In recent years, the popularity of panelled doors in modern homes has surged, showcasing a new appreciation for the balance between classic design and contemporary style.
These doors, available in an array of designs and materials, offer more than just an aesthetic appeal; they can significantly contribute to the energy efficiency and security of your home.
As you start your journey of selecting the perfect panelled door, let’s delve into the details of their benefits, selection, and styling.
The Rising Demand for Panelled Doors
The residential doors market has experienced significant growth in the past few years. With this surge being largely attributed to the increased recognition of the value and aesthetic versatility that doors like the panelled variety offer.
Panelled doors have taken centre stage, due to their striking first impression and excellent, practical benefits. We’ll explore these benefits in the next section.
The Practical Benefits of Panelled Doors
Security
When it comes to internal doors, security may not be as much of a priority as with external doors. However, it is still something that you really should think about. Although the focus shifts from protecting your home from external threats, internal doors play a crucial role in safeguarding your privacy, personal belongings, and loved ones within the house.
A robust panelled door not only provides a physical barrier but also a psychological deterrent, making burglars think twice before breaking-in. By investing in reliable panelled doors, you enhance the security within your home and provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Energy Efficiency
Doors are often overlooked when considering energy efficiency, but they should not be. Studies show that doors and windows account for 20 to 30% of all heat loss in a house. A well-insulated, properly installed panelled door can help reduce energy loss, leading to lower heating and cooling costs.
Selecting the Right Panelled Door
When choosing an internal panelled door, it’s crucial to consider its energy performance ratings based on your home’s design and local climate. Optimal internal doors should have a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-factor, enabling them to block out solar heat and preserve internal warmth. For example, internal panelled doors made of solid wood or with a polyurethane core can offer insulation values more than five times superior to those made out of glass or other materials.
Also read Metal vs Wooden Door Frames – What’s the Difference?
Bonus Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing a Panelled Door
Bonus Tips
- Consider the Material: When you’re choosing a panelled door, think beyond the aesthetics. The material of your door plays a significant role in its durability, energy efficiency, and even security. While solid wood doors offer a classic and high-end look, they aren’t always the best insulators. Fiberglass, or black steel doors, on the other hand, may lack the natural charm of wood but make up for it with superior insulation and durability..
- Pay Attention to Energy Ratings: Energy efficiency isn’t just for your appliances; it’s for your doors too. Pay particular attention to the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-factor ratings. The lower the U-factor and the SHGC (for warmer climates), the better the door is at insulating your home.
- Think About the Door’s Direction: This might sound a bit odd, but the direction your door swings open could impact your home’s functionality and safety. Doors that swing inward are most common and are perceived as more welcoming. However, for regions prone to severe weather, an outward-swinging door can provide better resistance against strong winds.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Ignoring the Door Frame: When you’re caught up in the excitement of choosing a new door, it’s easy to forget about the door frame. An ill-fitting frame can reduce the effectiveness of your new door, cause it to stick or even not close properly. Always ensure that your door frame is in good condition and properly sized for your new door.
- Overlooking Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is a small detail that has a big impact. It seals the gaps around your door, preventing drafts and improving energy efficiency. Remember, even the most energy-efficient door won’t do much good if it’s poorly sealed.
- Choosing Style Over Function: It’s easy to fall in love with a door based on its looks alone. However, always consider the function and practicality of the door for your specific needs. If you’re replacing a patio door, for instance, swinging doors generally offer a tighter seal than sliding ones, despite the latter often being considered more stylish.
- Neglecting Maintenance Needs: Different door materials require different levels of care. For example, wood doors may require periodic painting or staining to maintain their look and durability. Steel or fiberglass doors, while more resilient, may still need occasional cleaning and touch-ups. Choose a door that fits with your lifestyle and willingness to maintain it.
Styling Panelled Doors for Modern Homes
The beauty of panelled doors lies in their ability to seamlessly blend with various design aesthetics. The market today offers an impressive range of panelled doors, from minimalist single-panel designs to elaborate multi-panel configurations. The versatility of these doors allows them to be a perfect fit, whether you’re aiming for a rustic farmhouse vibe, a sleek modern appeal, or anything in between.</p
At Internal Doors UK, you can explore an extensive selection of high-quality panelled doors that promise to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your modern home. Their collection includes a diverse range of styles, finishes, and materials
