Doors

Top Door Trends in 2023

Whether you want to give the front of your home an update with a new entry door or you’re looking to upgrade your patio doors, RWC is here to help you bring your design vision to life. At RWC, we are not only certified door installers; we are also design experts who stay up to date on the latest trends in the world of doors, windows, and more. To help you make the best choice for your home and get inspired, we’ve compiled a list of the top door trends for 2023. Check them out below and contact RWC to get started on your next project!

Wider Entry Area

ThermaTru Classic-Craft Entry Door

While not a trend directly related to the color or material of your new door, many homeowners are opting to expand their entryways to create a more unique look. Front door sidelights - or vertical panes of glass placed on each side of an entry door - are a great way to add more light and vitality to your entry area. You can choose sidelights with different glass pane sizes depending on the level of privacy you are looking for. When you trust RWC with your next door project, our team will remove your existing entrance door, frame, wood threshold, and interior molding, so you’ll have a blank slate to work with. No matter what size or style of entry door you choose, we’ll make sure that the voids between the door frame and the wall are properly insulated and that interior and exterior decorative trim is installed correctly. 

Bold Door Colors

ThermaTru Smooth-Style Entry Door

A new pop of color is a great way to give the front of your home some more personality. Bold colors are in! It’s hard to go wrong with a classic black or white, but a cheerful color like blue or green can make your home more inviting and boost curb appeal. You can experiment with colors based on the color of the rest of your home, your door’s accents, and more, creating a theme that perfectly suits you. Many homeowners even extend their theme to their windows to create a gorgeous and cohesive design. We’ve seen and installed entry doors in a wide range of colors, and if color is a route you want to take, we’ll help you make it happen.

Smart Locks and Smart Door Tech

Technology is moving forward every day, and those updates don’t just apply to smartphones and computers. Smart locks and other tech-savvy features are becoming more and more popular for front doors, picking up even more speed as we move through 2023. Many homeowners opt for voice-controlled entry systems for an extra level of security, while video doorbells continue to be popular. Smart locks, which allow you to lock and unlock your door remotely, are also gaining traction among those making home updates. Homeowners who choose a smart lock have two options - deadbolt replacements (which replace the entire deadbolt) and deadbolt adaptors (which replace the part of the deadbolt inside the home). RWC is proud to offer NJ homeowners access to full lines of Schlage, Emtek, and Baldwin hardware, so you can choose door hardware that provides you and your family with security and peace of mind.

Fiberglass Doors

JeldWen Fiberglass Entry Door

Providing homeowners with a variety of benefits, fiberglass doors are all the rage in 2023. Fiberglass doors combine the beauty and timelessness of wood with incredible durability and weather resistance. These doors are also much more energy efficient than traditional wood doors - their fully insulated cores reduce thermal transfer between the inside of your home and the outside. Another reason why fiberglass doors are so popular this year is that they provide homeowners with endless design options - from wood grain variations and bold colors to ornate glass and knocker options. You’ll be able to choose a fiberglass door that is the perfect fit for your home. At RWC, we are known for our wide selection of fiberglass entry doors in NJ, and we want to help you make the best possible choice for your home. When you visit our West Caldwell showroom, you can explore our entry door options, including the following fiberglass entrance doors:

• ThermaTru Smooth-Star Fiberglass Entrance Doors
• ThermaTru Fiber-Classic Fiberglass Entrance Doors
• ThermaTru Classic-Craft Fiberglass Entrance Doors
• JeldWen Aurora Fiberglass Entrance Doors
• ProVia Fiberglass Entrance Doors

