Fiberglass. Fiberglass exterior doors are among the strongest on the market. They're also some of the most energy-efficient. Fiberglass is a poor conductor of heat, making it energy-efficient on its own, but when insulation is added, it's hard to beat.
When it comes to energy efficiency, fiberglass exterior doors are one of the best options on the market. Fiberglass exterior doors are manufactured with a solid polyurethane foam core that insulates the door against extreme temperatures.
The best energy-efficient doors you can buy right now are the Emerson Therma-Tru fiberglass and Masonite Steel Primed doors. These doors have a polyurethane foam core – one of the most energy-efficient materials on the market – placed in the middle.
A fiberglass front door is your best bet for peak energy efficiency. Fiberglass doors have an exceptionally insulating polyurethane foam core that provides a high R-value. The R-value is a standard measure of insulation effectiveness; higher numbers mean better insulation.
And steel can get hot when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures, which makes it a little less efficient than fiberglass. Verdict: While both steel and fiberglass are energy-efficient options, fiberglass outperforms steel in this area, making it a favorite door replacement option for many homeowners.
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.
Best Types of Energy-Efficient Doors
While fiberglass, aluminum and steel are great exterior door options, the best kind of energy-efficient interior door is veneer wood doors. While a solid wood door provides some insulation, doors with insulating cores are more energy-efficient.
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.
A high-quality set of external doors, complete with double-glazing, will have a U-value of around 1.6. If you're willing to invest a little more, then you'll find that this number can fall down even further. For comparison, an insulated cavity wall can offer a U-value of around 0.5.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label to help identify energy efficient products for your climate. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label helps you compare energy performance ratings of doors. The label shows the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U-factor for the door.
Fiberglass composite doors are a lighter, more durable option that won't contract and expand and get their energy efficiency from a dense polyurethane foam core. Steel doors also feature a thick foam center for superior energy efficiency, and they're extremely durable and add value to your home.
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.
Steel. 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.
Fiberglass doors are the top choice for handling direct sunlight. Fiberglass doors are durable and far less likely to be damaged by the sun than wood, while being relatively cooler to the touch than steel.
You really can't beat steel when it comes choosing a long-lasting door. Not only do they resist fire damage, they're extremely secure and they can last for 100 years or more.
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.
Classic Panel Door
A six-panel door is a timeless and traditional option, while a shaker-style four-panel door puts a modern spin on the classic. You'll also find a two-panel version, arched panels, and countless other configurations.
In reality, closing doors and vents in unused rooms can actually increase your energy use. Heating and cooling systems are designed for balance, so that the amount of air returned to the air handling unit is roughly equal to the volume delivered through the supply vents in each room.
Contrary to popular belief, closing your bedroom doors does not improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and may actually increase your utility bills. When you close a bedroom door, you effectively block the air's pathway, and that blockage can lead to issues with airflow.
Contrary to common belief, closing off a room can actually make your heating less efficient. When interior doors are kept shut, the pressure in the room increases because the flow of air is now blocked. The air in the pressurized room will not stay in the room; it will find ways to get out.
Price - Solid core doors are much cheaper than solid wood doors, and although more expensive than hollow core varieties, offer a strength and durability you would not get with hollow doors. Durability - Solid core doors are long-lasting and hard-wearing.
Sliding doors are generally more energy efficient than French doors. This is because they are made of single panels of glass that don't allow energy or air to escape as compared to the French doors which have several panels.
Solid core doors are fantastic for any rooms where you want a higher-quality option. They're ideal for rooms where you might want a bit more privacy and sound insulation, so you might consider using solid core doors for your bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices.