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What Types of Exterior Doors are Available?
Exterior doors don't only refer to the front door of a home. According to the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, "manufactured homes shall have a minimum of two exterior doors located remote from each other." While some tiny homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and other dwellings with limited square footage might only have one front door due to space limitations, most homes will be required by law to have at least two entries. Not only is this practical for entering and leaving home, but a safety precaution in the event of fires and other disasters that require easy exit from a building.
How much do Exterior Doors Cost?
An exterior doors' cost varies widely depending on the type of door, the materials included, and the insulation value. Solid wood front doors can cost thousands of dollars, while inexpensive fiberglass doors can cost as low as $200. You can expect to pay an average of $988 for installation alone if you choose to hire someone to install your exterior door.
One of the most inexpensive options that will not sacrifice insulation capacity is steel doors that incorporate insulation. This option offers less customization than wood or fiberglass alternatives but can be functional and high performance while providing a smooth, attractive, and durable replacement for your exterior doors.
If having a comfortable home is your priority, there is a growing selection of Passive House doors out there. These exterior doors have multiple seals and locking points and have an R-value of 10 or higher. These doors offer twice the insulation value as a typical door. If you're planning to spend $3,000 to $8,000 on a door, then a Passive House door is worth looking at.
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
