Why You Should Consider a Fiberglass Door

Your front door represents an excellent opportunity to improve the curb appeal of your home, and most home improvement statistics suggest a new front door will provide high return-on-investment exceeded only by the ROI of a garage door.

If it’s time to replace the front door on your home, here are a few reasons why you might want to consider a fiberglass door and how to choose the best new door for your home.

Fiberglass Doors are Practical

Offering a long life span with low maintenance needs and an affordable price, fiberglass doors should definitely be on your list of potential replacements when you begin the search for your new front door. As you begin your search for a new door, you’ll probably see three kinds of doors materials including fiberglass, steel, and wood.

Additionally, different doors will offer varying sizes of glass inserts, as well as adjustable thresholds that help keep the door weather-tight. You’ll also choose the hardware (lock and door knocker) for your new door.

Pros of Fiberglass Doors:

One of the neat features of a fiberglass door is that it can be styled to look just like any other door including wood. Doors may feature a wood-grain texture that makes the door look just like real wood and that comes without the high cost of a real wood door.

For their price, fiberglass doors are a superior investment because of their affordability and the low maintenance needs. It’s hard to dent a fiberglass door, and you may paint or stain them any color you wish, just like wood.

Drawbacks of Fiberglass Doors:

According to a guide on Consumer Reports, the single drawback to a fiberglass door is that it can crack under severe impact. However, virtually any door will fail under enough pressure. Consumer Reports shares further:

“We’ve found that most entry doors perform well overall. But the materials they’re made of–fiberglass, steel, and wood–each have strengths and weaknesses. And while a low-priced steel door can be the equal of a wood or fiberglass door costing five times as much, it’s not the best choice for wear and tear.”

How to Choose the Best Door for Your Home

Choosing a front door probably doesn’t sound like a particularly difficult task to accomplish, but there are a few features you’ll want to examine so that you’re completely satisfied with your decision. The first step many people take in choosing a new door is going online to search for doors that people rate highly and others that homeowners feel are problematic.

Three of the major considerations you’ll want to think about include:

1. Ease of installation – Some doors are so simple to install that they require just a few hours to remove your old door and hang the new door. Others may require some structural changes to your home. Your contractor can explain the amount of work required to install your new door.
2. Energy efficiency – Most doors today are very energy efficient, but you’ll want to think about choosing an Energy Star-qualified door because those doors feature high-quality construction and energy-efficient cores. One of the most important ways you can ensure your door improves your home’s energy-efficiency is by getting one professionally installed that won’t result in leaks along the door frame.
3. Safety ratings – Burglars may try to kick the door in if they’re intent on entering your home, and a well-made door can make this difficult for thieves. A door won’t prevent every single determined criminal from entering your home, but they will provide a strong barrier against crimes of opportunity.

After narrowing your selection of doors, you’ll want to take your list to your contractor to discuss the possibilities. Your contractor can help you narrow your list down to a single door that will offer your home the best look, longevity, and protection. You may even have the opportunity to inspect doors in person, which is an important part of the door buying process.

Scott the Window Guy of AHT Wisconsin Windows shares:

“…doors can also be customized in a wide range of finishes and upgraded hardware to complement the look of your home as well as your personal tastes in aesthetics.”

Ready to Replace Your Front Door or Exterior Door?

Is it time to buy a new door for your home? Contact AHT Wisconsin Windows today for a Free No Obligation Quote or call 1-866-367-6560. Want more information before you choose your contractor? Download our FREE hiring guide for Wisconsin-area residents.