Fiberglass doors are superior insulators and are suited for many climates — hot or cold, wet or dry. Unlike steel doors in wet climates, they are not susceptible to rust. Unlike steel, fiberglass does not transfer heat, which makes it a better choice for areas with greater seasonal fluctuations in temperature.
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.
Drawbacks of Fiberglass Exterior Doors
The disadvantages of fiberglass doors include: Price – While not as costly as some types of wood, fiberglass is one of the more expensive options on the market. Sizing – The material is difficult to trim, so it's not well-suited for exterior doors that aren't standard sizes.
Steel doors are prone to dents and rust and can't be stained like wood or fiberglass, they need to be painted, and possibly repainted. Fiberglass doors offer the best of both worlds and act as a good compromise between wood and steel.
The main price difference between steel and fiberglass doors is not in the door cost itself but in the cost of painting the door. A steel door comes factory painted white and does not have to be painted unless you want a different colour.
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.
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.
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. Any dents or dings on these doors can be pulled and puttied with an auto-body repair kit.
Steel is the best material for a front door if security is your top priority. This tough metal is stronger than all other door products. It provides excellent protection against forced entries and is less likely to crack or warp.
Steel doors are strong. And some like the ProVia Legacy Steel line (which is carried at NEXT Door and Window) won't crack, dent or warp and are the most durable on the market (close to commercial-grade steel). Steel doors can be more energy-efficient than wood doors, but they will vary depending on construction.
Therma-Tru's fiberglass door slabs are up to 30% more resistant to kick-ins than standard steel doors. ** Standard steel doors can dent and bow, which leads more quickly to product failure. With durable construction, our fiberglass doors can withstand this impact by absorbing and deflecting the force.
Factory Prefinished Fiberglass Door Care & Maintenance Guide
And like any piece of your home's exterior it needs proper care and periodic maintenance to keep it in top condition. Cleaning—To clean your door please use mild soap in warm water and a non-abrasive, clean rag. You will need to let the door air dry.
Fiberglass doors are superior insulators and are suited for many climates — hot or cold, wet or dry. Unlike steel doors in wet climates, they are not susceptible to rust. Unlike steel, fiberglass does not transfer heat, which makes it a better choice for areas with greater seasonal fluctuations in temperature.
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.
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.
Robust in nature, solid wood doors will withstand the test of time and maintain their quality all the while. Wooden doors are the highest quality door on the market.
The single-hinged door is the most common interior type of door. Room design must allow space for hinged doors to swing. Interior doors typically are lightweight and have two hinges; exterior doors are heavy and often use three hinges.
Aluminum or Steel
Metal is a popular choice for exterior doors, particularly aluminum and steel. Both materials are good thermal insulators, making it an energy-efficient choice.
Steel security doors are some of the strongest doors available and are difficult to crack or break through, and solid wood and fiberglass options aren't far behind.
Industry experts have named iron as the most weather-resistant door type. If you'd like to shop iron doors online for your home, you can count on Bighorn Iron Doors. In our gallery, you'll find a great range of iron pivot doors, pocket doors, French doors, and more.
Fiberglass doors are naturally more weather-proof than wood or steel. While steel will not crack from cold weather, it is more susceptible to dents and chipping and requires quite a bit of upkeep.
One of the most common front door sizes in American houses is 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall, and almost 2 inches thick. However, not all doors will have these measurements. Doors can be as narrow as 30 inches and as tall as 96 inches, and thickness can depend on the door material.
Fiberglass and insulated steel exterior doors offer the best energy efficiency ratings because they're manufactured with interior cores designed to reduce energy transfer.
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.