10 Reasons Fiberglass Doors are Perfect for Your Home

10 Reasons Fiberglass Doors are Perfect for Your Home

October 25, 2021
By:
Martin Whitmore, President of US Window & Door
choose fiberglass doors for your home

If the home is where the heart is, then the front door is the entryway to your soul… so you’d better have a good-looking one!

It’s the first thing your guests see as they arrive, and the last thing to tell them “come back anytime” when they leave.

Many people don’t realize the veritable options they have when picking out a front door for their home.

One of the best options comes in the form of fiberglass doors, which can offer you several key benefits that often go overlooked.

Here are 7 important factors that show why you should heavily consider getting a fiberglass door for your front porch.

Doors play an important role in making a "first impression" of your own home. One of the most commonly used options for front door constructions is fiberglass doors, and although it is not the only option for homeowners, fiberglass fronts are the best option that many homeowners choose for a variety of reasons. This makes fiberglass doors a good choice for many different reasons, but one of them is to make the facade of your home more attractive to the outside world than any other type of door.

1. Durability

Most homeowners want to spend as much time as it takes looking at different doors to find the perfect for their front porch.

milgard trinsic series fiberglass doors

After that, they’re hoping to not have to think about it for a few decades, if ever again.

The door material composition of the fiberglass doors makes them very durable, so they last very long. That’s one reason a fiberglass door is so efficient: they’re one of the most durable types on the market.

These doors are commonly used in areas with extreme weather conditions, as they can withstand weather conditions from extremely cold to hot without any problems, even in extreme heat and cold.

They are more wear-resistant and do not rust compared to steel doors, and they are made from a material that is much more durable than steel. This material does not rot or warp despite temperature fluctuations.

Regardless of the climate that you live in (extreme summers, extreme winters, or both), fiberglass doors won’t minimize, crack, or break the integrity of their design.

More than that, most door installation companies offer long-term warranties to ensure protection over a term that’s more relative to its long lifespan.

Think about it: over the span of owning your house, you’ll kick the door open with a handful of groceries, open and close it thousands of times, and expect it to endure the elements.

You won’t want to go cheap on something that crucial, and you’ll want something you can count on for years to come.

2. Value

Do you feel like Goldilocks trying to find the happy medium between the lower price of a wood door and the efficiency and durability of a steel door?

Fiberglass can offer you a comfortable solution for both.

No matter what your budget is, you will find fiberglass doors that meet the highest standards and are not susceptible to corrosion or insect infestation. After spending time and money on a selection of suitable front doors, homeowners do not want to argue about rust, rot, and distortion after just a few years.

Based on the fact you’ll be using your front door for hopefully 15-20 years minimum, it’s not hard to see the value in paying for a door with a great lifespan and warranty.

There are also many different levels of fiberglass doors to choose from. That way you can find a price you’re happy with and acquire the longevity that you’re looking for. 

Other options, such as aluminum or steel, are available cheaply, but they will not offer the beauty and energy efficiency that comes with a fiberglass front door. This is a good thing, because if your door is energy efficient, you can get something that will serve you for many years, making your investment in the door worth it.

3. Low Maintenance

One of the reasons why fiberglass doors are so popular with homeowners is their low-maintenance construction. 

As previously mentioned, you’re hoping to spend the necessary time and effort on a new door now, so that you don’t have to think about it for 20-30 more years.

In those 20-30 years, you also won’t have to worry about constant upkeep to a fiberglass door.

Everything is done after the door is installed. Unlike wooden or steel doors, which are sensitive to moisture and extreme temperatures, fiberglass doors do not rust, dent, or rot. Wooden doors are prone to these effects and need to be repaired over time to stay in shape. They also fade when exposed to the weather and elements and sometimes they need to be repainted. Fiberglass is resistant to all these problems and does not require maintenance. This robust material withstands any impact. 

They are dent and scratch-resistant, meaning they’ll show only half their age compared to the scratches that seem to pile up on wood doors. 

advantages of fiberglass doors

As their surface remains fresh and vibrant year after year, there is also no need to repaint your fiberglass doors. The best way to clean the door is to wipe the dirt with a damp cloth. They can be cleaned with a thorough, yet basic, soap-and-water wash.

If you’d like to refinish the door at some point, you have that option, but make sure it’s done by an expert.

4. Lightweight

While steel and solid wood are still the best choice for front doors, fiberglass is an exceptional option. Another advantage of fiberglass doors is their weight. They are not as heavy as steel or solid wood. The low weight of the fiberglass reduces the tensile load on the door hinges and increases the likelihood that the doors will continue to open and close without adhesive binding.

5. Protection

Another heavy factor in the door that you choose for your house is the amount of security it can provide for you.

Fiberglass doors have a solid design and foundation, so they aren’t as easy to break into as wood doors.

While the fiberglass makes up the outside coating of the door, the inside is made of composite materials. Depending on the door you look into, higher-quality fiberglass doors will have both stiles and rails within them.

If security is at the forefront of your mind, as it should be, the fiberglass doors can give you the peace-of-mind you’re searching for.