Steel Doors

ThermaTru Profiles Steel Entrance Door

Looking for an entry door that is easy to maintain, durable, and energy-efficient? A steel door may be the perfect choice for you in 2023. Steel entry doors have been gaining nationwide popularity for years, and they’re being found as part of more and more US homes this year. Steel doors last for years and are resistant to rot and warping. They are super thick and protective, adding increased security and energy efficiency to your home. They’re also a popular choice for those who live in a busy area because they do a great job of blocking out noise. Steel doors are also incredibly versatile design-wise. If you choose a steel door for your home, you can also choose to paint it, opt for a wood grain design, or add glass paneling or windows. NJ homeowners can work with RWC to update their homes with top-quality steel entry doors, including:

• ProVia Legacy Steel Doors
• ThermaTru Pulse Steel Doors
• ThermaTru Profiles Steel Doors
• ThermaTru Traditions Steel Doors

A Focus on Energy Efficiency

We just talked about how fiberglass and steel doors are two energy-efficient options for NJ homes, and for good reason - energy efficiency is something that more and more homeowners are considering for their doors, windows, and more in 2023. Energy-efficient doors keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, while also reducing your energy bills by keeping your heat and air conditioning from escaping through your front door. We want to help our customers consider this when they choose a new front door. When you work with us, our team will take the time needed to prepare your door opening to accept your new energy-efficient door system and then install your new door into the prepared opening. We’ll answer any questions you have about your door and the benefits it can have for you and your family. We’re dedicated to helping you find a door that will serve your family well throughout the year.

Bonus Trends: Patio and Storm Doors in 2023

Patio Door Trends in 2023

MI 390 Sliding Glass Door

At RWC, we install more than just entry doors. Our patio door offerings are designed to meet each homeowner’s needs and help create a seamless transition between the inside and outside of their home. So far this year, we have noticed that vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum patio doors are gaining even more popularity. Vinyl patio doors are cost-effective, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Fiberglass patio doors are known for their strength and resistance to rotting, while aluminum patio doors give homes of all sizes a sleek and modern feel. Homeowners looking for the perfect vinyl or aluminum patio doors can look no further than RWC! We offer:

• Vinyl patio doors from MI Windows and Doors
• Vinyl patio doors from Simonton Windows
• Vinyl patio doors from Crystal Windows
• Vinyl patio doors from ProVia
• Aluminum patio doors from Crystal Windows
• Commercial aluminum patio doors from Northern, Winco, and EFCO

Storm Door Trends in 2023

Storm doors allow NJ homeowners to appreciate the beauty outside their front doors while keeping bugs, pollen, and more outside where they belong. Pairing your new entry door with a new storm door is a great idea for many homeowners, and you’ll want to make sure your storm door decision is just as thought-out as your entry door decision. Style and material are super important elements to consider when choosing your new storm door, and RWC is proud to give homeowners a wide range of options with Larson storm doors in NJ. These doors reduce outside noise, provide ventilation, and more, plus they come in a variety of colors, handle designs, and handle finishes so you can truly make your door your own.

Door Installation and Replacement in NJ with RWC

Give your home the update it deserves in 2023 with help from our experts at RWC! We provide NJ homeowners with a one-stop shopping experience for entry doors, patio doors, and storm doors. We work with you from beginning to end - visit our showroom to explore your options, and trust our team to provide you with premier installation services, including debris removal and clean-up. We’ll always be on hand to answer any questions you have, and we will ensure that you can start enjoying your new front door as soon as it’s installed. We want to show you firsthand our commitment to outstanding customer service and satisfaction - contact us by calling (973) 227-7123 to get started today.

by RWC

Entry Door Trends to Watch for in 2020

Introduction

Homeowners understand kitchen and bath renovations add value and comfort to the house, but sometimes overlook the importance of the front door. It's what guests see when they enter and offers an aspect of curb appeal when selling the house. In most cases, replacing a front door is a relatively simple job for the professional, and can easily add double the cost of the door to the value of the home. Although there is no “wrong” choice for a front door according to the preference of the family who lives there, certain choices are especially popular coming into 2020 door design based on today's design trends.

