An exterior door is any door that separates your indoor living space from the outdoors. This includes front entry doors, back doors, side doors, patio doors, French doors, sliding glass doors, and storm doors.

Exterior doors are built differently than interior doors. They are thicker, insulated, weather-sealed, and designed to handle rain, wind, snow, UV exposure, and daily use.

Most homeowners replace exterior doors to:

• reduce drafts
• improve security
• upgrade curb appeal
• replace damaged or outdated doors
• bring in more natural light
• improve energy efficiency
• create better access to patios, decks, and backyards

Door material affects durability, appearance, maintenance, insulation, and long-term performance. For Ohio homes, the most common exterior door materials are fiberglass, steel, and wood.

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass is one of the best all-around exterior door materials for Central Ohio homes. It resists warping, dents, rust, and rot while offering strong insulation and many design options.

Fiberglass doors can be smooth, painted, or finished with realistic wood-grain textures.

Steel Doors

Steel doors are strong, secure, and practical. They are a good option for homeowners who want durability, security, and a clean painted finish.

A steel entry door with reinforced hardware can provide excellent protection, especially for side doors and back doors.

Wood Doors

Wood doors offer a traditional, high-end appearance with natural grain and weight. They are often used for historic homes, luxury remodels, or homeowners who want an authentic architectural look.

Wood requires more maintenance than fiberglass or steel, especially on entries exposed to direct sun, moisture, and seasonal temperature swings.

Glass can change the appearance, privacy, security, and energy performance of an exterior door.

Full-Lite, Half-Lite, and Quarter-Lite Doors

Full-lite doors include large glass panels for maximum natural light. Half-lite doors place glass on the upper portion of the door. Quarter-lite doors use a smaller glass insert for privacy while still allowing light into the home.

Decorative and Privacy Glass

Decorative glass adds visual interest and curb appeal. Privacy glass options such as frosted, rain-textured, or patterned glass help bring in light while limiting visibility from outside.

Sidelights and Transoms

Sidelights are narrow glass panels beside an entry door, while transoms are glass panels above the door. These options brighten entryways and create a more custom front entrance.

Low-E and Insulated Glass

Insulated glass units use multiple panes with a sealed space between them to improve energy performance. Low-E coatings help reflect heat, keeping homes more comfortable during Ohio winters and summers.

Central Ohio doors need to handle humid summers, cold winters, freeze-thaw cycles, wind-driven rain, and direct sun exposure.

For most Columbus homes, the best-performing exterior doors include:

• insulated fiberglass or steel construction
• Low-E insulated glass
• strong weatherstripping
• adjustable thresholds
• reinforced locking hardware
• proper flashing and sealing during installation

Fiberglass is often the best all-around choice for Ohio homeowners because it holds its shape well, insulates effectively, and requires minimal maintenance.

The right installation method depends on the condition of your existing frame, threshold, and opening.

Pre-Hung Installation

A pre-hung door comes as a complete unit with the door, frame, weatherstripping, and threshold. This is often the best option when the existing frame is damaged, rotted, out of square, or poorly sealed.

Slab Installation

A slab installation replaces only the door itself while keeping the existing frame. This works when the frame, threshold, and weatherstripping are still in good condition.

How We Choose the Right Method

During your in-home consultation, Broadview inspects the frame, threshold, weatherstripping, and opening. We explain what we see and recommend the method that gives your home the best long-term result.

Proper door installation affects:

• weather sealing
• security
• smooth operation
• long-term durability
• energy efficiency
• protection against leaks and drafts

Broadview uses trained in-house crews instead of subcontractors, so your installation is handled by a team that is accountable to the company from measurement through final walkthrough.

It may be time to replace your exterior door if:

• you feel drafts around the edges
• you see daylight around the frame
• the door sticks, drags, or is hard to latch
• the frame has rot, soft spots, or peeling paint
• glass is foggy or has condensation between panes
• the lock no longer aligns properly
• rain leaks in during storms
• the door rattles on windy days
• the door looks outdated or hurts curb appeal

Popular choices for Central Ohio homes include:

• black fiberglass entry doors
• wood-look fiberglass doors
• full-lite modern entry doors
• entry doors with sidelights
• French patio doors
• sliding patio doors with narrow frames
• matte black or aged bronze hardware
• storm doors with retractable screens

This section can be paired with real project photos to help homeowners visualize design options.

Match Your Home’s Architecture

Choose a style that fits the age, shape, and character of your home. Traditional homes often pair well with paneled entry doors, while modern homes may look better with full-lite glass or clean fiberglass designs.

Think About Energy and Climate

For Ohio homes, insulated fiberglass or steel doors with Low-E glass and strong weatherstripping are ideal.

Consider Security

Look for reinforced frames, quality locks, durable hinges, and secure glass options, especially for side and back doors.

Plan for Maintenance

Fiberglass and steel require less maintenance than wood. Wood offers a beautiful finish but needs regular upkeep.

Locally Owned Since 2001

Broadview has been installing windows and doors across Columbus and Central Ohio for more than two decades.

In-House Installation Crews

We do not subcontract installation. Your project is completed by Broadview employees trained to install doors correctly.

Premium Manufacturer Partners

Broadview installs doors from manufacturers selected for quality, durability, design options, and warranty support.

Client to confirm: Add specific manufacturer names and dealer certifications here.

Energy-Efficient Product Options

We install exterior door options designed to improve comfort, reduce drafts, and perform well in Ohio’s climate.

Warranty Protection

Broadview provides manufacturer-backed product warranty coverage plus workmanship support on the installation.

Client to confirm: Add exact warranty terms here.

Honest Pricing

No high-pressure sales pitch or inflated discount routine. We provide a clear written estimate so homeowners understand exactly what is included.

Step 1 : Free In-Home Consultation

We inspect your current door, discuss your goals, and review material, glass, and style options.

Step 2 : Custom Measurements

Every opening is measured carefully to ensure proper fit, operation, and sealing.

Step 3 : Manufacturing

Your door is custom-built based on the selected style, material, glass package, and measurements.

Step 4 : Professional Installation

Our in-house crew removes the old door, installs the new unit, seals the opening, adjusts hardware, and cleans the work area.

Step 5 : Final Walkthrough

We review the finished installation with you, demonstrate operation, and answer warranty questions.

Broadview installs exterior doors throughout the Columbus metro and Central Ohio, including:

• Dublin
• Powell
• Westerville
• Worthington
• Hilliard
• Upper Arlington
• New Albany
• Bexley
• Gahanna
• Grove City
• Pickerington
• Reynoldsburg
• Delaware
• Lewis Center

Columbus (Clintonville, German Village, Short North, Victorian Village, Italian Village, Beechwold, and surrounding neighborhoods)