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.
Fiberglass doors withstand the elements without cracking or bowing. They won't rust, rot, or warp, and aren't susceptible to insect infestation or corrosion. Fiberglass doesn't shrink or swell like wood, meaning your door won't get jammed in the summer, or let in the drafts come winter.
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.
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.
Fiberglass doors are more durable than steel or wood doors, as they never rot, warp, or rust, giving them a lifespan of several decades. Additionally, they hold up against dents, scratches, insects, and fire better than most, meaning they need less maintenance. The worst that can happen is they need to be painted.
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.
They are also typically more affordable than heavy steel or custom wood doors. Fiberglass doors, on average, can last up to 70 years.
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.
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.
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 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.
Fiberglass doors have some type of foam at their core, which gives them the opportunity to be extremely well-insulated and one of the best soundproof door options if the foam is high-density.
Because they're made from the same family of glass-fiber-reinforced polymers used to craft airplanes, surfboards, and Corvettes, these super-durable doors won't warp, rot, shrink, or swell like wood doors—and they boast superior resistance to insects and fire, too.
Most manufacturers would like you to believe the answer is yes. Although other companies would require painting once every 18-24 months, conservation constructions doors work in an entirely different way.
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.
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.
Fiberglass doors are often thought of as maintenance-free, but over time they can start to show wear and tear. If you want to keep your fiberglass doors looking like new, you may need to give them a fresh coat of paint from time to time.
Fiberglass entry doors have an R-value of 6, sometimes 7, making them one of the most energy efficient door materials out there.
Fiberglass doors are strong and durable, but they're not as fire-resistant as steel doors. They can also be damaged by ultraviolet light. Steel doors are the strongest type of door, and they're also fire-resistant. They're the best option for security and durability.
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.
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.