The Advantages of Fiberglass Exterior Entry Doors
Of all the exterior residential doors available to consumers these days how do we differentiate between them? After all there are seemingly lots of choices: the traditional wood door whether a paint grade type (think fir or poplar) or one of the typical hardwood varities like mahogany or oak. There are steel doors, vinyl doors, clad doors and composite doors just to name a few. And then there is Fiberglass.
When a customer is looking for a front door, the field is usually narrowed down to two types wood or fiberglass. Steel doors, though relatively inexpensive, dent easily and become unsightly if used heavily. Vinyl, clad and composite products are used for patio door applications and just do not have the decorative glass and panel designs consumers want for their front entry doors.
If there really are just two choices (wood or fiberglass) how do we choose? The first question that should be asked of the customer is does the door get any sun? This leads to a discussion of the direction the home faces and how much of a protective overhang there is. The reason for this is that most wood door manufacturers will not warranty the product if it is unprotected from the elements. Though you may not get the direct intense heat of a summer sun an unprotected door facing early morning or late evening sun could also be in jeopardy. Wood contracts and expands leaving unsightly cracks and blemishes. Wood door manufactueres are usually all too eagar to point out that the door should never have been installed in the chosen location once there is a warranty issue. That’s why in these types of situations fiberglass entry doors are the preferred choice
Fiberglass entry doors are made to withstand direct exposure to all the elements, sun, wind and rain . They don’t contract and expand, they stay true regardless of cardinal direction or protection. These characteristics lend themselves to less fatigue and maintenance. The skins of fiberglass doors come in multiple types, smooth for paint or several different wood grain impressions simulating oak, mahogany, fir or even alder which can be stained or painted. For Southern California and particular Orange County, fiberglass entry doors should be given careful consideration when choosing your new front door.