Thinking about upgrading your front entry door? Today you’ve never had more options to consider. Your choice of the front entry door can have a huge impact on your curb appeal, durability, safety and many other factors. While wood and steel are very common, there is another entry door option that is increasing in popularity among homeowners in Canada – the fibreglass front entry door.
Fiberglass doors were first introduced in the early 1980s and have increased in use and popularity since. They took off during the 1990s because of their ability to function well in all types of weather conditions – extreme heat and cold, making them ideal for the Canadian climate.
Fiberglass front entry doors give you the wood look you want with the additional benefits of fiberglass. These doors are weatherproof, they are very easy to maintain, they are strong and durable, and because of advanced design techniques, they are increasingly difficult to distinguish from wood doors. You can have the best of both worlds – the wood look you want with the benefits of fiberglass. Even more appealing is the fact that you can simulate the look of wood without having to pay the higher price associated with wood doors. You get great value for your purchase.
This blog will take a closer look at fiberglass front entry doors, discuss the material composition of fiberglass, and outline the key advantages of choosing a fiberglass door for your home.
What Is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a thermal insulation material that is known for its strong properties. It’s a fibre-reinforced fabric that when combined offers great strength and durability. Countless glass fibers are used to construct objects because there is strength in numbers. They are easy to work with because they can be snapped together easily.
Fiberglass is created by combining fibers and flattening them into a sheet or woven into a fabric. When the strands are woven together they become tougher. Once the fiberglass sheets are created, the resin is used to bind them. This will help to harden the material. Fiberglass can be moulded and customized to create all types of shapes and is used for many different types of products, including exterior doors.
What Are Fiberglass Doors Made Of?
Similar to other door types, fiberglass doors are made from several different types of materials, with the main material being fiberglass. Think of the door as having multiple layers. The outer part of the door is the fiberglass layer with insulating foam inside the door structure. The door is attached to a frame.
Here is a list of the typical elements included in fiberglass doors:
- Stiles: Made from wood or composite.
- Outer layer: moulded fiberglass skin.
- Interior: foam insulation.
- Rails: Top and bottom rails made from wood or composite.
Josh Garskof from thisoldhouse.com states that fiberglass doors are made from the same family of glass-fibre-reinforced polymers used to craft airplanes, surfboards, and Corvettes, making them super-durable. He further explains that they won’t warp, rot, shrink, or swell like wood doors and have superior resistance to insects and fire.
Advantages of Fiberglass Entry Doors
Homeowners want a sturdy front entry door, that offers strong insulation properties, and provides maximum security. Fiberglass doors do all of this and more. Fiberglass front entry doors offer many benefits. Here are the top advantages of installing fiberglass in your home:
1. Durability
Fiberglass doors are known for their durability, making them one of the most long-lasting options on the market today. They are designed to withstand the test of time, and they are ideal for all climate types.This makes it a great choice for Canada. The door can handle the extreme cold in the winter months but also work just as well during hot summer days. The doors will not warp or crack as a result of extreme weather. They also won’t rust and are not easy to scratch.
2. Look
Fiberglass doors provide you with the appearance options you are looking for. They look just like wood doors. It takes a real close look to notice a difference. You can get the doors in many styles and colours, allowing you to match fiberglass doors with your home design. Fiberglass doors offer a lot of versatility. You can find a door in just about any finish you want and they can be built to fit your door opening. They will instantly help boost your home’s curb appeal.
3. Simple Maintenance
Since they are so durable, fibreglass doors are also easy to maintain. There is no need to repaint, they are scratch-and-dent residents. All you will need to do is wipe them down and clean them periodically to keep them looking they’re very best.
4. Strength
Fiberglass doors are exceptionally strong. When installed correctly, they offer double the screw-holding strength of a wood door. What does this mean? They can handle a lot of impacts and reduce the odds of breaking. Fiberglass doors provide more security than other door options since they cannot be easily knocked on.
5. Security
In addition to the strength of the door, they offer top-quality security features. You can add a variety of lock types to protect your home. This allows you to choose a door that can help put your mind at ease in knowing it’s a deterrent for criminals.
6. Insulation
Fiberglass doors have strong insulation properties, helping to protect against outside elements. This means no air leaks, a reduction in heat transfer and they support energy efficiency. They can help reduce your overall energy costs by keeping the outdoor weather where it belongs – outside.
7. Warranty
Fiberglass doors have good warranties since they are designed to stand the test of time, and the warranties typically reflect this. Knowing that any issues can be repaired under warranty will give you peace of mind.
Potential Drawbacks Of Fiberglass Doors
Although the benefits of fiberglass doors outweigh the disadvantages, it is essential to consider a few potential drawbacks.
The first is price. The pricing of fiberglass doors is in line with the many advantages they offer. You can expect to pay in the same range as standard wood, steel, and vinyl doors. But, when you consider their durability, minimal maintenance, and the fact they last longer than many other door styles, they provide homeowners with great value. You will get more years out of your door and when you average out the cost, they can be more cost-effective.
The other potential drawback is sizing and fit. You cannot trim down a fiberglass door if your door frame is too small. The door needs to be the correct size. So, if you do not have standard-size doors, you will have to get a customized solution, which could increase the price. You cannot install fiberglass doors as a DIY project since they are sold as a unit, including the frame. However, having an experienced professional install your door will guarantee a correct job, providing you with peace of mind.
Although fiberglass front entry doors have some potential drawbacks, they are minimal when compared to the advantages of their installation.
Why Choose Fiberglass Doors?
As you can see there are many benefits to choosing fiberglass doors. Consumer Reports provides a great overview of why you should consider choosing fiberglass as your next front entry door:
“A practical choice for most people. These doors are available with a smooth surface or, more typically, an embossed wood-grain texture. An edge treatment on some makes them look more like real wood.
Pros: Fiberglass doors resist wear and tear better than steel. These windows are moderately priced, dent-resistant, require little maintenance, and can be painted or stained.
Cons: They can crack under severe impact.”
Check Out Our Fiberglass Entry Door Collection
Are you thinking about installing a fiberglass front entry door to boost your curb appeal? Choose from a variety of fiberglass front entry door styles. We have a design that will match your home look and design. View our collection of Fibreglass entry doors. Contact us anytime to get a FREE Estimate. We look forward to helping you choose the right front entry door for your home.
Fiberglass Entry Door Styles
Fiberglass doors are available in a variety of styles. Choose the style that best suits your home and design preferences:
- Jasper
- Moncton
- 4 Panel White
- London
- Victoria
- Orleans
- Richmond
- Flush
- 2 Panel Camber Top
- 2 Panel Planked Camber Top
- 6 Panel
- 4 Panel Brown
Learn More About Front Entry Doors From Our Blog
Get more great information about front entry door design trends, reasons to upgrade, and how a new front entry door can add value to your home. Check out these informative blog posts by our industry experts:
5 Reasons You Should Also Upgrade Your Entry Door When Replacing Your Windows
4 Ways Ecotech Can Help Add Value To Your Home – Windows, Entry Doors, Garage Doors, Patio Doors
