Which Is Better: Fiberglass or Wood Front Doors?
Making choices is never a voluntarily fun activity. That’s why we’re here to make the task a little easier, particularly when it comes to choosing upgrades for your home. One of the most popular questions we receive when consulting with our lovely customers is: which is better: Fiberglass or Wood Front Doors? About exterior doors, the answer is almost always fiberglass.
Why Choose Fiberglass Exterior Doors?
Fiberglass is a durable, material that offers several advantages over traditional wood and metal doors. For starters, it can be molded to take the shape and texture of real wood without taxing upkeep. Plus, it’s specially designed to outlast regular door models—performing better against unpredictable climate changes, severe weather conditions, and even intruder attempts. Best of all, these doors can be customized to suit your specific needs, be it security, aesthetic appeal, or energy efficiency. What’s not to love?
Delving deeper, let’s talk about energy efficiency. A fiberglass door that’s 1.5 inches thick without a window boasts over five times the insulating value of an equivalent wood door. This means significant savings in heating and cooling costs for your home. Additionally, fiberglass doors provide a higher level of security. They don’t succumb to rot or develop rusted areas, common issues in wood doors that can compromise their integrity and make them easier targets for break-ins. Durability is another hallmark of fiberglass; these doors resist the ravages of harsh weather, lasting years without showing signs of rotting, splitting, peeling, or delaminating—issues that are often seen in wood doors.
Furthermore, fiberglass doors require minimal maintenance, freeing you from the constant cycle of repairs, adjustments, and painting that wood doors typically demand. This low-maintenance aspect, combined with the longevity and robust performance of fiberglass, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to blend functionality with style. Truly, fiberglass doors are designed for longevity and ease, catering to modern needs while offering the look of traditional wood if desired.”<
Unlike wooden doors, which can suffer from wear and tear due to prolonged exposure to elements such as sun, rain, snow, and humidity, fiberglass doors remain steadfast. They resist rotting, splitting, peeling, or delaminating that wood is prone to when faced with harsh weather. Moreover, fiberglass doors do not shrink, swell, warp, or bow due to fluctuations in temperature and moisture content, maintaining their integrity and appearance over time. Because they are molded with no breaks or seams, they are impervious to moisture and rot, which sets them apart from wooden doors that are naturally sensitive to moisture and can deteriorate even with meticulous upkeep. Additionally, fiberglass doors typically offer long warranties, reflecting their longevity and durability, making them a superior choice for homeowners looking for reliability and minimal maintenance.
Fiberglass vs Wood Exterior Doors: The Big Comparisons
The best way to really show off the advantages of fiberglass doors over other, more traditional, models is to give you a side-by-side comparison:
Wood Front Doors
These traditionally designed doors have been a home trademark for centuries. Due to their noteworthy features that exude timeless elegance and warmth, they make wonderful entryways and are sure to boost the curb appeal of any home. However, if not properly maintained, these doors are also more apt to warp and give way to the effects of time.
Fiberglass Front Doors
Fiberglass doors, on the other hand, are designed to offer the same aesthetically pleasing benefits without the expensive upkeep. In fact, maintenance-wise, fiberglass doors are pretty low-key; they are resistant to warping and the wood-like surface of the door can be painted easily. What’s more, since the interior is padded with insulating foam, fiberglass doors can be up to five times more energy efficient than wood doors—a benefit that is sure to keep you and your wallet happy.
Security You Can Rely On
One of the biggest advantages to choosing fiberglass exterior doors, and one that is often forgotten, is enhanced security. Steel may at first seem like the best material choice for a secure entry, but the reality of that image isn’t always what it’s pegged to be. In fact, many steel doors are manufactured from low-grade aluminum that can be easily punctured and dented by debris. Wood doors, in the same light, can grow weak under the effects of constant humidity and insect interference—often giving way to the age-related damage.
Fiberglass does not show these same weaknesses. They are just as, if not more, secure than steel doors in addition to providing outstanding insulation. Fiberglass entry doors are specifically advantageous when compared directly to wooden doors. The solid construction of fiberglass offers a robustness that is superior for ensuring security. Unlike wood, fiberglass is not prone to rotting or developing rusted-out areas, which are common vulnerabilities in wooden doors.
This inherent strength and durability not only make fiberglass doors resistant to physical attacks but also mean they maintain their integrity over time. Furthermore, the composite door frames used with fiberglass doors do not rot, ensuring that screws and other hardware remain tightly fastened, significantly enhancing the security against forced entries. This level of security is maintained without the need for frequent maintenance, which is often required with wood doors to prevent decay and weakening.
Find Your Perfect Fiberglass Exterior Door
Ready to create your ideal fiberglass exterior door? Look no further than the experts at See-Thru Windows, Doors & Home Improvements. Here, we pride ourselves on offering some of the best exterior doors on the market—installing them with precision so that our customers can benefit from a well-rounded home improvement experience. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today!
What are the maintenance requirements for fiberglass and wood doors?
Fiberglass and wood doors have distinct maintenance needs due to their differing materials. Wood doors demand considerable upkeep to maintain their appearance and functionality. They need to be refinished yearly, which involves either repainting or re-staining to protect them from the elements and prevent the wood from deteriorating. Additionally, wood can absorb moisture, leading to the potential growth of mold which must be regularly checked for and treated. On the other hand, fiberglass doors are notably low-maintenance. They are designed to withstand weather elements without the need for regular refinishing. The durability of fiberglass means that it rarely requires repairs or adjustments. The cleaning process is simple, as they can be wiped down with just soap and water, making them a convenient option for many homeowners.
What areas does See-Thru Windows and Doors serve for their door installation services?
See-Thru Windows and Doors provides door installation services in several regions, including the majority of Maryland and Northern Virginia. To determine if services are available in your specific location, you can enter your zip code on our website.
Where can reliable See-Thru Windows and Doors doors be found and what materials are they made from?
Reliable See-Thru Windows and Doors doors can be purchased directly from their facilities, where they are crafted using high-quality, energy-efficient materials such as fiberglass and both textured and smooth steel. Customers have the flexibility to choose from a variety of styles for their custom entry doors, which are also offered in 16 designer color options to complement the distinct aesthetics of any home.
