More than being points of access between rooms, doors are also excellent design gems that can instantly uplift the style of your home. In the same way that furniture and decor can set the theme of the entire house, your doors can also speak volumes about how stylish you are when it comes to home design.
As there are so many door design ideas to choose from, you might be left overwhelmed when it comes to making a choice. However, when you’re searching for the perfect door for your home, make sure that you also think about function. Remember that the door should, first and foremost, function as an entry and exit way.
Speaking of function, a well-functioning door should be well-fitted. Have you ever experienced opening a door that looks so glamorous and stylish but has some technical issues? Some of the most common door problems include floor skidding, creaking hinges, and lock or latch failures.
Any door and window manufacturer will tell you that more than the style and look of your door, making sure that the door works according to its purpose is of primary importance. You should start by fitting the door properly into its frame and fixture. Here are some of the reasons why having a well-fitted door is essential:
Your door should be well-fitted to be energy efficient
Well-fitted doors leave little to no gap within the door frame. These small crevices could become entry points for the outside air, leaving the interior of your home exposed to harsh temperature conditions. As a result, you’ll be overworking your temperature regulation system and producing low energy efficiency.
A well-fitted door offers protection from outside weather
A small misalignment of the front door may already lead to entry of moisture from heavy rains or snow. Leaks can not only cause cleanliness issues, but also increase the wear and tear of your doors. Moisture may seep through your door – especially if it’s made of wood – and speed up its damage.
A well-fitted door costs less to maintain
An ill-fitted door – even for just a few millimeters – can cause maintenance issues of many kinds. Problems caused by poorly fitted doors usually lead to costly repairs, some of which include scratched floors beneath the misaligned door and decreased life of the door hinges.
Your door should be well-fitted clearly shows your style
Leather shoes that squeak while you walk usually appear cheaper and less stylish than a good pair. The same is true with well-fitted doors. Unless you want to follow a horror theme for your house, a door that creaks as you open it is a clear sign of an ill-fitted door, and is in dire need of repair or refitting.
So which comes first: style or function?
Fitting the door into your frame comes secondary to picking the right style, in terms of chronological order. If you’re planning to buy a new door, take note of the measurements of your door frame. You should also pick a door that fits perfectly to the overall style of your home, and make sure that the design of your door won’t overpower your existing home design.
How do I fit a door?
You can always make a DIY project on fitting a new door in your existing door frame. The basic steps in fitting a new door include the following:
- Measure dimensions: Get a measurement of the door frame or opening, and use it as basis for the size of the door that you’re buying.
- Trim to size: This may depend on the size of your frame and the new door.
- Fix hinges to frame and door: Screw all hinges on the door.
- Hang the door: Use wedges to support the door upright while fixing the hinge flaps to the door frame.
- Fix the handle: Mark your desired position of the handle and latch, and drill as necessary. Insert the latch and door handle into their respective places.
If you’re skeptical about your technical skills or too busy to fit the door yourself, you may refer to door manufacturers and fitting professionals who can do the job for you. Their expertise will assure you of a well-fitted door that you will enjoy for a long time. Best of all, many of them offer guarantees that your doors will be problem-free for a specified period.
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