Modern and Retro Designs

Front door style trends are based on what currently seems popular for new homes and renovations, and they can generally be summarized following classical or modern appearance. Modern styles tend to have crisp, lean designs while more retro designs have shape and contour of exaggerated moldings and raised panel construction. To an extent, such choices can be determined by the overall design of the house, but there's no reason not to update a vintage home with a modern door or add a bit of timeless beauty to a newer one.

Style and Function

The function of the most popular front entry doors for 2020 is just as important as styling, due to new technologies available for today's homeowners. Safety features can add strength and durability, preventing a door from being kicked in or pried open. Just as important are doors designed for cameras that can send a signal to a cell phone and possibly allow the homeowner to talk to anyone at the door even when away from home. Other Smart features allow the door to be unlocked or even opened from the car, which is a great feature when it's raining or when coming unloading groceries or packages.

Popular Colors to Choose From

Front door colors 2020 trends have a wider variety of options than what has traditionally been in style each year. A common theme is to make the door stand out by using a contrasting color compared to the rest of the house. Such a concept draws attention to the door and directs guests where to go. Such a theme adds curb appeal by making it clear the homeowner put some thought and planning into the door as a focal point, and allows the homeowner a form of expression without overdoing their favorite color across the entire front of the home. Like other style choices, the color comes down to what the people who live there like, as they are the ones who see it most often.

Key Takeaway Points

• A modern front door adds value and appeal to the house.
• Modern and retro appearance can both look great, more important is the modern function.
• The latest available features are always worthy of consideration. New technologies can be quite functional and practical additions to a front door.
• Color trends aren't as important for 2020 as they have been in the past, assuming some taste and class goes into choosing a color that looks nice.

Ready For A New Door?

Modern front door ideas are only limited by the creativity of the homeowner and the designer. Whether you already know exactly what you want for your front door or need some help to decide on a design style, give us a call at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to send out a representative to discuss your needs and provide a free estimate on the options we have available for a front door or any other renovations your home might need.

by RWC

Updated for 2020: How Replacing Your Doors Can Help You Save Money This Winter

As winter approaches and heating bills go up, you're likely to wonder how you can save energy while keeping your home warm and comfortable. The first thing to do is check windows and doors for drafts. Typically, a draft can be addressed with a temporary fix until it can be properly repaired, in other cases a new door might be warranted. A new door is especially appropriate if the house needs an updated cosmetic appeal or if an older door doesn't meet modern energy efficiency standards.

Structure and Cosmetics of the Front Door

There are two aspects of the front door to consider, how it functions structurally and how it appeals to your sense of style. The importance of either consideration varies according to the preferences of the homeowner. Structurally, the door can be solid wood, or it can be a metal or vinyl shell filled with appropriate insulation. It needs to be installed properly to prevent drafts around the edges, and in some cases may need reinforcement for additional security.

From a cosmetic perspective, there are many choices available. Choosing a great looking door requires deciding which style best suits your personal sense of style along with determining what matches the rest of the house. Colors obviously need to look right, whether the door matches the other trim on the house or compliments it as a focal point of the facade. Whether it has windows or intricate contours is just as important of a choice, and how well it suits any screen or storm door used with it.

Why You Should Use Energy Saving Doors

Old doors can have a big impact on your overall heating bills when the weather gets cold. If your door isn't energy efficient, it could be letting in cold air even when it is closed tightly. A thin, single paned glass door can let in cold drafts, while a hollow wooden door can be a problem in cold weather areas. Invest in energy efficient doors to keep the cost of keeping your home warm down.

People often turn their heat way down when they’re gone to save on heating costs, but if you turn your heat down too low it will take too much energy to warm your home back up again. It’s more practical to put money into keeping the heat within your home, rather than constantly changing the temperature inside. Investing in new doors will help trap heat inside. If your doors are really old, they may be beyond repair. Energy efficient doors may be worth the investment. You'll end up saving money on heating costs, and your home will be much more comfortable.

