Are fiberglass doors any good?

Author: Clement Hegmann DVM  |  Last update: Friday, July 1, 2022

Durability — In addition to minimal maintenance requirements, fiberglass doors are exceptionally durable. They don't chip or dent like a wood or steel door might, which makes them a great option for your front door — your barrier between your home and the outside world.

How long will a fiberglass door last?

Fiberglass Exterior Doors

In a reasonably protected location, a fiberglass exterior door will never need painting or staining and can last 15 to 20 years. Although it feels lighter than wood or steel, it is extremely durable and features an extremely durable coating that is difficult to breach.

What are the pros and cons of a fiberglass door?

Fiberglass Front Doors Pros and Cons
  • It's stable. Fiberglass doesn't shrink and swell like wood, so these doors won't stick in summer or let in drafts in winter. ...
  • It's energy efficient. Thanks to the insulating foam inside, a fiberglass door is typically about R-6, compared with R-2 for wood. ...
  • It's low maintenance.

What are the disadvantages of fiberglass doors?

The Cons
  • This material is pricey. Compared to a wood or steel door, a fiberglass door can come with an unfavorable price tag. ...
  • Sizing may be a problem. Although it is more versatile than other doors, a fiberglass door is near impossible to trim down to fit a smaller than standard size frame.
  • This door is not a DIY door.

Are fiberglass doors worth it?

Fiberglass doors are typically more expensive than steel but less expensive than high-end wood doors. But since fiberglass lasts longer and is easier to maintain than wood and steel, many homeowners prefer it. Fiberglass gives homeowners around 75% return on investment.

All Fiberglass entry doors are not created equal by a long shot.

Do you have to paint fiberglass doors?

Fiberglass doors and sidelights can be smooth or textured with a wood-grain finish. This material usually does not need to be primed, but painting is required. Premium steel doors are factory-primed and should be painted but not stained.

Do fiberglass doors scratch easily?

Yes, fiberglass doors can dent or scratch if someone really tried. But compared to wooden doors or steel doors, they're much more resistant to things that make doors look old.

Do fiberglass doors crack?

Cracks: During the winter season, the rigid material of fiberglass door contracts which can lead to crack and sometimes falling apart of some inexpensive and low quality fiberglass entry doors. These cracks degrade the appearance of the doors and make a passage for the cold air to enter the house.

Are fiberglass doors good for exterior doors?

Advantages of Fiberglass Exterior Doors

Durability – The material never warps, rots or rusts and can stand strong for decades. Performance – The entry system reduces heat transfer and boosts energy efficiency, thereby lowering your energy costs.

Is fiberglass exterior doors good?

Fiberglass doors work well in almost any climate, even extreme cold and damp conditions. Unlike wood, fiberglass doors do not warp, crack, or rot. And unlike steel, the doors don't rust, scratch, or corrode. Fiberglass is built to last and will not require yearly re-finishing to stay in top shape.

Are fiberglass doors expensive?

The price range for a quality, pre-finished installed fiberglass door can range between $1,200 and $2,500. So they're less expensive than wood doors, but a bit more expensive compared with most steel doors.

Do fiberglass doors look like real wood?

Fiberglass doors can be produced to look alike wood, and even a door expert cannot differentiate between them. Built tougher than regular doors, performing better under sudden climate changes and being able to be customized for your specific needs.

Do fiberglass doors fade?

Fiberglass doors have a much higher resistance to weathering than wood and steel, but exposure to sunlight can fade them, as you have discovered. Depending on the fading, you may be able to patch the stain. Before you paint or stain the surface, clean your door properly.

How do you protect a fiberglass door from the sun?

Use acrylic as the exterior of your fiberglass doors because they are more resistant to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Acrylics are perfect for fiberglass doors because they are designed to withstand weathering.

Which is better wood or fiberglass doors?

Although wooden doors are durable, they're susceptible to damage from prolonged exposure to sun, rain, snow, humidity, and other elements. Fiberglass resists the effects of harsh weather and lasts longer, without the rotting, splitting, peeling, or delaminating that occurs in wood.

What kind of exterior doors are best?

A steel door is your best bet if security and durability are top priorities. Steel units are stronger than wood or fiberglass doors, and they won't crack or warp. Any dents or dings on these doors can be pulled and puttied with an auto-body repair kit.

Do fiberglass doors get hot?

Do Fiberglass Doors Get Hot? Yes, fiberglass doors get hot in summer. Though this material is considered as the best material for the front door, still, it gets hot in summer and cold in winter. The blue door in the video that I took is fiberglass and it was 163 degrees that day!

What is the R value of a fiberglass door?

The R-values of most steel and fiberglass-clad entry doors range from R-5 to R-6, excluding a window. For example, a 1-1/2 inch (3.81 cm) thick door without a window offers more than five times the insulating value of a solid wood door of the same size.

Can dogs scratch fiberglass doors?

Large dog breeds might be able to scratch the fiberglass, so pet parents of these pups may want to consider a fiberglass door that mimics painted wood, as it can be patched and repainted without worrying about filling in exposed grain.

Are fiberglass doors strong?

Fiberglass front entry doors are flexible in style and durable in strength. You can get a modern, smooth look or a traditional, textured design. And as a material, fiberglass is exceptionally strong and resistant to wear.

Are fiberglass doors solid?

Yes, Fiberglass Entry Doors Are Solid

Their interior polyurethane core creates an energy efficient insulator to prevent undesired fluctuations in temperature. They come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, and require less maintenance than other materials.

How do you maintain a fiberglass exterior door?

Do:
  1. Use a hard topcoat. Fiberglass doors require a hard, polyurethane or acrylic topcoat finish. ...
  2. Protect the lock bore during installation. ...
  3. Take extra care to protect outswing doors. ...
  4. Equip home owners. ...
  5. Keep open lines of communication. ...
  6. Bend to impractical trends. ...
  7. Power wash doors.

Do you have to sand a fiberglass door before painting?

Painting a fiberglass entry door is much like painting a wood door, without a need for sanding before paint is applied. Rinse the door by wiping it down with a damp sponge, then allow the door to dry completely.

Can you stain a fiberglass door?

If you kick a fiberglass door, it won't dent or ding. Plus, unlike a steel door it looks exactly like wood, and you can stain it (although it's a little more complex than staining a wood door). Even though fiberglass is a bit more expensive, it was actually more affordable than a new wood door with a storm door added.

Can a fiberglass door be painted?

Use acrylic, polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy resin paint on your fiberglass door. Try to pick a paint that matches the type of fiberglass for the best results. Do not use oil-based paints because these can damage the door. Fiberglass-friendly paints are often available in matte, neutral, and gloss finishes.

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