Exterior doors are an integral part of your home’s character and function. Their style, colour and material influence the overall aesthetic of your home.
However, exterior doors perform several important functions beyond their appearance. They are a critical part of a building’s envelope, offering security and protection from the weather.
They are many factors to consider when choosing an exterior door. For most people, its style and appearance are the main reasons for its selection. However, careful consideration to how these doors are to perform is critical.
In addition, each region may also have other peculiarities in choosing a door because of the climate and culture.
Apart from style, here are some of the things you might consider when selecting an exterior door for your tropical home.
1. Durability
Our climate is prone to a lot of rainfall and humidity. In addition, sun exposure is also significant. These elements have an impact on our exterior doors.
The style and materials we use may depend on the location and exposure to the elements the door has.
For example, a wood exterior door facing the wind and rain in an area that has no covering can be susceptible to warping and other moisture damage. Frequently maintaining and refinishing the door may help but it is inconvenient.
This is worse with timber raised panel, glazed or French door. The multiple surfaces and joints in these types of exterior doors allow more opportunities for water to penetrate them. Hence, this condition can break down the door faster.
Fibreglass and composite doors are more durable while giving a similar look to a wood door. In addition, these doors do not require as much maintenance. However, they can be pricier.
Otherwise, you can consider protecting the door with a hood or canopy.
2. Strength
Tropical storms and hurricanes are a major concern in our regions. We want to feel safe and secured during a severe weather event in our tropical home. Along with the walls, roofs and windows, our exterior doors should also be specified for resilience and strength.
Metal doors like steel or aluminium will offer great protection in such a situation. They are strong and are also great for security.
They are usually coated to protect them against the weather.
However, they can also become extremely hot if exposed to prolonged direct sunlight.
3. Daylight and Views
A large part of tropical home living is being able to connect with the outdoors more. We love our patios and verandas and often want our doors to open out to them.
Full or partially glazed doors are ideal for this. However, ensure that they are protected against direct sunlight entering your home. If not, use glass that has coatings to reduce the heat penetrating them.
Traditionally hinged doors are used but sliding and bi-fold doors are often used in more contemporary applications. These contemporary exterior doors can create wide uninterrupted openings and make your space feel more open.
If they are made from wood, you will also want to protect them from the rain, as previously mentioned.
4. Ventilation
Large doors to patios, decks and courtyards can create ample natural ventilation when opened. Sliding and bi-fold doors are good at creating wide ventilation openings.
Natural ventilation from a closed-door is not heavily considered today. However, traditionally this was a major aspect of doors throughout the Caribbean region.
Many doors were made up of either half or full louvres. This did not matter if it was a big or small house. Natural ventilation was important in traditional architecture and as such, the doors contributed to this even in their closed position.
They are still some options for this type of door on the market. However, some can tend to be a bit pricey.
Another door that was often seen in traditional architecture in the Caribbean was a Dutch door. This door typically led to the backyard. It had a top part that opened separately from the bottom. The top panel was either top or side hung and allowed air in while the bottom was closed.
These doors were probably intended to keep the chickens, ducks, and other backyard animals out of the house. Though many of us do not keep animals in our yard anymore, I believe these can still function well in our climate.
My childhood home had one of these doors and function well to let in the easterly winds. They were great at keeping the dogs out while we cooked and ate. They also kept out rodents and chickens that came into our yard occasionally.
Conclusion
They are different things to consider when choosing exterior doors for your tropical home.
The appearance of the door is important. However, also consider the climate we live in when making your selections.
The material and style should be selected to respond to normal and extreme weather conditions.
Where possible they should also allow natural ventilation and indirect light even when closed. You should choose doors that suit the desired style and aesthetic of your home while being practical and functional to your needs.
Featured image by Sophie Dale on Unsplash