Exterior Door Hardware

Updating your exterior door hardware is an easy way to add your personal touch to the house. The term "hardware" includes hinges and a lockset. The locksets will be the focus of this page.

Often, when something goes wrong at an entry door, homeowners blame the door itself. But a door is only as dependable as its components and most problems occur when the inner workings don't function. So when searching for new exterior door hardware, be aware of these simple tips to help in your selection.

Security Locksets are probably the most crucial part of any entryway. You always want your locks to be durable. In other words, don't go for high-tech models (keypads, card-swipes) if they require a lot of maintenance. If a lock isn't reliable, then it's worthless.

For traditional exterior doors, go for a single cylinder dead bolt, which requires a key outside and uses a thumb-switch inside. If you have glass porch doors, then you may want to go for a double cylinder, which requires a key for both the inside and out. This way, even if a burglar breaks the glass, it's still difficult to gain entry.

The Latch The crucial thing to keep in mind is alignment. In other words, does the door open and close properly, with the tongue of the latch fall into the precut hole in the doorjamb?

The Looks Make sure to match the finish of all your door hardware throughout the house. Though you always want to put function ahead of form, you also want to keep an entryway looking good. A very popular trend, for both the exterior and interior, is to go retro.

Nostalgic products, such as glass door knobs or brass handles, are timeless and never go out of style. These little accents can really enhance the look of a home.

And since the entryway is the first thing people see, spending time and money on beautiful exterior door hardware will ensure that guests have an appropriate first impression.

Other Attachments It's not just about latches and hinges. Door hardware can take on all kinds of components. For added protection to your walls, invest in some door stoppers.

To brighten up the entrance, buy an kick plate or door knocker. For the elderly, levers may be easier to handle (pun intended) than knobs. Or for handicap residents, there are always new innovations in automatic openers.

Maintenance If a door is to remain functional, then you have to make sure all the inner (and outer) workings are running smoothly. Never leave a lock broken (and if you can't fix it yourself, call a locksmith).

Make sure you doors open and close smoothly. If they drag, call a handyman for help. And if there is a squeak in your hinges, don't use chemical lubricants as they may remove the finish. Simple soap and warm water will often do the trick, but always consult the manufacturer to see which maintenance option will work best for you.

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