Today's manufacturing technology combines beauty and security to give you the style you want and the peace you want. 

6. Optimum Insulation

One aspect that makes fiberglass doors so popular with homeowners is their excellent insulation ability. In contrast to wooden frames, these doors are filled with polyurethane foam for additional insulation.

why choose fiberglass doors for your home

Fiberglass doors offer the best insulation around thanks to their polyurethane core and other key factors within the inside of the door’s construction.This means that the energy efficiency of the door is increased, as well as its attractiveness and comfort. Their exterior materials also help keep the harsh elements from creeping into your house.

Modern steel doors with foam insulation are also to be found, but nevertheless this insulation cannot keep up with fiberglass doors. Steel conducts heat, and as such, you would expect your house to be cold in winter and hot in the summer months. 

Compared to wood and steel, fiberglass is a more efficient insulator. Many fiberglass doors also contain built-in insulation, equipped with polyurethane insulation that protects against heat transfer, helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. By installing fiberglass doors, you can adjust your thermostat less often, and your energy costs can even fall.  Your doors contribute to the energy efficiency of your home and to your health and safety.

Say goodbye to wasteful heat losses, and drafty, poorly insulated doors. These doors have a completely insulated core that reduces heat exchange from the outside to the inside. Some of Milgard's doors have even been named among the most efficient doors in San Diego.

7. Energy Efficiency

Replacing a draughty door with an ENERGY STAR (r) door will allow you to use less energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. For greater energy efficiency, homeowners can choose glass panes with a Low E  (low-emissivity)  glass, which provides optimal visibility and reduces unwanted heat transfer, or high glass, which also filters harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Some are already built into their frames, others are even available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

You may not be aware of this, but your front door’s insulation weighs heavily into how much energy your HVAC system needs to keep the inside of your house warm (in winter) and cool (in summer). 

Should you choose a different (cheaper) route, you may be paying the difference in energy bills for the next few decades that the front door stays attached to your house.

8. Appearance

Over the years, a wide range of fiberglass offerings has been developed. This type of door offers something for every style, from traditional to modern, and will continue to add options for all styles in the future. 

It’s completely understandable that you’d want a wood door for a beautiful pièce de résistance to compliment your home’s amazing layout. 

While the main function of a front door is to provide security and protection from the elements, a good entry door is one that balances function and form. You can also choose between clear glass that lets in plenty of natural light and protects your house from passers-by in busy streets. If you hope to freshen up the look of your home and reduce draughts in winter, fiberglass doors can provide the style and function you need to meet your expectations. The material has long been known for its strength and durability, but now style is the focus as memorable entries are making a statement. Increasingly, this statement is made with fiberglass, and with the introduction of fiberglass door constructions, you are sure to make a lasting impression on your guests.

exterior fiberglass door options

Which would you rather have, a door that’s beautiful but lacks durability (wood) or a door that has both beauty and durability (fiberglass)? Weighing out all your options will make fiberglass doors the obvious choice.

9. Versatality

Fiberglass doors are extremely versatile and can be easily adapted to the exterior of your home and your sense of style. If you love the look of a traditional glass door fiberglass can provide the same look without adding the risk of damage or deterioration. Fiberglass door designs offer a wide range of colors and finishes to keep you connected with the latest trends in home design that will last over the years.

There is no doubt that you will be impressed when you see a fiberglass door. These doors are manufactured with high technology and made of high-quality materials. You can choose different shades to color your door to complement the style of your home, both indoors and outdoors.

10. Customization

Fiberglass doors offer the most customization in both measurements AND design for your home.

Finally, you can find a door that matches those beautiful Milgard windows you’ve always wanted!

They can be painted (after an expert has prepared it to do so), and are fitted to the exact specifications of your doorway.

You also have the option to customize on glass panes, which lend character and allow natural light into the house. The designs offer various classic decorative patterns to fresh modern looks, with decorative embellishments and a variety of finishes that help create a look you will love. 

fiberglass door exterior sliding door color options

Fiberglass doors are available in a wide range of colors to help homeowners find just the right choice for their entrance, whether you prefer a bold play of colours or a more traditional look. There are also countless ways to remove stains, such as paint, stain remover, and even stain removal tools.

Looking for a french door? no problem, that can be done in the form of a fiberglass door.

Anything is possible, let a professional door expert bring your imagination to life. 

Find the Right Fiberglass Doors For You

One thing should not be overlooked here: it is a smart idea to work with a professional once you have decided to replace your front door. Choosing a new door for your home gives you a lot to think about, and you will also want options that increase the attractiveness of your home and complement your exterior. You need a door that provides security and long-term use.

Now that you’ve seen the all-encompassing value of choosing fiberglass doors for your home, it’s time to find the one(s) for your home.

However, you should make sure to reach out and work with an expert you can trust. If you want to replace your current door with a high-quality fiberglass option, US Window & Door provides you with everything you need to know about the many benefits of fiberglass doors. 

Be sure to read this article on hiring a door contractor for more information on the door-fitting process.

For more inquiries, please call our experts at 866-560-4033.