I’m going to be installing a new front entry door in my home. I’m in Michigan and the wall I’ll be putting it in has Southern exposure and will get the the morning sun, until about 12:00 noon along with rain, sleet, snow, ice etc. I plan on putting an exposed rafter roof structure over the porch. Any recommendations on manufacturers and materials? I’d love to use wood. I’m sure that’s not the best choice given the exposure.
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" Any recommendations on manufacturers and materials? "
Just what recommendation are you looking for. Materials for the front entry door, the house, the porch, the rafters, the roofing?
I agree completely. Although probably not well written my question is in regards to the actual door. I have the porch, rafters and trim already determined. Thanks,Soap
Use an insulated steel door.
It sounds like you already know the answer. Most Doors that I have run across, at least the ones that claim to be the best, claim to be safe on the southern exposure. An overhang, or what you describe sounds like a pent roof, is important. It will help it to last longer. I think all doors on the southern side take more abuse no mater what they claim.
Especially, if you put on a storm door. The door bakes in between, Sue the sun. I would definitely stick with aluminum storm doors if you plan to go that route. A self storing, split screen would be good if you want you can vent it at the top. None of the door companies i deal with make exclusions for storm doors.
I have even taken out wooden doors that were properly sealed and finished, from the southside. with and without storm doors. 40 - 50 years old, with flaking urethane and varnish. Perfectly good doors. the customer wanted a new look.
Therma-tru claims it's doors are safe. They are under waranty too , but who wants to go thru that. SO I would pick the door you want and call the manufacturer yourself and ask someone about a very specific door, and take their name and number all that.
Especially without an overhang. a wood door or a composite storm door can fail. Larson storm doors doesn't recomend installing their wood core doors, with out an overhang. I have had customers who installed them themselves.They had their warranty honored. They are still the best of the cheap doors.
Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?
Edited 5/20/2003 10:10:20 PM ET by MuleSkinner
Edited 5/20/2003 10:11:51 PM ET by MuleSkinner
Thanks for the comments!