Repairing a Drafty Front Door

There are several ways about how to fix drafty doors. New weather stripping will usually fix a draft coming in around the edges of the door. For a draft coming in from the bottom of the door, an aftermarket item can be helpful which is similar to the idea of placing a rolled up towel along the bottom of the door, except it's an item specifically designed for such a purpose. As such, it insulates better and looks nicer, and can be a simple fabric cover piece of insulation or can be decorative to match your other design choices. Otherwise, a new threshold might be in order, or a full door replacement might be the only way to fix a drafty front door.

Look for Ways to Keep Doors Protected

If you feel cold air is slipping into your home through the doors, you can protect your door from the harsh weather. Just like windows, you can use heavy drapes to keep the coldest air out of your home. When the sun is out during the day, open up the heavy drapes to let the warm sun heat up your home.

Improve Airflow Throughout Your Home

To maintain a more even temperature throughout your home, keep the airflow even. Block off rooms in which you may not need as much heat. Use ceiling fans on low to keep air moving from room to room. The temperature will be easier to maintain if the air flows freely throughout the rooms you want to heat in your home.

Door Replacement Options

When replacing a door, energy efficient exterior doors are going to be the best way to stop a drafty door. They aren't exactly “winter doors” because they are just as efficient in the summer with keeping cool air inside. The real issue is they're well-made to modern standards, including providing energy efficiency for the home.

Takeaway Points Concerning Drafts Around Doors

• An efficient front door is essential to saving on energy bills through the winter.
• There are ways to eliminate a draft on an existing door, but a new door might be a better option.
• There are several aspects of a door worthy of consideration before making a purchase.
• Energy efficient doors are going to be worth the expense by saving money on heating and cooling bills.

Contact Us Today

If your power bill seems to be higher than expected this winter, give us a call at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to have a representative stop by at your convenience to evaluate whether doors, windows, or other issues might be making your home less than as efficient as it should be, and discuss a plan to correct the problem.

by RWC

How Often Should You Replace the Weather Stripping on Doors?

Everybody understands the importance of maintaining an energy efficient home in today's world, both to save money on electric bills and to be environmentally responsible. New homes are built to code and therefore meet energy efficiency requirements, older homes night be updated by adding insulation or replacing windows to lower power bills and become more efficient. One thing homeowners tend to overlook is the importance of replacement weather stripping for exterior doors as a means of preventing drafts and the use of excessive heating and cooling to counteract their effects.

How Often to Inspect and Change Weather Stripping

Inspecting weather stripping is a simple enough task to be conducted several times throughout the year, or at least in the autumn as the weather turns cold and again when it begins to warm up in the spring. The inspection shouldn't wait until there is a noticeable draft coming in around the door. You can regularly feel around the door to check for any air leaks. Check both sides, if you feel outside temperatures coming inside or if you feel inside temperatures leaking to the outside, it's time to replace the weather stripping for a front door. An even better way to inspect the weather stripping is to light a candle, or perhaps a piece of incense, and move it around the edges of the door. Even the slightest of drafts you are unable to feel will blow the smoke either into or away from the door.

Different Types of Weather Stripping

Over the years, there have been different styles of weather stripping according to the technology of the time. The best weather stripping for old doors might be to replace it with the exact same as what was there originally, or there might be a newer style made of a better material for that particular door. There are going to be different sizes, shapes and contours, and attachment systems for different doors, so make sure you know what you need before purchasing the replacement if you plan to do it yourself. Speaking of doing it yourself, it's a fairly simple task most homeowners are capable of, but a reputable local contractor will be happy to do it as well if you don't enjoy such activities or don't feel comfortable with it.

How To Replace Weather Stripping

Again, there are different types of weather stripping, so the first step is to cut off a small piece of the old with either a razor knife or scissors so you can take it with you to the store and purchase a compatible replacement. Most styles have a mushroom shaped ridge which wedges itself into a kerf in the door frame, a “kerf” being a small groove the width of a table saw blade cut into the door frame. Simply pull out the old to remove it and you'll see how to install the new by cutting it to length pushing it back into the groove.

