Lighter colors help preserve your fiberglass door, as they absorb less heat than darker colors. Adding a storm door -- particularly a non-vented variety -- to your fiberglass door may actually heighten the chance of damage in particularly hot climates, as trapped heat between the two doors may cause warpage and fading.
If you have a newer, energy-efficient, well-sealed front door, and your main concern is reducing energy loss, you may not need a storm door. Additionally, if your front entry is well-protected by a large overhang or covered porch, you might not need a storm door.
PVC or fiberglass
Since the PVC frame won't bend, crack, or corrode, this kind of storm door is long-lasting. On the other hand, you can choose fiberglass if you need an extra-strong, lightweight, and durable storm door.
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.
Endurance Unlike wood doors, fiberglass doors do not shrink, warp, split, crack or delaminate. They're ideal for harsh or humid climates. Because fiberglass doors last so long, many come with long warranties.
A storm door can help protect your primary door from rain, ice and snow, reducing the costs of maintenance and helping it last longer. All Pella® storm doors also come with a built-in keyed lock that is separate from a home's primary door adding an additional barrier against intruders.
Storm doors refer to the glass door installed over your existing exterior door. They can add protection from the elements and increase home security, as well as let more natural light into your home. Storm doors that feature screens instead of glass are referred to as screen doors. They are made to ventilate your home.
But adding a storm door may be money well spent. A storm door goes on the outside of your regular entry door, saving energy in two major ways. It creates a first barrier to weather, reducing the effect of air leaks from the primary door.
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.
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.
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.
Fiberglass doors can warp when installed incorrectly, when they have poorly structured internal frames, or when they get in direct contact with extreme heat. It's crucial to make sure you install each door properly, especially when your door's inner frame isn't sturdy enough.
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.
Fiberglass Doors
The fiberglass skin is rather thin, but fiberglass is not typically a tolerable material for those avoiding toxic chemicals due to the offgassing. Though you may find some brands preferable to others, or you may do well with a used one.
However, traditional screen doors are still widely available on the market in a variety of styles. Some feature screens that cover nearly the entire door, but most feature a screened window that can be opened and closed as desired.
Steel storm doors are made from sturdy frames and the pins in the hinges can't be bumped out. They also have a self-closing mechanism which reduces the risk of the door staying open too long and letting children or pets outside. A security door offers protection when you respond to a doorbell or knocking by strangers.
To install a storm door on your home:
Removing the retaining clips from the hinge frame. Measure the frame against the door jamb and cut the bottom of the aluminum frame to length using a hack saw. Attach the hinge side of the frame to the storm door using the supplied screws.
In many cases, you can replace a door without replacing the frame, as long as the frame is in good shape, and not warped or worn. If the door is not closing properly or there are gaps around the door that need to be insulated, you'll want to determine if the fault is with the door or the frame.
According to the Department of Energy, if your exterior door receives more than a few hours of direct sun each day you should probably skip the storm door. The glass will trap heat against the entry door and could damage it.
Yes, storm doors, with their glass panels, keep cold air out during the winter by insulating your house. They also keep water out as they protect your main door from rainwater. Storm doors provide your house, especially your main door, with an extra layer of protection against different kinds of elements.
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.
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.
They're weatherproof, easy to maintain, and harder than ever to distinguish from wood.