Choosing the Best Material for your Front Door

Choosing a front door might sound like an easy, worry-free task, but it’s a bit more complex than you might think. A few decades ago, all doors fit the same mold, but the variety today is endless. From the materials to the size, doors now are fully customizable. Before you make the big purchase, it’s important to know which material would be best for your house. There’s no need to stress over this, so we’ve outlined the basics for you. 

Wood, fiberglass and steel are the primary materials used for front doors, and each one offers unique benefits and certain shortcomings. We’ll focus on the characteristics of each of these doors, letting you decide which would be the most beneficial for your circumstance. But if you’re still a little unsure, let the experts take care of it. We’re just a phone call away! 

Fiberglass doors and steel doors are the most energy efficient, hands down. Both materials received high efficiency ratings on the grounds of reducing air drafts, keeping out cold and hot air and keeping AC/heat inside. If energy efficiency is your priority, wood doors shouldn’t be an option. The wood will warp and crack over time, causing energy loss in your home. 

If you receive harsh rain or snow, fiberglass is the way to go! This material can withstand any rain, hail or snow that’s thrown it’s way, while steel and wood doors are much more vulnerable to Mother Nature. Steel and wood will begin to show signs of weathering relatively quickly, meaning replacements and repairs could be relatively frequent. Even though Florida’s the Sunshine State, we’re equally known for our tropical storms and summer showers. Weather resistance should play a key factor in your purchase, choose carefully. 

Again, Fiberglass doors are the big winner. A durable door is highly resistant to dents, scratches, cracks and warping. Considering these factors, fiberglass takes the cake. Wood doors come in a close second, although they scratch easily. Steel comes in dead last because it’s vulnerable to all the damages listed. 

 

Looks like our big winner for the day is fiberglass. Fiberglass is relatively low-maintenance, especially compared to wood and steel. The only care fiberglass needs is the occasional cleaner and cloth. If ease is your goal, fiberglass is your answer. 

Fiberglass    ✓

Steel            X

Wood          X

When you break down the benefits, your answer is clear. Fiberglass will give you the most energy efficiency, last the longest and demands very little care. When you’re due for a front door update, we’re your go-to for quality and honesty. Give American Window Products a call for more details on why fiberglass should be your choice.