Another style of weather stripping is simply a piece of foam with an adhesive backing. The advantage is that it's universal, but it isn't designed for any particular door style and therefore doesn't fill all the gaps and eliminate drafts. It's better than nothing as a quick fix, but if your door is so old that's all you can find your door is old enough to start considering a new one.

Takeaways

• Check your door regularly for drafts, and at least twice a year conduct a thorough inspection.
• When replacing weather stripping, make sure to use the right kind for your door.

Conclusion

If you need help with weather stripping or any other maintenance and remodeling projects, give us a call at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. Our representatives will be happy to meet with you and discuss any concerns or needs you might have for your home.

by RWC

How Much Does it Cost to Install an Exterior Door?

Your home's exterior door could use an upgrade, but you have a set budget to spend and really don't know a lot about how to pick the best door. You could give your door a makeover or a fresh coat of paint, but there are few things that bring a new personality to a home like a nice exterior door. The average cost to install an exterior door can be anywhere from $1,500-$8,000, but there are numerous factors that can help determine the end cost. 

The Type of Door You Choose 

The type of door you choose is naturally going to make a drastic difference in how much you spend. Doors can be made out of metal, fiberglass, or wood, and all of them have different price points. Wooden doors can sometimes be a little more costly than something like steel, but wooden doors can also have higher long-term maintenance costs. Steel tends to be the least expensive of all the door types, but many homeowners prefer the decorative look of wood over steel, especially for a front entry door. Fiberglass exterior doors fall in the mid-range somewhere, but they can be less resilient than steel. 

Pre-Hung or Not Pre-Hung 

A pre-hung door is a door that is already affixed to a frame. These doors tend to be more expensive because they have the components and hardware attached already. If you go with a slab door that is not pre-hung, your costs can be substantially lower, but the installation costs can be more. Therefore, it can be more affordable to go ahead and invest in a pre-hung door to save money. 

Whether Glass Panels or Windows Are Implemented 

Having windows or sections of glass added to an exterior door will bring up the cost between $300 and 1,200. Glass panels and windows are valuable if you want more natural light in your home, so the extra cost can be well worth it. 

The Door Frame Size 

Naturally, the size of the door you need is going to make a difference in the price. Standard door sizes are going to be the most affordable. Doors that are larger or smaller than usual or have to be custom-made to suit certain size specifications are going to be more expensive. Standard door measurements are widths of 30, 32, and 36 inches, and the standard door height of 80 inches. Anything smaller or larger, or thicker than the typical 1 3/4-inch thickness, is probably going to be higher. 

What's Included in the Cost of a New Exterior Door Installation 

When you are given an estimate for an exterior door installation, you will get a breakdown of the labor cost to install exterior door and the materials. Most pros will include removal of the old door, installation of the new door, and installation of the new knobs, locks, and hardware in the price. The cost to install exterior door in wall where no door existed will naturally be higher, so that is another factor to keep in mind. 

Takeaways to Remember About Exterior Door Installation Cost 

• Some doors cost less initially but require more upkeep expenses for the long term
• Standard-size doors are the most affordable and off sizes are more expensive 
• Picking doors with windows or glass panels means a higher cost 
• It can be financially logical to have the door you buy professionally installed 
• Pre-hung exterior doors have more components and can be more expensive 

Choosing the exterior door that fits your home's style and functionality the best can take some doing when you have a specific budget in mind. Reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More for professional guidance finding the perfect door for your price range.

by RWC

Everything You Need To Know About Painting Your Front Door

Wondering how to paint a front door correctly? Painting your home's front door is one of the more common do-it-yourself summer home improvement projects. But, before you pick up that paintbrush, there are many things to consider.  This includes: trending paint colors, the type of paint to use for the door material, and what products can improve the paint's performance and make the paint job last longer.

