how replacement windows can benefit your home

A residential entry door needs to be strong and durable as well as easy to use. There are several materials used to make entry doors, including steel, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Fiberglass is popular for its easy maintenance and insulating properties, but is it the right choice for your home? Here are a few of the pros and cons of fiberglass entry doors.

PROS

Easy Maintenance

One of the major benefits of fiberglass is that, unlike wood, it requires very little maintenance. If it gets dirty, you can simply wipe it down with a wet cloth or a household cleaner. It won't expand and contract when humidity or temperature changes, so once it's fitted to the frame, it won't require maintenance to keep it fitted. It often comes pre-painted, but it can be easily painted another color if you choose.

Insulation

Because it's made of fiberglass, similar to the insulation used in the walls of a home, it has great insulating qualities. That means that it has minimal heat transfer and will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Aesthetics

Fiberglass is often manufactured with a faux-wood texture to create the appearance of real wood without wood's maintenance needs and finicky nature in extreme weather. You can stain it to look like wood or paint it to the color of your choice.

Durable

Another major point in fiberglass' favor is that it's very durable too. It can last for decades and is very resistant to dents, dings, and scratches. If you have pets that like to scratch at the door, this is especially good news.

CONS

Price

Fiberglass can be more expensive than other entry door options like standard composite wood or steel doors. You can expect to pay around $200 for just the door alone without hardware or glass. Once you add hardware or custom stains, the price will go up.

Warranties

If you're relying on a warranty for your fiberglass door but you're fitting the door to an existing frame, you could run into warranty problems. Many warranties will only cover the fiberglass door if it was installed as a kit with its frame.

Sizing

Once sized, fiberglass can't be resized, so it's important that you measure carefully the first time. And since these doors often come as a kit with the frame too, it's especially important to have it professionally installed.

To learn more about residential entry doors, contact a contractor in your area.