Central Keystone Living - Fall 2017 - 30

Installation
A door can only perform as well as it is installed. Proper in-

stallation by a trained and experienced installation technician is
essential to the performance and longevity of the door. In new
construction, the door is installed into the rough opening at time
of construction and then trimmed in place. For a door replacement, the original rough opening needs to be exposed by removing
interior and exterior trim and removing the old door and frame.
The new door is then installed and then re-trimmed. Installation
should be according to the door manufacturer's specifications
with proper water management and insulation. A sill pan system
can add increased water management control and peace of mind.
For proper operation, the unit must be square, level, and plumb
within the opening.

Warranty
Warranties should be strongly considered when selecting a door,
keeping in mind both the manufacturer's warranty as well as the
installation warranty of the installer. Be mindful of exclusions or
limitations of the warranties, specifically with understanding the
concept of "Lifetime" warranty coverages and the definition of
what is meant by that term. Look for coverages associated with the
door frame, the slab components, the glass, and the finish.

Locksets and Hardware
Door hardware styles can run the gamut, with traditional, ornate,
modern, and minimalist. There are knobs, levers, thumb-latch grip
handles, and electronic/automated options, most coming in several
decorative metal finishes including satin nickel, brass, oil-rubbed
bronze, and black, with more options being offered to increase
design combinations. Although the outward facing hardware is
what most are concerned with, homeowners should not dismiss
the underlying lockset mechanism that will keep their home secure.
Standard cylindrical locksets are the most common and utilize a
cylinder locking mechanism that is installed through the door slab.
These are typically installed with a deadbolt above to increase security. Cylindrical locksets are generally the least expensive. Mortise
locksets utilize a more complex mechanism with a lock body and
trim channeled into the door slab. Cost is higher than most cylindrical locksets, however, they are more secure. Multipoint hardware
systems are a great solution for those looking for added security in
their entry door. These systems are integrated into the length of
the door slab edge and most commonly offer 2-3 points of locking
along the length of the door. Electronic hardware is fast becoming
a common addition to entry door hardware to allow for keyless
entry and home automation. Technology ranges from keypad entry
codes to wireless/bluetooth and remote access. As with all of the
other options, type of materials, construction, and operation all
play into determining cost of the hardware and lockset.

Central Keystone Living // FALL 2017

Energy Performance
Overall energy efficiency of a door is determined by the interaction
of all of the components as well as how the door is installed. Three
main measurements are used to determine this:
* U-factor: the rate at which the unit conducts non-solar heat
flow. The lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the unit.
* Solar Heat Gain: the fraction of solar radiation admitted
through a unit and subsequently released as heat inside a home.
The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits and the
greater its shading ability.
* Air Leakage: the rate of air movement around a unit. A unit
with a low air leakage rating is tighter than one with a high air
leakage rating.

All Doors Are Not Created Equal

Even within the different types of doors, quality and performance
can vary widely across manufacturers and within lines. From
economy and stock doors that are readily available in box stores
and lumberyards to custom and premier lines through higher-end
distributors and resellers, quality of construction, performance, and
cost fall on a continuum of low to high. As you begin to compare
doors, here are some key questions to consider:
On all doors:
* How/where is the door positioned on the house?
* What is used to build the structure and core of the door?
* What is the thickness of the rails and stiles of the door slab?
* Is the door frame wood, composite, or a combination?

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Keystone Living - Fall 2017