Fiberglass doesn't shrink and swell like wood, so these doors won't stick in summer or let in drafts in winter. And the molded panels and window grilles won't require recalling.
They are stable, durable, and have high-impact skins. So, they provide excellent security to your home. No moisture absorption: Unlike wooden doors, they do not twist or warp over time. It would neither swell because of the presence of moisture nor shrink.
Fiberglass Exterior Doors
Fiberglass does not react to climate so it will never expand or contract as the weather and temperature changes.
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.
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.
The compacting of this strong material gives a door ample durability without losing the needed flexibility and visual appeal. Fiberglass can be compression-molded into almost any shape, so it is an excellent material for entry doors, which look better if they match the look and feel of a home.
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.
Durability Evaluations
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.
Thermoset resin is commonly used in fiberglass doors, meaning they will set when heat is applied the first time. The material cannot be remelted or reheated, and so you cannot reshape the door.
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.
A fiberglass door should last you well over 100 years, and you can get one for much less than you'd spend on a wood door.
Sticking – If you doors get stuck when you try to open or close them, something might be wrong with the hinges. Take a closer look at the hinges to check for rust or dirt buildup. If you need to, clean the hinges or even replace them. If your sliding doors are sticking, do the same for the track.
Rubbing soap or wax on the sticking area will often help. Silicone spray lubricant, sold at most home centers and hardware stores, also can be used. Try shims. A thin filler or shim behind one of the hinges will often free a door that sticks near the top or bottom of the latch side.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can definitely put a storm door over your current fiberglass door. While fiberglass doors are already sturdy enough as it is, a storm door can provide your front door extra protection from the elements, as well as added security for your home.
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.
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.
The short answer: yes. Fiberglass doors are secure and a valid option to consider when looking to replace your front entry door.