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
-
Should I be Concerned if I Notice Stair-step Cracks Appearing near Doors and Windows?
Read More »: Should I be Concerned if I Notice Stair-step Cracks Appearing near Doors and Windows?Yes, noticing stair-step cracks near doors and windows is a significant reason for concern as these areas are natural weak points in a building’s structure. While some cracking can be cosmetic, specific patterns in these locations often signal differential settlement—the…
-
What is the Typical Process for Repairing Stair-step Cracks in a Home’s Foundation?
Read More »: What is the Typical Process for Repairing Stair-step Cracks in a Home’s Foundation?The typical process for repairing stair-step cracks involves a transition from home monitoring to professional structural intervention. Because these cracks are symptoms of underlying issues like foundation settlement or expansive soil, the repair process focuses on stabilizing the home’s structure…
-
Are Stair-step Cracks in my Home’s Foundation a Sign of Serious Structural Damage?
Read More »: Are Stair-step Cracks in my Home’s Foundation a Sign of Serious Structural Damage?Stair-step cracks are often a telltale sign of structural movement, but their severity depends on their size, stability, and accompanying symptoms. While some minor cracking can be cosmetic, the stair-step pattern typically indicates that the foundation is experiencing differential settlement…
-
What are the Most Common Causes of Stair-step Cracks in Brick or Masonry Walls?
Read More »: What are the Most Common Causes of Stair-step Cracks in Brick or Masonry Walls?Stair-step cracks are diagonal fissures that follow the mortar joints in brick or masonry walls. According to ACN Construction, these patterns are primarily caused by the following environmental and structural factors: Because mortar joints are the weakest part of a…
-
How can I Tell if Stair-step Cracks are Just Cosmetic or Require Professional Foundation Repair?
Read More »: How can I Tell if Stair-step Cracks are Just Cosmetic or Require Professional Foundation Repair?Identifying whether a stair-step crack is cosmetic or structural involves assessing its width, stability, and any accompanying signs of home movement. While minor hairline cracks can result from normal settling, the distinctive zigzag pattern of stair-step cracks often points to…
