer the most energy-efficient designs, make a great choice for anyone seeking to keep out excessively cold or hot temperatures, and minimize heating and cooling costs year-round.

Find Your New Door Today

With a large variety of premium entry doors, Bellari can help homeowners throughout Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey find the one that’s best for their house. Contact us today to get your door replacement process started and learn more about our available warranty and financing options.

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According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, burglars are more likely to enter your home through the front door than any other point of entry. Their survey indicated that 34% will use the front door, 22% will use the back door, and 9% will enter through the garage. These stats demonstrate how important it is to make sure every entry door in your house is secure.

While you can always upgrade your locks and home security system, sometimes the problem lies within the door itself. As you check your doors, ask yourself these questions to help you determine if it’s time to replace them or not.

What Materials are Your Doors Made of?

The most secure material for front entry doors is steel. Steel is extremely sturdy to guard against bending and other damage. Fiberglass composite doors are also a great option, and while solid wood doors can be sturdy, they run the risk of warping over time. Also be sure to check the door’s rails and stiles – components used to help brace the door. For those, laminated wood with veneers tends to be more reliable than solid wood.

When it comes to back doors, sliding glass doors are pretty common because of the natural light and ease of entry. While standard glass is not the best option for home security, your door and window provider can offer selections that help you find a balance between the bright, inviting light you desire and the defense against intruders you need for peace of mind.

How Old Are Your Doors?

In general, most doors probably need to be replaced every 20 to 40 years. Things like weather corrosion, water damage, extreme temperatures, and impacts can all cause entry doors to deteriorate over time. As the door gets worn and damaged, it won’t be as secure as it used to be. Another thing to keep in mind is that doors today are simply built better and with multiple layers, increasing their resistance.

The following signs could indicate it’s time for a new door:

• Squeaky hinges – If the hinges are showing signs of aging, then the door probably is, too.
• Visible cracks, rot, and warping – All three of these can affect your door’s structural integrity, making it more prone to break-ins.
• Drafts – Over time, a door’s seals will naturally crack and shrink. Not only does this impede the door’s ability to insulate your home, but it also indicates the door is getting older.

Is the Glass Reinforced?

Glass panels are a popular choice for front entry doors because of their elegant appearance. However, glass tends to be more breakable than the door material. If the panel is located next to the lock, intruders could potentially break the glass, reach in, and unlock the door. But don’t let that deter you from enjoying beautiful glass panels. Just make sure the glass is properly reinforced.

For example, large sheets of glass can be reinforced with techniques like glazing and placing mesh inserts between multiple layers to help prevent the chance of shattering.

Is your Northern or Central New Jersey home in need of more secure entry doors? Start exploring replacement options from trusted brands by contacting Bellari online or calling us at [company-phone id=1] for additional information.

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Doors come in a variety of colors, sizes, materials and designs, and your choice should be dependent on your personal preferences and where they will be placed in the home. 

Some of today’s most common options include:

• Steel: Steel doors are filled with energy-efficient core insulation, making them effective for both indoor and outdoor applications. The metal is resistant to corrosion, shrinking and warping, and can also be painted any color. Maintenance is easy and usually just requires a wipe-down using your preferred cleaning solution.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are as energy-efficient as steel, less prone to dings and can be easily maintained. They can usually be custom ordered in a greater variety of designs than steel doors. Wood-grain texture can be molded to give fiberglass doors a more natural look, especially after painting and staining.
• Solid Wood: Solid wood doors are a classic choice that offer a more rustic feel. Because of their size and weight they tend to be very sturdy. Exotic woods are more expensive than simple composite options, but come in a wide variety of colors and stain options.

No matter your choice of material, your design options are almost limitless. All door types are available with or without glass and accents to fit a number of styles. If you’re going for something more contemporary, large front windows let in natural light and offer a minimalist aesthetic. Traditionalists might prefer ornate accents around their entryway or heavy wood doors with wrought iron fixtures. Find a design that works best for your home and style.

Security

Your doors not only improve your home’s aesthetic, but upgrade your security as well. Modern doors are constructed to resist forced entry and keep your family safe. Steel doors are particularly secure because of their durability and resistance to bending or denting. If your door contains large sheets of glass some manufacturers offer glazing, or mesh placed between multiple layers, to prevent shattering and decrease the chance of break-ins.

Weather Resistance

Entryway doors need to endure more than just regular use. Your home should be secure enough to stand up to storms and whatever else nature throws at you. Once again, steel doors are a solid and effective option, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and requiring little maintenance if repairs or cleanup are required. Fiberglass is similarly resistant to weather and any potential scratches or dents that might occur due to windswept debris. Wood doors can survive most situations, but should be properly treated to withstand high moisture or other intense conditions.

Home Remodeling in New Jersey

Bellari started out as an aluminum storm window company in 1950. In the years since we’ve expanded our offerings to include vinyl and wood windows, doors, siding, roofing, decking, sunrooms, awnings and full kitchen and bath remodeling, all while maintaining our dedication to complete customer satisfaction. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin building your dream home!

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View below for the best looking options out there for homes when it comes to doors. Here at Bellari we provide the very best selections for adding the right door for you. Contact us today to get started!

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