Exterior steel doors are the most durable and provide the best defense against unwanted visitors. Fiberglass doors are slightly less durable, but they require less maintenance because they aren't prone to rusting.
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.
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.
Regarding durability, fiberglass doors are long-lasting and cannot be warped or weather-damaged like wood. They can, however, dent and crack but are usually repairable. Steel entry doors are incredibly strong and sturdy, resilient even in extreme weather, and last even longer than fiberglass.
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.
A reinforced steel door is one of the most secure types of front doors you can buy. They're made with thick, heavy-duty steel that's designed to withstand a lot of force. And, they usually have multiple locks to keep intruders out.
Fiberglass Entry Doors
This exterior door material offers the lowest maintenance and does not warp or crack under climate pressure. They're also resistant to denting and scratching, unlike steel or wood doors.
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 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.
Compared to wood, steel is more energy-efficient. It also keeps air from escaping and driving up the cost of your utilities. But it doesn't offer the longevity of fiberglass. And steel can get hot when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures, which makes it a little less efficient than fiberglass.
The main door should always be in the north, north-east, east, or west, as these directions are considered auspicious. Avoid having the main door in the south, south-west, north-west (north side), or south-east (east side) directions.
While there are a number of materials you can choose from, like wood, aluminum, and fiberglass, without a doubt, the safest front door material is heavy-duty steel. And, even though steel doors are the strongest and have a number of other benefits, they are also the least expensive type of door as well.
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.
Steel doors are a more durable option, and they are less likely to be damaged by sunlight than wood. However, they absorb heat and can become hot to the touch in direct sunlight. This can create a potentially harmful situation while using the door. Fiberglass doors are the top choice for handling direct sunlight.
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 DOORS
Cons – The downsides of a steel door include that they can be easily scratched or dented, which can lead to rust.
Steel entry doors are often recommended due to their strength. 6 But steel doors can hold up against intruders as much as quality fiberglass or wood doors. So, it's usually not worthwhile to buy a steel door only for security. Intruders find many other avenues into a home other than breaking through a front door.
The Value of Steel Windows & Doors
For instance, it's estimated that replacing your existing entry door with a steel door can provide nearly a 100 percent return on investment. This means the amount by which your home value increases is almost equal to the cost of your new entry door.
Durable — 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 — the barrier between your home and the outside world.
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.
They are also typically more affordable than heavy steel or custom wood doors. Fiberglass doors, on average, can last up to 70 years.
The typical price range is anywhere from $600 to $2,920. For a very basic steel door, the cost could be as little as $120. Steel doors that are fire-rated or that come with additional features such as decorative glass could be as much as $2,745. What is this?
Semi-gloss paint offers enhanced durability against wear-and-tear and harsh weather compared to flat or eggshell finishes, and it masks surface imperfections better than high-gloss. The glossiness also makes the door easier to clean as compared to flat or eggshell finishes.
In addition to being durable and low-maintenance, the insulative properties of fiberglass make fiberglass doors a prime option for keeping the cold out—especially as this will help you avoid high energy bills during the winter months.