When evaluating the best options for your home, steel and fiberglass are the most secure materials for front entry doors. We recommend these materials because they can meet the ANSI/ASTM F476 Grade 20 security standards required for exterior swinging doors.
- Steel: This remains the industry benchmark for security, providing a robust physical barrier at the primary entry point of your home.
- Fiberglass: This is a high-performance alternative that is particularly effective for Colorado’s climate. It resists impact, warping, and rot through our local freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, fiberglass offers superior energy efficiency with an R-value of 5 to 7, which exceeds the typical R-value of steel.
Security depends as much on installation as it does on the material itself. To ensure these doors function as a true defense, we maintain a door-to-frame clearance of no more than one-eighth of an inch to eliminate gaps.
Furthermore, if your door design includes glass, any glazing located within 40 inches of the lock must consist of safety glass or burglar-resistant materials to prevent intruders from bypassing the locking mechanism. Our design-build team manages these technical requirements—including the use of 3-inch heavy-duty fasteners to anchor the frame into the structural wall—to turn your entry point into a determined barrier.
Let us help you get your project started. Note that project outcomes and timelines may vary based on site conditions, permitting, and material availability. Estimates are preliminary and subject to change after a site inspection and a full scope review.
Related FAQs
-
How do I Handle Stone Foundation Mortar Deterioration in Old Buildings?
Read More »: How do I Handle Stone Foundation Mortar Deterioration in Old Buildings?To handle mortar deterioration in stone foundations, we follow a specialized process known as repointing, which is a critical component of historic foundation restoration. Because old stone foundations must be allowed to “breathe,” the repair method and materials used are…
-
What Questions should I Ask a Window Contractor before Hiring?
Read More »: What Questions should I Ask a Window Contractor before Hiring?To protect your investment and ensure a high-quality result, you should vet a window contractor thoroughly before signing any contract. Key questions to ask include: Related FAQs
-
How Long does a Full House Window Replacement Typically Take?
Read More »: How Long does a Full House Window Replacement Typically Take?The timeline for a full house window replacement involves several stages, with the actual installation typically occurring over several days depending on the size of the home. Project Stage Timelines Factors Influencing the Schedule While these are standard estimates, actual…
-
How should I Prepare my Home for Window Installation Day?
Read More »: How should I Prepare my Home for Window Installation Day?To ensure a smooth and efficient project, home preparation should begin 1 to 2 days before the crew arrives. Preparation is divided into indoor and outdoor tasks: Indoor Preparations Outdoor Preparations General Logistics Related FAQs
-
Who Handles Permits for Window Replacement in Denver City Limits?
Read More »: Who Handles Permits for Window Replacement in Denver City Limits?Within the Denver city limits, the responsibility for obtaining window replacement permits typically falls to the contractor. While homeowners with a proper license may obtain them, it is generally preferred and expected that the professional contractor manages this process. This…