Creative Ideas for Painting Your Front Door

Today's front door colors are bolder and brighter than ever before. A colorful front door is not only pretty, but can also create a unique focal point for the entire property. When choosing a paint color, first decide if you desire a cool color (blues, browns, greens) or a warm color (reds, yellows, gray). Within each of these major groups you will find many hues and shades to choose from. Some new trendy exterior door ideas include Aqua, Mint Green, Lilac, Mustard Yellow, Coral, and Peach.

Whichever front door paint color you choose, be sure it blends with the overall exterior of the home, and makes a strong statement that reflects your family's personality. Choose a few paint chips or purchase small paint samples to see how the color looks during different times of the day.

What Kind of Paint to Use on a Front Door?

The best paint for a front door is one that’s specifically designated for exterior surfaces. Glossy or semi-gloss paints are typically used for front doors, but an eggshell or flat finish are also available. When considering flat paint, remember that it is harder to clean and will show scrapes and nicks better than a glossy paint. A high gloss front door paint will make your door stand out and will exaggerate the architectural features of the door.

Next, you want to consider if an oil-based paint, water-based, or latex paint is best. Whichever you choose, make sure your primer is of the same formula. Latex paints are certainly easier to apply, easier to clean up, and will dry faster. But, oil-based paints last longer and stand up to harsh weather best. Expect a long dry time with oil-based paints and you will need turpentine or paint thinner to clean up any spills.

How to Paint a Metal Front Door

From one of the most handy of handymen, Bob Vila makes these suggestions for painting a metal exterior door:

• If possible, remove the door from its hinges then clean with a degreaser and lightly sand
• Next, you will apply the first coat of primer. Allow it to dry then apply another coat if necessary
• Finally, you will paint the door with two coats of satin or semi-gloss paint and allow to fully dry
• Re-hang the door, replace hardware, and remove any painter's tape around the frame

Important Tips for Painting Your Front Door

Always consider the time of year when you decide to paint your front door and always check the weather forecast. The best conditions when painting a front door for your home are a clear and sunny day without extreme temperatures. While warm days are preferred over cold days, if it is too hot the binding properties of the paint can be affected. This means a paint job that may peel or crack sooner than you expect.

Also, consider the drying process. A warm and overcast day is optimum - but more importantly, you want to choose a day when the humidity levels are low and between 40%-50%. High humidity slows down the drying process. The best time of day for this project is in the early morning, after the overnight dew has evaporated, and there is a gentle breeze to help speed along the drying process.  If you’re doubting the best way to paint your door, don’t do it! Leave it to a professional to ensure the best, long lasting results. 

Final Exterior Door Painting Ideas & Tips

• Choose a fresh color for your front door, but stay within your personality and comfort levels
• The best type of exterior door paint is a latex paint with a semi-gloss finish
• Avoid painting on days that are very hot, rainy, or a high humidity
• When in doubt, leave your paint job to the professionals

For all your home improvement needs, including exterior front door replacement when a new custom painting simply won’t correct issues with front door that is rusted, swollen, has dings, has hardware issues, is drafty, or shows signs of water or insect damage, contact RWC!

Visit the showroom of RWC Windows, Doors, and More for plenty of front door design ideas from modern, double entry doors to traditional wood doors to recreate your home's architectural detail.

by RWC

Tips for Fixing a Door That Has Swollen

That gorgeous wooden door you picked out for your home tied together traditional look and function you wanted, and that investment sure has served you well. Unfortunately, one day you find that your wooden front door expanded and it will no longer close smoothly.

Wood is porous, which means when it is exposed to moisture, it can absorb that moisture and swell. When a door is installed in a door frame, it is fitted exactly to the size of that frame, so if the door changes shape, it can create a lot of problems. Take a look at some of the things you should know about how to fix a swollen door.

What Causes A Swollen Door?

