Are fiberglass doors worth it?

Author: Finn Ebert  |  Last update: Friday, July 1, 2022

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.

How long do fiberglass doors 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 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.

What is better a fiberglass door or a wood door?

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.

Is a fiberglass door any good?

Fiberglass Exterior Door Pros:

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.

Therma-Tru - Why Fiberglass?

Do fiberglass doors warp in the sun?

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.

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 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!

Are fiberglass doors more expensive than wood doors?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 fade in the sun?

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 I keep my fiberglass door from fading?

Use a natural bristled paintbrush to apply a layer of gel stain. This is the most important element of protecting the door from fading. Once the gel stain dries, apply at least two layers of fiberglass top coat, waiting for it to dry between coats.

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.

What type of door is best for an exterior door?

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.

What is better fiberglass or wood?

Durability & Front Doors

When comparing the durability of wood and fiberglass doors, fiberglass is the clear winner. Fiberglass is much more resistant to sun exposure and weathering and will not warp or rot as wood is prone to do.

Are fiberglass doors safe?

But the real question is – are they secure? The short answer: yes. Fiberglass doors are secure and a valid option to consider when looking to replace your front entry door.

Do fiberglass doors rust?

Unlike steel doors in wet climates, they are not susceptible to rust. Unlike steel, fiberglass does not transfer heat, which makes it a better choice for areas with greater seasonal fluctuations in temperature. Both materials are significantly more resilient than wood over time.

Do fiberglass doors shrink?

Fiberglass entry doors are super-durable. They do not rot, shrink, warp, or swell like wooden doors. They are as secure as any other type of doors.

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.

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.

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