Fiberglass or Steel Doors?

As colder weather approaches in the SoCal area, homeowners become aware of drafts. One familiar cold spot in the house is the exterior doors. It is noticeably cooler around the exterior facing doors this time of year.

While energy efficiency is typically a big piece of the decision, when considering replacing your front door, looks are equally important. Replacing your home’s entry door accomplishes more than just creating a cozier interior.

Your entryway is a big part of your home’s curb appeal.

Not only does the entryway make an impression on you, but a good-looking front door can also do wonders for your home’s resale value. With so many door styles available, choosing a new entry door for your home can feel like a daunting decision.

Not only is there an incredible selection of door styles to choose from, but you also must take into consideration the material of the door.

For a long time, wood has been the material of choice for many homeowners. Its beauty and durability made this material ideal. But, with advancements in science and fabrication, wood is no longer the best choice.

When it comes time to replace a door, most people turn to fiberglass and steel to safeguard their investment.

Fiberglass and steel are both more resistant to the elements, easier on maintenance requirements, better on energy efficiency, and often a less expensive option than wood. But how do they compare to each other? And what are the accompanying features?

Let’s break it down for each:

Steal Doors

If you’re looking to have new doors installed in your home, you can’t go wrong with steel doors. It is a versatile material that comes with a lot of options. Some may even surprise you!

• When you think of a steel door, do you picture an old rusting door on the back of a building that only gives access to an alleyway? While a reinforced steel door is excellent for rear door security, you can get a whole lot more style and elegance from steel than this. But, it is essential to note that when it comes to home security, steel might give a hair more protection than fiberglass.
• While the wood finish on a steel door can’t thoroughly compare to the same look with fiberglass, it is worth considering, especially for the cost.
• Do you want windows in your new doors? There is a wide selection of glass options available for steel doors. You don’t have to worry about fiberglass beating out steel in this department.
• While steel is strong and durable, it is more prone to scratching and denting than fiberglass. Though it is possible to fix dents with an auto-body repair kit and cover scratches with putty and paint, this is something to consider when getting steel.
• Steel can become hot to the touch on a warm sunny day, but that heat isn’t going to get through the insulation that comes with these doors easily. You’re not going to lose any energy-saving benefits by choosing steel.

Fiberglass Doors

Some in the industry advertise that fiberglass comes with all the benefits of steel without any of its limitations. This is only partly true.

In almost every way, fiberglass doors are slightly better than steel. But, this material will crack if struck hard. Steel will not.

Here are some other things you may want to know about fiberglass.

• There are many styles, colors, and grains to choose from when selecting fiberglass as the material for your new doors. If you’re looking for doors that will closely approximate the look of real wood, this is the best option.
• With fiberglass, you don’t even have to think about rust. While it is relatively easy to keep a steel door rust-free, some homeowners prefer not to have to worry about it. If that sounds like you, fiberglass is the way to go.
• Fiberglass isn’t as heavy as steel, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice having that satisfying “thunk” sound when you close your fiberglass doors.
• Exposure to heat over time can cause doors to crack, swell, and warp, which can harm the frame and seal of an entry door. While steel and fiberglass are more resistant to this than wood, fiberglass is slightly better. The material will hold up against extreme temperature fluctuations and keep its shape for a long, long time, but you’ll have to pay a little more for this added durability.

When it comes to getting a new door for your home, you can’t go wrong with either of these two materials. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, let Window Crafters help start the process. Give us a call today to get started!