Dear Jim:My old wood front door looks bad and does not seal well. I want the security and efficiency of a steel door, but I like the wood appearance. What are my options, and what features should I consider? -- Tom H.Dear Tom: Although people often think of an insulated steel door as having a "plain industrial" look, nothing could be further from the truth. For security against thieves and durability in severe storms, the strength of steel skins with the rigid foam insulated core cannot be beat.
With computerized design and manufacturing processes, new insulated steel doors are very attractive and difficult to distinguish from solid wood doors. The edge details are crisp to create the sharp wood-like shadow lines.
A stainable insulated steel door sounds like a good option for you. The strong steel skins are finished with a deeply grained vinyl coating. You just apply the stain as you would on real wood and the steel door looks like a natural wood door. The door companies sell special staining kits.
Another design to consider bonds real oak wood veneers over an insulated steel inner core door. With the narrower insulated steel core, the insulation value is not quite as high as other steel doors, but it is still several times better than a solid wood door.
From the standpoint of overall security, durability and efficiency, a high-quality steel door is tops. Since steel is naturally magnetic, tight-sealing refrigerator-style magnetic weatherstripping can be used.
You will surely notice fewer drafts and less outdoor road noise through the door.
Adding decorative glass and sidelights is popular today to individualize your steel door. Typical glass options are leaded or brass caming, etched, beveled, frosted, glue chip, etc. Some of these options are expensive because the decorative glass panels are carefully assembled by hand.
For the best efficiency and noise reduction, choose triple-pane, low-emissivity glass. This also reduces carpet fading. An adjustable sill and a multiple-sweep threshold seal at the base of the door are best.
For extra security, some doors have optional security glass. Although it looks like regular glass, it has a tough plastic pane in between the indoor and outdoor glass panes. For protection, the decorative designs are on the inner plastic pane. I have this type of glass in my own front door.
Look for a steel door with a heavy wood or ABS plastic (used for golf club heads) lock block for security. A multipoint deadbolt lock also helps. The deadbolt hooks into the frame in three locations from top to bottom. It is virtually impossible for a thief to kick through one of these doors.
Write for (or instantly download - www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 611 - buyer's guide of 11 insulated steel front doors, finishes, styles, insulation and features. Please include $3 and business-size SASE.
James Dulley, Deseret News, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244
Dear Jim:I like to use my fireplace, but it often gets smoky. The problem seems worse the colder it is outside. Do you have any simple, low-cost ideas on what to look for and how to fix this problem? -- Patty H.
Dear Patty: Unfortunately, there are many possible causes of this problem. First, have your chimney checked and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. Even if it does not smoke, everyone should have this done for safety.
Set your furnace thermostat down to make sure it shuts off. If this reduces the smoke, your house is very airtight, and you must open a window in the room when the fire is burning. Using well-seasoned firewood may also help.
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