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Well-known member
Hi There,
We have been looking at options on a replacement for the front entry door. The current door is nice looking but terrible for our climate. One of the sidelites recently had a gasket failure. The door is a raised wood panel with no insulation. Gasket seals are in great shape and also has a fancy "storm door" on the exterior side. It still frosts up around the edges and across the transom. Temp gun readings show more surface heat loss than the garage door. I figure it is time to replace with something that at least keeps temps on the correct side of the house.
I spend a fair amount of time over in parts of Europe(mostly Germany and Austria), and I'm kinda fascinated by their doors. Honestly, it goes beyond kinda fascinated. Their standard doors are built unbelievably well. I've looked at plenty of those doors with a close eye over the years. The sealing system is pretty amazing along with the overall construction. I don't need their incredible locking systems. Just the basics.
Replacing the door finally made it to the top of my to do list.
I figured it would be fairly simple to just go out and find a good door system. Hopefully, something similar to the doors I've seen across the pond. I'm having one heck of a time trying to find something that is similar in construction here in the states. Ironically, I can find them available in Canada?
I've looked at Neuffer, Groke, Biffar, Nordan, and a few other brands. They run prices in the range of a good used sled. The delivery time frame would barely get them here before the frost starts forming. I've looked at some brands that are more readily available as well. Pricing is a bit better, but the construction is not. It seems like the seal systems and thermal breaks are not a big priority for domestic doors that I have found. There are domestic doors with good panels based on U factor ratings. I'm trying to find something that has the whole package without breaking the bank.
Does anyone have ideas where to look? (We're in MN). Some things still need to be viewed in person. Also, wondering about experiences with doors you love for our snowy, cold conditions? Doesn't need to be passivhaus stuff, just a good door that works.
We have been looking at options on a replacement for the front entry door. The current door is nice looking but terrible for our climate. One of the sidelites recently had a gasket failure. The door is a raised wood panel with no insulation. Gasket seals are in great shape and also has a fancy "storm door" on the exterior side. It still frosts up around the edges and across the transom. Temp gun readings show more surface heat loss than the garage door. I figure it is time to replace with something that at least keeps temps on the correct side of the house.
I spend a fair amount of time over in parts of Europe(mostly Germany and Austria), and I'm kinda fascinated by their doors. Honestly, it goes beyond kinda fascinated. Their standard doors are built unbelievably well. I've looked at plenty of those doors with a close eye over the years. The sealing system is pretty amazing along with the overall construction. I don't need their incredible locking systems. Just the basics.
Replacing the door finally made it to the top of my to do list.
I figured it would be fairly simple to just go out and find a good door system. Hopefully, something similar to the doors I've seen across the pond. I'm having one heck of a time trying to find something that is similar in construction here in the states. Ironically, I can find them available in Canada?I've looked at Neuffer, Groke, Biffar, Nordan, and a few other brands. They run prices in the range of a good used sled. The delivery time frame would barely get them here before the frost starts forming. I've looked at some brands that are more readily available as well. Pricing is a bit better, but the construction is not. It seems like the seal systems and thermal breaks are not a big priority for domestic doors that I have found. There are domestic doors with good panels based on U factor ratings. I'm trying to find something that has the whole package without breaking the bank.
Does anyone have ideas where to look? (We're in MN). Some things still need to be viewed in person. Also, wondering about experiences with doors you love for our snowy, cold conditions? Doesn't need to be passivhaus stuff, just a good door that works.