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.
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.
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.
Durability through any kind of weather is another advantage to installing a steel door. On the flip side, steel doors are hard to fix once they are dented. Although able to withstand normal wear and tear, dents can easily downgrade the look and curb appeal. This is also true with scratches and gouges in the outer skin.
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.
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.
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.
Fibreglass is a material which is light in weight, extremely durable and sturdy. Although the strength properties are much lower and less rigid than carbon fibre, the material is generally much less fragile.
Fiberglass doesn't dent, but if it takes an exceptionally hard hit, it can crack. This isn't the most appealing look, and it can damage your energy efficiency. Fortunately, you can repair cracks with a bonding agent used for fiberglass doors.
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.
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.
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 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.
Strong exposure to the heat, such as that from the sun, will cause your door to warp over time. Try installing your door in a place where it's not directly affected by extreme heat exposure. Avoid installing fiberglass doors in areas with harsh sun exposures.
One of the most popular styles is a fiberglass door that looks like wood, offering all of the beauty and none of the maintenance of a traditional wood door. The best fiberglass doors are resistant to scratches and dents, so the only maintenance needed is a bit of soap and water.
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.
They are also typically more affordable than heavy steel or custom wood doors. Fiberglass doors, on average, can last up to 70 years.
Fiberglass and insulated steel exterior doors offer the best energy efficiency ratings because they're manufactured with interior cores designed to reduce energy transfer.
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.
Most fiberglass doors without windows fall in the R-5 to R-6 range — a significantly higher R-value than wood.
Additionally, unlike wood doors that can break down and rot, steel doors will not crack or warp allowing the elements to enter your home. This means that another advantage of steel doors is that they last longer and offer a return on their cost in home durability as well as appearance and security.