Even though moisture exposure is the most likely culprit if you have a swollen door, there can actually be a few reasons why a door will warp, swell, and change shape. According to Hunker, a door can swell if there is a heat source close to the door, so keeping heat sources at least 36 inches away from the door is best. Poor ventilation can also cause a door to swell, especially interior doors if your home is especially humid.

Will a Swollen Door Go Back To Normal?

Wood can expand and contract as it is exposed to moisture and changes in climate. However, if a door is swollen a great deal due to heat or moisture exposure, it is unlikely that it will revert to its original shape. For example, if your front door has absorbed a tremendous amount of water due to exposure to the rain and lack of sealant, the moisture may eventually dry out and evaporate, but the structure of the wood fibers can be changed forever.

How Do You Fix a Swollen Door?

If you're wondering how to fix a swollen exterior door or interior door, you should know that this is no easy feat. If a door only has minimal swelling that is causing it to rub against its frame, you may be able to remove the door and plane down the swollen area with a sander. However, anything beyond the most minimal swelling is not an easy fix. Some doors can't be fixed at all, and any efforts made to mend them can make matters worse. It is always a good idea to bring in a professional for an opinion before you go through the trouble of trying to fix a swollen door on your own

Key Takeaways to Remember About Swollen Doors

• Front door swelling from water is often due to lack of protective finishing, so prevention is key to avoiding the problem
• Both interior and exterior wooden doors can have problems with swelling, but exterior doors more commonly have problems
• Keep your doors away from heat and water sources as much as possible to avoid problems with swelling
• Repairing a severely swollen door is not always possible without ruining the integrity of the door; replacement may be necessary
• Make sure you pick well-built doors that will be less likely to swell

Even though having a swollen door can seem like a simple problem, it is not always an easy problem to fix. Plus, there could be underlying issues why the door is swelling that need attention. Reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More for an assessment of a swollen door or for help with finding a replacement.

by RWC

Interesting Tech for Your Front Door to Keep Your Family Safe

Technology touches everything we do as consumers, and it changes many aspects of our everyday lives. As technology has involved, it has etched its way into the most basic functions of our homes, right down to the front door. Online retail giant Amazon recently showed interest in technology for front doors, and consumers across the board are implementing smart features to enhance the functions of this main entryway to the home. Check out some of the most interesting tech gadgets and implements you may want to consider for your front door.

Ring Video Doorbells

Video doorbells from ring change everything about the old traditional doorbell and how they once worked. These cool tech gadgets have a button to push like an actual doorbell, but as soon as the button is pushed, you get an instant notification in the house and on your smartphone. A video camera on the unit activates so you can see who is standing at your front door, and you can actually converse with them if you want.

Wifi Door Lock with Camera

The wifi door lock is a smart lock system for your front door that also has a camera so you can check in and see what's happening on your front porch at any given moment using an internet-connected device like a phone or laptop. You can log in and lock your doors remotely or unlock your doors when you need to let someone come inside and you are not at home.

Keyless Entry Locks

Also known as a smartphone door lock, a keyless door lock actually uses sensors to detect when your smartphone is in range, and it will automatically unlock the door for you to let you into the house. These systems are considered the best keyless entry systems because about 79 percent of people keep their phone with them at all times. The keyless entry locks can be configured to recognize more than one device so it will work with different household members or visitors you trust.

Airphone Intercoms with Lock Release

Airphone intercoms allow you to connect your door lock and intercom to the internet so you can communicate with visitors on your front porch via your telephone. You can remotely unlock the door with your phone, which is a nice touch if someone visits you and you happen to be busy in another part of the house. The only downfall to the airphone intercom systems is they do not provide you with live video feed if you opt for the most basic models. However, the more expensive versions do have cameras for live video feeds.

