As your home’s point of entry, the doorway is often the centerpiece and makes that important first impression. Why not give your entrance a little extra attention to help it really make a statement this season? These impressive ideas for entryway embellishments can get you started.

Welcome

A doormat is the most common decorative element a homeowner adds to an entryway. Consider sprucing up your stoop by going one step further.

• Personalize. Help identify your home and space with a personalized doormat. This can include the family name or even just an initial. Do something to make it your own.
• Layers. Get crafty with your doormat and go for the layered look. Place a decorative outdoor rug underneath your mat for an even more eye-catching look.
• Make them laugh. Show off your sense of humor with a whimsical or playful mat. Get a smile from family and friends before welcoming them into your home.

If a doormat isn’t your style, perhaps a hand-painted or specially designed welcome sign can greet your guests. Tall and commanding or wide and impressive, the concept is really up to you.

By the Numbers

For a fresh style, add an ornamental address plate to the empty space above or alongside the doorway. This can help visitors more easily identify your home and provide visual balance to your entryway.

You can also hang large, separate numbers on or alongside the door. Go for a classic look or something bold and artistic. Just be sure the size of the numbers works well for your home.

Floral Accents

Liven up your entryway with greenery or flowers. If you have the space, try adding a potted plant on either side of the door. These can act as little green columns and make for a lively, grand entrance.

Or add a pop of color and beauty with a hanging flower basket. Change out the flowers as often as you like or consider using fake flowers and avoid the worry of watering.

Décor

With some dramatic and artsy décor, your front door can welcome your guests in style without saying a word.

• Seasonal splashes. Door decorations aren’t only for late-year holidays. Get fun and creative all year round and celebrate summer holidays, birthdays, special occasions, or even “just because.” Dress up your doorway however you like and whenever the mood strikes.
• Accessorize with a door knocker. This can be as ornate or as simple as you like. Maybe try something bold and striking, simple and modern, or designed with an animal face. A unique door knocker can add elegance, sophistication, and practicality.
• Handle with flair. Upgrade door handles or the doorknob to transform the door and add some character or a bit of style.

Lights

You probably have some sort of lighting around the front door. Whether that’s a fixture on either side or one hanging directly above, we have fun ideas to enhance the lighted look.

Decorative sconces come in varying shapes and styles. Find a trend that suits your home and your taste, whether it’s a farmhouse lantern, contemporary cylinder, steampunk design, or romantic Victorian.

Or change the entire look of your entryway with a pendant light. This is a single-bulb fixture suspended from a chain, cord, or metal rod.

Add a Door

A storm or screen door can add style and functionality to your entryway. Accents and vibrant colors can help draw attention. And you can open the front door on nice days to let in some natural light and fresh air.

If you notice the front door is tattered, damaged, or letting in too much outdoor air, maybe it’s time for an upgrade altogether. A new door can increase curb appeal while adding beauty and function to your home. Ask your Twin Cities home exteriors experts about the benefits of a front door upgrade.

Get your home ready to welcome visitors this spring with these impressive ideas for entryway embellishments. The experienced professionals at Spotless & Seamless are always here to offer solutions to liven up your home’s exterior, from seamless siding to roofing to windows & doors and more. Contact us today with questions or for a free estimate.

When keeping up on home maintenance, some things are more obvious than others. You probably look through most windows and open the front door or service access on the regular. But don’t forget about your home’s other door. The passageway to the patio, garden, or backyard area deserves attention, too. Here are some things to think about regarding patio door upkeep.

General Care

Keep your patio doors looking their best by regularly cleaning the glass. Dirt and grime become more difficult to remove the longer they’re on the surface.

Also, pay attention to the tracks. Lubricate and clean them as needed to keep the door opening smoothly and prevent rust build up. This is especially important because most patio doors open to outdoor recreation areas where dirt is more easily tracked in.

Check the jamb for any screws that may be loose. Secure them back in place but be careful that you don’t overtighten.

Keep an Eye Open

Like many things, patio doors can wear out or sustain damage. Watch for warning signs and consider repairing or replacing your home’s other door if you notice:

• Trouble operating. If the door sticks or is otherwise difficult to open or close, it may be warped and in need of replacement.
• Drafts or visual gaps. Check for adequate weather stripping to keep warm air inside and critters outside.
• Damage. Dings and scrapes are usually simple fixes, but structural damage to the door’s frame or glass could cause bigger issues.
• Moisture. An ineffective seal can allow rainwater, melting snow, or other moisture to get into your home.

If your patio door needs replacing, or even if you simply want to upgrade to a new look, the home exteriors experts at Spotless & Seamless can help. A new sliding or hinged patio door can add functionality, efficiency, and beauty to your home. Contact us today to learn about replacement options as you think about patio door upkeep.

When considering home improvement projects that increase energy efficiency and lower utility bills, most homeowners think replacement windows or insulation. But upgrading your exterior doors is an easy, cost-effective way to save energy and money while creating a comfortable, healthier indoor environment. Read on to learn how:

Air Leakage

Old, ill-fitting, or uninsulated entry or patio doors can contribute to air leakage during the winter and summer months. Unwanted outside air enters your home and inside air escapes through cracks, gaps, and openings you may not even know exist. Air leakage can also cause moisture issues. This can result in dangerous mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Weatherstripping or caulking the gaps can help reduce air leaks and energy loss, but new energy-efficient exterior doors are designed for a better fit and increased insulation, and can eliminate drafts.

Types of Energy-Efficient Doors

An energy-efficient door acts as a seal between the outside and inside temperatures of your home. This prevents an unwanted heat exchange, which could save you money. There are many options available when looking to upgrade your doors:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is one of the most energy-efficient materials available today. It’s highly durable, weather-resistant, and relatively low maintenance. In addition, fiberglass doors won’t crack, shrink, or warp, giving them a longer lifespan than other materials such as wood. In general, fiberglass doors are moderately priced, so replacing your existing door with a fiberglass one is a good investment that will pay for itself in energy savings down the road.

Vinyl

Vinyl is another material that’s durable, weather-resistant, and energy efficient. A vinyl door provides good thermal insulation, which prevents air from entering or escaping your house during the hot and cold months. Premium vinyl resists deterioration, corrosion, and insect infestation.

Steel

Like a refrigerator door, most steel doors use magnetic weatherstripping that forms an airtight seal to prevent air from escaping or entering your home. Steel doors often have tighter-fitting frames and a higher R-value than other materials. This results in better insulation for your home. Moreover, steel doors are generally less expensive compared to fiberglass or vinyl.

Wood

A widely popular option, doors made from wood are the least energy efficient of all the materials. Wood tends to be a poor insulator of heat and can even absorb heat in the warmer months. Most wood doors have a polyurethane foam core that increases its energy efficiency, but only nominally. While wood is an attractive option relative to curb appeal, there are better alternatives for energy savings available.

Glass

Glass doors are poor insulators and tend to lose more heat than other types of doors. However, most manufacturers install low-emissivity coatings on glass, which control the heat transfer better but tend to cost more. There are do-it-yourself low-e coating kits available to apply at home. These films are relatively low-cost and may last up to 15 years without peeling, a good alternative for the budget-conscious homeowner.

Upgrading your exterior doors could lead to significant energy savings. Selecting the right door for your home’s exterior is a big decision. Before you buy, it’s advisable to check NFRC performance ratings to find the right door for your lifestyle and budget.

Let the experts at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors help make choosing a door a little easier. We are a Twin Cities home exteriors contractor offering a wide selection of doors from Waudena Millwork. Materials include high-quality steel, fiberglass aluminum, vinyl, wood, and others designed for high-functionality and performance all year round. Contact us today.