Question 1

What's the best weatherstripping for an entry door in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

EPDM rubber weatherstripping is the best choice for Ottawa entry doors, offering superior durability against our harsh freeze-thaw cycles and temperature extremes from -30°C to +35°C.

For Ottawa's climate, you want weatherstripping that maintains flexibility in extreme cold while resisting UV damage during hot summers. EPDM rubber weatherstripping excels in both conditions and typically lasts 10-15 years with proper installation. It creates an excellent seal against air infiltration, which is c

Question 2

Should I get a sidelight with my new front door?

Accepted Answer

Sidelights can dramatically enhance your front door's appearance and functionality, but the decision depends on your home's architecture, available space, and personal preferences.

Sidelights offer several compelling advantages. They flood your entryway with natural light, making your foyer feel more spacious and welcoming. This is particularly valuable in Ottawa homes where winter months can feel dark and confined. Sidelights also provide better visibility of visitors before opening the door,

Question 3

What door material needs the least maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Fiberglass entry doors require the least maintenance of all door materials, making them the top choice for busy Ottawa homeowners who want durability without constant upkeep.

Fiberglass doors are virtually maintenance-free because they don't warp, crack, or split like wood doors, and they won't dent or rust like steel doors. The color and finish are typically molded through the entire door surface or applied as a durable coating that won't chip or peel. You'll only need to wash them occasionall

Question 4

Are wood doors practical for Ottawa's weather?

Accepted Answer

Wood doors can be practical for Ottawa's climate, but they require more maintenance than fiberglass or steel options and work best when properly protected from direct weather exposure.

Ottawa's harsh winters, with temperatures dropping to -30°C and significant freeze-thaw cycles, create challenging conditions for exterior wood doors. Solid wood doors expand and contract significantly with temperature and humidity changes, which can lead to warping, cracking, or gaps that compromise energy effic

Question 5

What is the most secure type of entry door?

Accepted Answer

Steel entry doors offer the highest security for residential homes, combining strength, durability, and advanced locking systems that make them extremely difficult to breach.

Steel doors provide superior resistance to forced entry compared to wood or fiberglass alternatives. The steel construction won't crack, warp, or split under pressure, and quality steel doors feature reinforced frames and multiple locking points. When properly installed with a solid door frame and quality deadbolt system,

Question 6

Do I need a storm door if I have a new insulated entry door?

Accepted Answer

A storm door isn't necessary with a quality insulated entry door, but it can still provide valuable benefits depending on your specific situation and preferences.

Modern insulated entry doors are designed to provide excellent thermal performance on their own. A quality fiberglass or steel entry door with proper weatherstripping and a solid core can achieve impressive energy efficiency ratings without additional protection. These doors are engineered to handle Ottawa's harsh winters and temperat

Question 7

Do screen doors affect the look of a new entry door?

Accepted Answer

Screen doors can significantly impact the appearance of your new entry door, but with thoughtful selection, they can actually enhance rather than detract from your home's curb appeal.

The key is choosing a screen door that complements your entry door's style and proportions. A well-matched screen door can add visual depth and create a layered, sophisticated look, while a poorly chosen one can hide your beautiful new entry door and make your entrance appear cluttered or cheap.

Modern screen doo

Question 8

What's better for a front door - steel or fiberglass?

Accepted Answer

Fiberglass is generally the better choice for Ottawa's climate, offering superior insulation, durability, and appearance options, though steel doors remain a solid budget-friendly option.

Fiberglass doors excel in energy efficiency and weather resistance. They provide better insulation than steel (R-values of 5-7 vs 2-4 for steel), which is crucial during Ottawa's harsh winters where temperatures can drop to -30°C. Fiberglass won't dent, rust, or warp like steel can, and it handles Ottawa's fre

Question 9

How wide should a front door be for moving furniture?

Accepted Answer

A standard 36-inch wide front door is usually sufficient for most furniture, but many homeowners find that upgrading to a 42-inch door provides much better clearance for large items like sofas, mattresses, and appliances.

The minimum door width for residential entry doors in Ontario is 32 inches, but this can be quite tight for furniture moving. Most standard entry doors are 36 inches wide, which works for many pieces but can be challenging for oversized furniture or appliances. When you factor

Question 10

What is the most popular front door style in Ottawa right now?

Accepted Answer

Steel entry doors with decorative glass panels are currently the most popular front door style in Ottawa, combining durability, security, and aesthetic appeal that works well with both traditional and modern home designs.

The trend heavily favors steel doors with partial glass inserts - typically featuring frosted, textured, or decorative glass in the upper third of the door. These provide natural light while maintaining privacy and security. Popular glass patterns include geometric designs, pr

Entry Doors