Exterior Doors

Learn how to make an existing exterior door more energy efficient.

Filed under: Doors, Eco-Friendly

Using an interior door in an exterior doorway is a recipe for disaster. Interior doors are usually hollow, often made of thin sheets of plywood or plastic-coated cardboard. They offer no security or protection and are not energy efficient.

So, why is it important to use exterior doors on your home's exterior? The reason is exterior doors are usually made of solid wood, metal or fiberglass. While newer doors are most effective, there are ways to make older exterior doors more energy efficient:

1. Add weather stripping, metal, plastic or rubber around the door to create a tight seal when the door is closed.

2. Install a door sweep. It looks like a squeegee and prevents air from escaping or entering.

3. Caulk around the door frame. That will cut down on drafts.

4. Once that exterior door goes up, those energy bills should come down. Exterior doors are pricey, but they'll pay for themselves throughout the year.