There are two main kinds of exterior doors: fiberglass and steel. Fiberglass doors are made of a composite material that is insulated, light, and durable. Steel doors are made from metal and are typically heavier and more durable. Both types of doors have their own advantages and can be used for different things. In this article, we’ll look at how fiberglass and steel exterior doors are different.
Fiberglass Exterior Doors
Advantages
The biggest advantage of fiberglass exterior doors is their energy efficiency. Fiberglass is a great insulator, which means that it helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This makes your home more comfortable and saves you money on energy costs.
Fiberglass exterior doors are also more durable than other types. They don’t rot, split, crack, or warp, which makes them a great choice for homes in areas with extreme weather. They are also resistant to impact, so they can stand up to the normal wear and tear of a busy household.
Fiberglass exterior doors are also extremely low-maintenance. The door is easier to clean and keep up than other types of exterior doors because its surface is smooth. This makes them a good choice for busy homeowners who don’t have much time to take care of their doors. However, you should buy fiberglass exterior doors from a reputable company like STL Windows and Doors .
Disadvantages
Although fiberglass exterior doors have a lot of great advantages, there are some drawbacks that you should consider before installing them. The biggest drawback is their cost. Fiberglass exterior doors are more expensive than other types of exterior doors, so they might not be the best choice for homeowners on a tight budget.
Another disadvantage of fiberglass exterior doors is that they can be difficult to repair. If your door is damaged, you may have to replace the entire door instead of just repairing the damaged portion. This can be a pricey fix, so you should think about how much it will cost before you decide.
Finally, fiberglass exterior doors may not be the best choice for homes in areas with extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can make fiberglass brittle, which can cause it to break or warp. If you live in a place where the weather is very hot or cold, you might want to think about other kinds of exterior doors.
Steel Exterior Doors
Advantages
One of the main advantages of steel exterior doors is their strength and durability. Steel doors are strong and can withstand things like wind, rain, and snow. Steel is also a good choice for security because it is much harder to break into than wood or other materials.
Steel doors also need less maintenance than doors made of other materials because they don’t rust or rot. Steel doors also come in different styles and colors, so you can choose the one that looks best with your home.
Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages of steel exterior doors is that they can also be expensive. Steel doors are also heavier than doors made of other materials, which makes them harder to put in. Steel doors can also get dinged or rusty over time, so they may need to be replaced more often than doors made of other materials.
Comparison of Fiberglass and Steel Exterior Doors
1. Cost
When it comes to cost, fiberglass exterior doors tend to be more expensive than steel doors. This is because most of the time, it costs more to make fiberglass than steel. However, fiberglass doors are often more energy-efficient and require less maintenance, so they may be worth the added cost in the long run.
2. Durability
Both fiberglass and steel exterior doors are extremely durable. Fiberglass doors are less likely to dent and can withstand the elements better than steel doors. Steel doors, on the other hand, don’t catch fire as easily and can handle high and low temperatures better.
3. Maintenance
The fiberglass exterior doors require very little maintenance. They are easy to clean and are resistant to fading and cracking. Steel doors need to be painted or stained often to keep them from getting rusty, corroded, or faded.
4. Security
Both fiberglass and steel exterior doors are usually safe when it comes to security. But steel doors are tougher to break through than fiberglass doors. They are also more difficult to kick in or tamper with, making them the better choice for those looking for more security.
5. Aesthetics
The way a door looks can be very important to many homeowners. Fiberglass doors come in many different styles, colors, and finishes, and they can be changed to fit in with the rest of a home’s design. Steel doors usually only come in a few basic colors, but they look very sleek and modern.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fiberglass tempered glass doors, and steel exterior doors are both great options for exterior doors. Fiberglass is more durable and energy efficient, while steel is more cost effective and secure. Both can be great choices for an exterior door, depending on the weather and your budget. In the end, it is best to think about both choices and compare their pros and cons before making a final decision.