We expect so much from our entrance door. We want it to have a nice design that makes a good first impression. Yet, it needs to be durable to withstand the sun, rain, wind and other harsh weather elements, and keep intruders out.
If you’re selecting an entrance door for your new home or want to replace your current front door, one important factor to consider is the material of the door. Many homeowners prefer fiberglass or steel because of the benefits these materials provide.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass entry doors have many nice features. It requires little to no maintenance, is energy efficient and can be designed to suit your style.
The look
The appeal of a fiberglass door is that it can be designed to look exactly like a wood door. Wood grain finish fiberglass doors are available in a variety of wood grain textures, as well as stains and paint colors. Additionally, there are numerous options for adding stylish decorative glass, sidelights and transoms. And the material is tough, resisting denting, scratching and rusting.
The efficiency
Fiberglass is an excellent insulating material and has a low U-value. The lower the U-value the more energy efficient the door system. High performance fiberglass entrance doors can act as an insulating factor to your home keeping out the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter.
The price
Fiberglass entrance doors are more expensive than steel ones, but offer the benefits of mimicking the look of wood doors, while being energy-efficient and practically maintenance free.
Steel
Steel entry doors are very durable. Plus, they contribute to the security of a home and are generally low maintenance.
The look
Design-wise, you might think a steel entry door will have an industrial look. But, in fact, they come in a variety of styles to suit your taste. You can select embossed or bolded panels that add character to a door. Decorative glass also can be added, as well as sidelights and transoms in any style you desire. In addition, steel doors are available in multiple paint and stain options. Because this material can sometimes rust or chip, it’s important that the door is pre-primed by the manufacturer and painted with high quality acrylic, oil-based or semi-gloss paints.
The efficiency
This material does conduct cold and warm temperatures which is why manufacturers fill the frames with insulation. Steel doors for homes usually come in 24 or 22 gauge. Doors that are 24 gauge are thinner than 22 gauge ones. However, if it has proper insulation, a 24-gauge steel entry door can be more energy efficient than a thicker 22-gauge door.
The price
Steel doors are less expensive so they are a good choice if you’re working under a budget. Plus, they are a safe and reliable option than can be customized to your liking.
Home Town Restyling carries a complete line of exterior doors. We also have full- time, licensed and insured crews on staff for professional installation. Stop by or contact us today for a free estimate. You can also download your FREE Guide, Iowa Contractor Comparison Guide – How to Make Your Remodeling Project a Success for tips on hiring the right local contractor.
