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.
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.
Cracks. Cracking is a problem with some low-quality, inexpensive fiberglass doors. The fiberglass is rigid and can crack during cold weather when the material contracts. These cracks may simply damage the door's appearance.
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.
Most of our solid-panel fiberglass wood-edge doors can be ordered as a 20-Minute Fire-Rated product. That means the doors are tested to withstand a minimum of 20 minutes of fire exposure at temperatures that reach more than 1400 degrees Fahrenheit! And they don't split, crack or rot.
Use a non-sudsing cleaner like TSP and water and a sponge. Dry off the door with a clean rag. You can use gel stain to touch up faded areas. Use a color that matches your fiberglass as closely as possible.
To fix more serious scratches, sand off the paint around the damaged area (and a little untouched wood too), and then use a wood filler to mask the deepest scratches. Let the filler dry, and then repaint the door as normal. Give your home a facelift with our selection of internal solid wood 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.
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.
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.
Fiberglass is a strong and durable material but it is brittle compared to metal. Instead of denting when impacted, fiberglass will fracture or break if hit hard enough. However, when fiberglass cracks or breaks it can easily be repaired and restored to it's original strength.
Wet-Sanding Scratched Gelcoat
Often very minor scratches and scrapes can be wet-sanded away. Try using 400-grit wet-sanding sandpaper, followed by 600-grit. Always use a sanding block so you don't over-sand one particular spot, and use a gentle, circular motion. If the scuff or scratch disappears, great.
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.
Fiberglass front doors exposed to strong sunlight should be finished with paint, not stain. Textured front fiberglass doors look better when stained, however, either finish can be used. If your preference is a look of wood rather than fiberglass, staining can be used to accomplish this.
If you have a drab fiberglass door in your living room, give it a quick, inexpensive facelift. Clean the door to remove grease and dirt. Apply a base coat using either paint or stain. Then use a quality gel stain and a wood-graining tool to create faux wood grain in the door.
It Doesn't Need a Storm Door's Protection
Storm doors offer some protection and increase your home's insulation from the elements, but fiberglass doesn't need a separate storm door for either reason. So nothing has to block the beauty of your new door.
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.
If the door remains in the frame with no through openings and limits flames, it is certified with an endurance rating of either 20/45/60/90/180 minutes. After the fire endurance test, the test specimen is subjected to the hose stream test, where a fire hose delivers water at 30 psi from 20 feet away.
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.
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.
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.