Understanding the Basics of Fiberglass Doors

An entry door is essential because it is the first part of the house visitors see; i.e. your exterior fiberglass doors. These doors play a key role in enhancing your home’s curb appeal and security.

When the exterior door ages, it starts warping and denting, making it weak, and you should replace it.

Today, there are more front door options to choose from, unlike in the past. Wood was the standard material, and people chose it because of its natural wood look and durability. Today, more and better materials than wood are becoming more popular, with fiberglass doors becoming quite preferred by most homeowners. See details here.

1. When Was Fiberglass Introduced

Let’s start with a brief history of fiberglass doors. This front door material first came into existence in the 1980s, and it has been growing in popularity since then. The material functions well in all climates, hence not picky with the home’s region climate.

One great advantage you get from this door is energy efficiency. Also, if you fancy the look of wood, do not worry because fiberglass doors can be stained with wood finishing to resemble a wooden door, but with fiberglass characteristics.

Besides weatherproofing, these doors are also solid and durable, and they come in a variety of designs. Fiberglass is a very easy and cheap material to care for because it does not get stains fast. You can easily wipe it with a damp cloth and clean water when you notice stains on the door.

These doors are affordable to buy and have a low maintenance cost. This is because they do not fade and don’t need to be repainted.

2. What Is Fiberglass

Fiberglass is an insulating material that is popular because of its strong properties. It is made from a combination of fiber and fabric to produce a very durable and robust material. The material also has glass fibers that strengthen the door even more.

After combining the fibers, the fiberglass is made by flattening them into a sheet. The sheets are then bid together using resin, and this hardens the material more.

Once rigid sheets are created, door manufacturers model them and customize them into different door shapes and designs. If the designs available are not your cup of tea, you can ask the manufacturer to make one in your desired design. These doors are called custom-made doors.

3. Materials That Make Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass exterior doors are made of various materials, with the main one being fiberglass. The door has multiple layers, with the outermost being fiberglass with insulating characteristics. High-end materials used in production of these doors provides many advantages.

4. What Are Other Options That Homeowners Can Choose?

It is no secret that fiberglass doors are expensive options for most homeowners. While it is not the most expensive door material out there, most homeowners find it unaffordable. So, for homeowners who cannot afford wood or fiberglass exterior door units, what are likely options?

Well, vinyl exterior doors are here to save the day. These doors are ridiculously cheap and offer almost all the qualities offered by fiberglass doors. Aluminum is another cheap option though it doesn’t offer much when it comes to energy efficiency.

5. Main Benefits

It is important to learn more about the characteristics of any product before you decide to buy it. When it comes to fiberglass, it represents an excellent option in different areas since it can resist higher humidity, cold weather, and more. It is a much better option than wood since the weather condition won’t affect its state. A well-designed model can last for over 100 years without any issues. Besides that, the manufacturers are quite flexible in terms of design.

Modern machinery used in production provides customers with the ability to choose from a wide range of models depending on dimensions, colors, and additional details. The design is also one of the reasons for the high popularity of these doors. You can choose a model that looks almost the same as classic wooden doors but with a lower cost of maintenance and many other advantages.

Moreover, we have to mention the high efficiency. You will reduce the energy consumption in your home since these doors provide excellent isolation from the cold. Since these doors are durable and made with high-quality materials, fiberglass will also improve the safety of your house. Besides that, it is a secure investment, and many producers are offering long-term warranties. Available warranty is one of the most important factors when choosing where to buy these doors.

6. Potential Downsides

It is important to know that fiberglass can be more expensive than wood and other materials. Therefore, if your main focus is on finding a cheaper option, you can check out vinyl or steel instead. It is not a surprise that the price is higher due to the quality of materials and overall characteristics.

Another downside is that the process of installation is more complicated. Therefore, chances are great that you will need to hire professional assistance. Apart from that, you should know that many companies are following the common dimensions and standards. In that matter, be sure to choose the model that will fit into the frame for doors.

The Bottom Line

It is not a surprise that this type of door is getting more popular in recent years since there are many benefits it can provide. The main advantage is related to several layers that combine wood and fiberglass to provide an excellent blend of design and quality.

It is especially recommended for houses in areas where having good insulation is crucial in every house. A lot of people would still rather choose wood as the main material, but this solution can offer almost the same design, with additional improved resistance, cost-efficiency, security, and more.

You should never rush with your decision when searching the market. It is crucial to look for reliable companies where you can be sure that you will buy a good product. Like with any other market, you can use different methods to check if the retailers or manufacturers are reliable. You can ask some of your friends who already bought these doors for a recommendation or look for online reviews.