Why Fiberglass Doors Are a Smart Choice for Your Home
When it comes to a new entry door, few materials offer the combination of durability, energy efficiency, and design flexibility that fiberglass doors deliver.
Whether you’re replacing a worn-out front door or upgrading your home’s curb appeal, a basic understanding of various doors, including how they’re made, what they offer, and their limitations, helps in choosing fiberglass doors for your home.
Reasons to Choose Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass is a great door material because it combines plastic and glass fibers. Fiberglass doors usually consist of a thick frame, a core of insulating polyurethane foam, and two fiberglass skins that are compression-molded. Entry doors can be made to match almost any texture because fiberglass can be milled. Here are reasons to consider fiberglass doors over other types of doors:
Superior Durability
Compared to wood and steel, fiberglass doors endure much better to daily use and to the elements. They are not subject to warping, rotting, rusting, or swelling owing to humid conditions, cold, heat, and rain. They are also much more likely to resist dents and scratches than wood. Properly built fiberglass doors will last many years longer than fiberglass alternatives.
Minimal Maintenance
In contrast to wood, fiberglass doors don’t have to be painted, stained, or sealed regularly. They are easy to clean; simply clean with mild soap and water or a damp cloth. One of the main reasons why homeowners in Toronto opt for fiberglass doors is their low maintenance.
Excellent Energy Efficiency
Fiberglass doors offer a higher insulation rating than either wood or steel doors, and so they are very effective at reducing heat transfer and energy loss. There is a large number of fiberglass doors with an ENERGY STAR rating, which can make a difference in the tax credit and rebate options for homeowners. A well-sealed fiberglass door will block drafts, rain, and cold in all seasons, therefore helping to create comfort.
Outstanding Design Versatility
Fiberglass doors can be designed to fit a variety of styles, including mid-century, contemporary, traditional, and more. They come in a variety of styles, finishes, and glass options, and can even feature realistic wood-grain textures and stains, so you get the look of natural wood with none of the maintenance.
No Storm Door Required
Wood expands and rots in the presence of moisture. If not properly protected, then steel rusts. Fiberglass doors, however, are impervious to both conditions and therefore require no additional storm doors for protection. There’s no need to block the view of your new entry door.
Long-Term Value
Because fiberglass is so durable, you will find that your door will look its best longer than a wood or steel door. Less repair work, less refinishing, and no rusting or rotting mean a lower total cost of the door over its lifetime.
The Disadvantages of Fiberglass Doors
Higher Upfront Costs
Fiberglass doors are generally more expensive than steel doors and some engineered wood choices before installation. However, they will typically cost about half the price of a similar solid wood decorative door. With fiberglass doors Toronto, buyers have a mid-range price tag that can be a good long-term value.
Security Considerations
Though a quality fiberglass door is difficult to break down, homeowners in break-in-prone areas may find that installing thick steel or solid wood doors may be more protective. According to Hartford Insurance, one-third of break-ins are prevented by simply locking doors.
HOA Restrictions
Ask if your homeowners association has rules about the kind or type of door a homeowner can have before buying. This is not a defect in the material, but rather a factor to be taken into account by some purchasers.
Resale Value
The return on an exceptionally well-maintained fiberglass door is around 77% at resale, which is high but slightly less than the typical return for a well-maintained steel door (90%). This is an important consideration if you are thinking of selling up in the near future.
When considering the options available through fiberglass doors Toronto suppliers have to offer, it’s important to hire an experienced local door specialist to help you select the right style, finish, and fit for maximum performance over the long run, and to provide a professional installation.
