How long does fiberglass doors last?

Author: Vivianne Farrell  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 24, 2022

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.

Do fiberglass doors rot?

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.

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.

How long does a fiberglass front door last?

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.

Are fiberglass doors any good?

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 need maintenance?

Use a hard topcoat.

Otherwise in hot environments the weatherstripping may stick to softened paint and damage the door. The door's topcoat should be reapplied often — every two years if not exposed to direct sunlight and up to every six months if there is no overhang and a lot of direct sunlight.

Is fiberglass good for a front door?

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.

Will fiberglass doors fade?

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.

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.

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.

Are wood or fiberglass doors better?

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.

Are fiberglass exterior doors strong?

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.

Are fiberglass doors expensive?

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.

Can you repaint a fiberglass door?

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.

Can you Restain a fiberglass door?

Answer: Yes, you can, but the process is complicated and will vary depending on the brand and quality of the door. Some fiberglass doors cannot be re-stained because their wood-grain finish will be damaged by the stripping or sanding that you have to do first.

How do you refresh a fiberglass door?

To refinish your door, you need to remove the old paint with a water-based stripper, apply a layer of gel stain, add at least two layers of fiberglass top coat, and allow to completely dry. You may use acrylic over your gel stain, as acrylics are known to have longer lifespan.

Can you polyurethane a fiberglass door?

Kohltech recommends you use a high quality, UV stabilized, clear exterior polyurethane coating (satin or low gloss) used for exterior fiberglass applications. It is important that you apply sealant once a year to ensure maximum protection.

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!

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.

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.

Do fiberglass doors peel?

If your fiberglass door's stain coat is flaking, chipping, or peeling off unevenly, you'll have to remove the layer before applying a fresh stain coat. Re-staining fiberglass doors is a good weekend project.

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.

Previous article
How long does it take to sand and repaint kitchen cabinets?
Next article
What is kitchen cabinets laminate?