In many cases, the energy efficiency of a steel door actually outclasses insulated fiberglass and wood entry doors. The reason why steel works so well to prevent home temperature loss is because they are made with a thermal break.
Reduce Energy Costs
The reason energy efficient steel doors work so well is because of their unique construction. Hollow metal doors are two pieces of steel with a core material on the interior which helps prevent temperature loss from transferring outside quickly.
Fiberglass. Fiberglass exterior doors are among the strongest on the market. They're also some of the most energy-efficient. Fiberglass is a poor conductor of heat, making it energy-efficient on its own, but when insulation is added, it's hard to beat.
Steel Door Disadvantages
Denting and Rusting – While steel doors cannot warp they can be dented if hit by something, and if the paint on the door gets chipped off at the dent then rusting can develop with the metal being exposed to the moisture in the air.
When it comes to energy efficiency, fiberglass exterior doors are one of the best options on the market. Fiberglass exterior doors are manufactured with a solid polyurethane foam core that insulates the door against extreme temperatures.
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.
To conclude, steel doors offer the best insulation and durability, but they are more expensive than fiberglass. Fiberglass doors provide good insulation and a lower price point, making them an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable option.
The Value of Steel Windows & Doors
For instance, it's estimated that replacing your existing entry door with a steel door can provide nearly a 100 percent return on investment. This means the amount by which your home value increases is almost equal to the cost of your new entry door.
Steel doors will be more durable and last longer, but the initial investment will be higher. You get what you pay for. Steel is the way to go if you are looking for a door to last a lifetime. It will take up less space and not warp or rot as wooden doors do over time.
Durability through any kind of weather is another advantage to installing a steel door. On the flip side, steel doors are hard to fix once they are dented. Although able to withstand normal wear and tear, dents can easily downgrade the look and curb appeal. This is also true with scratches and gouges in the outer skin.
A fiberglass front door is your best bet for peak energy efficiency. Fiberglass doors have an exceptionally insulating polyurethane foam core that provides a high R-value. The R-value is a standard measure of insulation effectiveness; higher numbers mean better insulation.
Close the gaps. Caulking and weatherstripping can help to seal gaps around the doorframe. Assuming your door is in good shape, most energy loss likely occurs in the spaces around the door, rather than through the door itself.
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.
Steel can be an excellent option if you have security concerns. Since it's a heavy, tough material, steel entry doors are very difficult to break down. Fiberglass doors are still a pretty secure choice, but they're far more lightweight than steel and are easier to manipulate.
Metal fire doors are an economical alternative to wood fire doors when more than a 20-minute rating is required. Steel is the sole door material to deliver a 3-hour fire-rating.
Steel provides the best long-term value in the door and frame industry. It lasts longer, requires the fewest repairs, and is sturdier than other products. Steel's natural strength also outperforms other materials in security, fire rating, sound reduction, vandal resistance, sanitation, and more.
Steel entry doors are often recommended due to their strength. 6 But steel doors can hold up against intruders as much as quality fiberglass or wood doors. So, it's usually not worthwhile to buy a steel door only for security. Intruders find many other avenues into a home other than breaking through a front door.
Most steel doors carry a lifespan that could last anywhere from 30 to 100 years.
Steel and fiberglass front doors require the least amount of maintenance. They're made from durable materials that resist dents and scratches, with a long-lasting finish. Wood front doors require a bit more maintenance if you choose a wood exterior.
'Black gives a higher-end look to a home. ' 'If you want to increase your home's value, painting the front door is one of the easiest ways to do so,' the expert adds. If you don't want to paint your door black, the expert suggests that slate blue and olive green are also known to add value to a home.
Additionally, unlike wood doors that can break down and rot, steel doors will not crack or warp allowing the elements to enter your home. This means that another advantage of steel doors is that they last longer and offer a return on their cost in home durability as well as appearance and security.
Custom steel doors cost more than their wood, aluminum, and vinyl cousins because of the extra processes and labor that goes into building them.
Fiberglass. Fiberglass wins for the choice of the most insulative exterior door choice. While they fill a fiberglass door with foam much like a steel door, its low maintenance feature makes it superior to steel.
With strength and durability comes a lower total cost of ownership. Properly installed and maintained hollow metal doors often last 30 years or longer. As the years pass, steel doors can be inexpensively repaired in the field while softer, less durable wood and aluminum doors will have to be replaced.
Many people think the only doors we cut are wood doors, and that would be absolutely just the opposite! Our glass door inserts can update your existing steel, metal or fiberglass doors in less than an hour!