Choosing the right exterior door for your home is a critical decision. It’s not just about aesthetics but about security, energy efficiency, and durability. If you’re looking for all those features, then a fiberglass door is the best choice.
Why? Because it combines the best of both worlds: the beauty of wood and the resilience of steel.
Understanding Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors are crafted from reinforced plastic and designed to mimic the look and feel of wood. But what exactly is a fiberglass door? It’s a composite material made from fine fibers of glass woven into a fabric and bonded with resin. This combination creates a door that’s strong, durable, and resistant to weathering and warping.
There are different types of fiberglass used in door manufacturing, each offering unique benefits. Some doors feature smooth fiberglass, providing a sleek, modern look. Others use textured fiberglass, designed to replicate the grain patterns of natural wood, offering a more traditional appearance.
Comparing Fiberglass and Wood Doors
For those looking to buy a new door, the choice often comes down to fiberglass or wood. Let’s take a look at how these two types of doors compare.
Fiberglass doors are very strong. They will not warp, crack, or rot like wood can. They are also resistant to dents and scratches, which makes them ideal for busy areas. However, while beautiful and rich in texture, wood doors need regular maintenance to keep moisture and pests away.
Cost and maintenance are other factors that come into play when debating between fiberglass and wood doors. Wood doors require periodic staining or painting, which increases their upkeep costs over time.
Fiberglass usually costs less upfront but has lower long-term maintenance requirements than its wooden counterpart does.
Therefore, when comparing exterior doors made from fiberglass versus those made from timber, it becomes clear that the former represents better value for money due to its durability and low maintenance needs.
Benefits of Fiberglass Doors
Are fiberglass doors good? Definitely! Here’s why they’re worth considering as a smart investment for any home:
Energy Efficiency:
- Fiberglass entranceways are highly energy-efficient.
- The cores are often filled with insulating foam.
- This helps keep your house warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Leads to considerable savings on energy bills.
Soundproofing:
- Provides excellent soundproofing capabilities.
- Creates quieter indoor environments.
Aesthetic Appeal:
- It can mimic various wood types like oak, mahogany, or cherry.
- Offers a natural look without the upkeep of real wood.
- Some top-rated products feature intricate panel designs.
- Includes decorative glass inserts for added visual appeal.
Types of Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, energy efficiency, and versatility. They come in various styles and types, each offering unique benefits that cater to different needs and aesthetic preferences. Here are some of the common types of fiberglass doors:
1. Fiberglass Entry Doors
Fiberglass entry doors are designed to be the main entrance to a home. They are often crafted to mimic the appearance of traditional wood doors, providing an elegant and welcoming entrance.
- Features:
- Insulating foam cores for superior energy efficiency.
- Available in a range of finishes and styles to match any home decor.
- They are resistant to dents, scratches, and weathering, making them ideal for areas with harsh weather conditions.
2. Fiberglass Patio Doors
These doors are typically used for patio entrances, providing easy access to outdoor spaces while allowing natural light to flood into the home.
- Features:
- Available in sliding or hinged styles to suit different space requirements.
- Large glass panels that offer unobstructed views and a modern aesthetic.
- Often equipped with energy-efficient glass options to reduce heat transfer.
3. Fiberglass French Doors
Fiberglass French doors add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. They are characterized by their double-door design with glass inserts.
- Features:
- Offers a classic look with the durability and low maintenance of fiberglass.
- It can be customized with various glass designs and panel options.
- Ideal for creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
4. Fiberglass Storm Doors
These doors provide an extra layer of protection against the elements, often installed in front of an entry door.
- Features:
- Enhances security and energy efficiency.
- Made from durable materials to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- It can include screen options for ventilation during warmer months.
5. Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass garage doors are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking durability and minimal maintenance.
- Features:
- Lightweight yet strong, reducing wear on garage door openers.
- Resistant to warping, rust, and corrosion.
- Available in various styles and finishes to complement the exterior of the home.
Fiberglass doors offer a versatile and practical solution for various applications within a home. Whether you’re looking for a durable entry door, a stylish patio door, or a protective storm door, fiberglass options provide the perfect combination of aesthetics, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. With a wide range of styles and finishes available, homeowners can find the perfect fiberglass door to suit their needs and enhance their home’s overall appeal.
Choosing the Best Quality Fiberglass Doors
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing the best quality fiberglass doors.
To begin with, it is essential to check for high-quality finishing indoors. A tough and weather-resistant coating that does not fade or peel with time is found on superior fiberglass doors. This guarantees that your door will remain beautiful and functional for many years.
Then take into account the insulation properties of the door. The topmost quality fiberglass entry doors have high-density foam insulation giving them excellent energy efficiency. Therefore, it helps maintain temperature within your house while at the same time reducing outside noise pollution.
Reading exterior door reviews can also be incredibly useful. Other homeowners’ reviews can give you insights into how different models perform and their durability over time. Look out for consistently well-rated and positively reviewed products.
Installation and Maintenance
For your entry doors to function as intended, proper installation is key. While it is possible to install the door on your own, hiring a door installer can save you time and ensure it fits perfectly. Boelter is Better provides professional installation services to make sure that your new door is installed quickly and correctly.
After fiberglass doors are installed, they don’t require much maintenance. Unlike wooden doors, which need regular staining or varnishing, these just need periodic cleaning with mild detergent and water for them to look their best.
A common question among homeowners is whether fiberglass doors need painting or not. The answer to this question is no. Most fiberglass doors come pre-finished without needing extra coats of paint at all.
Nevertheless, if you feel like changing the color, then use appropriate types of paints for such purposes since it can be easily done on these materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
When deciding between a fiberglass versus a wood door, many homeowners have different queries about them. Here are some frequently asked questions:
Which type of door is better for my home, fiberglass or wood?
This depends on your priorities. Fiberglass is best if you want something that needs little maintenance and lasts a long time. If you enjoy taking care of things and like the natural look and feel of wood, then a wooden door may be more fitting for you.
Wood or fiberglass door: What should I choose?
Think about things like weather, upkeep, and cost. For many homeowners, fiberglass doors are a practical option because they work well in any climate and need hardly any maintenance.
Are there common misconceptions about fiberglass doors?
Indeed, some people think that these types of doors look “cheap” or “plastic”. However, modern-day designs made from this material closely resemble real wood while still providing durability.
Choose Fiberglass Doors for Beauty and Durability with Boelter is Better!
Fiberglass doors are a great choice for homeowners who want beauty, durability, and energy efficiency in one product. They look like wood but don’t require the same upkeep, making them practical and affordable.
Interior fiberglass doors resist moisture, while exterior ones, such as patio doors, can withstand harsh weather. No matter what your reason is for considering this type of door, it’s worth doing some research into its benefits.
At Boelter is Better we get that picking out a door isn’t easy! That’s why we have so many highly rated options to choose from — you’re sure to find something perfect among our painted fiberglass doors or top-quality entryways.
Why wait? Check out our outdoor catalog now to see all the ways fiberglass can work for you! With just one purchase, you could boost curb appeal, save on bills each month with better insulation, and sleep soundly knowing your investment will last forever.
For all your roofing, siding and windows needs, contact us at Boelter is Better today!
