Insulated steel doors efficient, offer clean lines, airtight seals

Dear Jim: Our old front door looks bad and we can feel a draft near it on windy days. We need to install a new, more efficient one. We like the look and security of steel doors, but doesn’t the metal waste heat? – Ronnie M.

Dear Ronnie: I have installed and tested every type (steel, wood, fiberglass, and carbon fiber) of front door in my own home and my preference is clearly an insulated steel door. I particularly liked the clean appearance, the airtight seals and the added security steel offers.

Even though steel does conduct heat, insulated steel doors are one of the most efficient of all designs. The steel skins are thin and there is an insulating thermal break between the indoor and outdoor skins to block the direct flow of heat. The interior of the door is completely filled with insulating foam.

Another significant advantage of a steel door is it is magnetic. This allows refrigerator-door-type magnetic weather stripping to used on the frame. When the door closes, the seals snap tightly to the door. This is more effective than friction or compression weather stripping which may wear out or take a permanent set reducing its airtight sealing ability.

New steel doors have more attractive crisp detail edge lines than older ones, but they still are not quite as crisp as real wood doors. Stainable steel doors, which simulate real wood are available. A stainable coating, with graining you can actually feel, is rolled on to the steel skins.

One of the primary factors indicating quality and strength of a steel door is the thickness of the steel skins. Sheet steel thickness is designated by its gauge rating. When comparing steel doors, keep in mind a lower (24-gauge vs. 26-gauge) number indicates a thicker steel skin. You should be able to find this specification shown somewhere in their sales brochures.

I would recommend installing a pre-hung steel door which includes the door frame and hinges. The frame will be made properly for an airtight seal with the door. You will have several choices of hinges. If you can afford it, consider upgrading to ball-bearing hinges for smoother operation. Spring-loaded hinges, which slowly swing the door closed, are also available.

Clear or decorative glass in front doors is popular today. Some decorative glass panels can cost more than the door itself. Choose double-pane glass at the very least. Many of the decorative and security glass panels use a decorative sheet of tough plastic between two glass panes. This is secure and it provides two insulating air gaps instead of just one.

If you have the space for a sidelight, consider installing one that swings open. It will provide an extra foot or so of width when moving large items in an out. Also, consider a triple-point latch for greater security.

The following companies offer steel entry doors:

Jeld-Wen, (800) 535-3936, www.jeldwen.com

Pella, (800) 883-6677, www.pella.com

Taylor Door, (800) 248-3600, www.taylordoor.com

Therma-Tru, (800) 537-5322, www.thermatru.com

Weathershield, (800) 222-2995, www.weathershield.com.

Dear Jim: I just bought an older home which has an oil furnace. It still works, but I think a new one would be more efficient. We have gas available, so should I get a new oil one and should I switch to gas from oil? – Andy O.

Dear Andy: The energy market is very unstable now and it is difficult to predict its future. Both oil and gas are in short supply, so this impacts their relative costs and which furnace would be your best choice.

Since the existing oil furnace in your home is still working, wait to replace it until the energy markets settle down. At that point, your contractor can make better long-term payback estimates.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Bangor Daily News, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.