Takeaways to Remember On Front Door Tech 

• There are multiple ways you can evolve your front door to be more fitting in a smart home
• The majority of tech gadgets for the front door rely on internet connections
• Smartphone apps allow for easy viewing of your home when you are not home
• Smart devices can mean higher levels of security at your front door
• Technology can allow remote entry for guests you trust
• All tech-savvy gadgets should be used with security in mind

If you are looking for cool ways to evolve the way your front door, the doorbell, or even the lock on your front door works, it is well worth getting to know the new ways technology is changing typical front door functions. Reach out to RWC Windows, Doors & More for more information about front door options for your home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

by RWC

How to Pick A Front Door Color & What it Says About You

What Does Your Front Door Say About You

Ever wonder what your front door color reveals about you? Take our quiz!

Many homeowners may not realize that picking a front door color might actually say a lot about the family that lives within.

If you are considering putting your home on the market soon, before you replace your exterior doors, you may want to see what the experts feel are the best front door colors of 2020. Front door colors in feng shui are all about the energy of the home and the harmony of its occupants; the color you choose may have an impact on the feeling within your home. No matter what school of thought you subscribe to, we’ll explore what your front door color says about you.

How to Pick a Front Door Color Using Psychology

What the color of your front door says about you is based in color psychology that has proven certain primary colors are associated with certain emotions and even certain personalities. Homeowner beware, no amount of color psychology can overcome a bad design choice.  Here are some correlations between choosing a front door color and the emotions they evoke:

• Install a red door when you want to convey your family's personality as active and vibrant. Careful though -- red can also be associated with over-zealous power. Consider opting for more muted color, like a burgundy or maroon color door.
• White doors are associated with cleanliness and neatness. It is one of the most common door colors, and it usually has a positive connotation. Too white and your house can look sterile -- don’t be afraid to accent.
• A black door is stately and formal. Consider the black door mounted at 10 Downing Street, the home of England's Prime Minister, as it presents a serious and traditional note.
• Green doors are very popular and can indicate wealth or prosperity. Also, choosing a green door is used to evoke the harmony and freshness of nature. Try something brighter or off-color from shrubbery, to stand out and contrast with the surroundings.
• Choose a yellow door to stand out in the neighborhood. If you want your home's personality to elicit energy, joy, and happiness -- a yellow door is a good choice.
• Calming blue color doors can present a state of trust and welcoming. Even though it is a unique door color, your home will seem more elegant and personal to visitors.
• A naked, wood door conveys a relaxed look with a bit of rustic appeal. If your family enjoys a simple life, then stained and sealed wooden door can be perfect.

Front Door Colors Feng Shui

Consider your front door as more than just adding curb appeal. There are many ways to incorporate the simple principles of Feng Shui within your home. These include decluttering, improving the air quality, and choosing window replacements that allow as much natural light as possible to filter into the interior.

But, you can also use the feng shui direction of your home to help select the best front door color combination for your home. This practice considers the home's orientation. Simply put, picking the best color for your home will depend on which way your home faces. Below, we listed the best feng shui front door colors and what they could indicate about your home:

• East Facing - earth tones like green and brown
  • Peaceful, reliable, cozy
• Southern Doors - fire colors of red, yellow, or orange
  • One-of-a-kind, loving, cheerful
• West Facing - metal elements such as white or gray
  • Clean, accommodating, generous
• Northern Doors - water elements of black, white, or blue
  • Trustworthy, safe, organized

Take-Aways

• Consider your front door as more than just adding curb appeal, but also insight into your family's personality when picking a front door color.
• Front door colors that use feng shui can change the energy of the home and the harmony of its occupants.
• A blue front door is calming, while a red door is energetic. Be careful with bright colors that can make a home look boorish.

What Is The Best Color For a Front Door?

In the end, the best color for your front door is the color that makes sense in your neighborhood. A door color that is too neutral can make the home seem bland and lackluster. In the same way, a home with a brightly colored door may come off as being deliberately pretentious. Visit the RWC showroom to view a wide selection of door options and learn more about door installation services near you.

by RWC