Wood, Steel or Fiberglass Doors?
When it comes to choosing the best materials for exterior doors, homeowners are always overwhelmed by the options available in the market. Wood, composite, steel or fiberglass doors? This is the dilemma that faces most homeowners when selecting exterior door materials to use for their front doors?
With so many aspects to consider, their dilemma is understandable and this confusion faces most people, even the most experienced homeowners. A homeowner has to consider durability, price, overall style, security, etc. Often, according to Total Home Windows and Doors, the material that a window is built from influences its functions. For instance, exterior fiberglass doors may perform differently compared to steel doors as we shall see here.
1. Wood
It is a timeless material that gives your entry door a classic look. The material is always envied, and because of the complex care it requires, it has led to creation of faux wood. Wooden doors can be created in many designs and colors.
It is a good insulator, allowing you to save on energy costs and creating a homely environment. Entry doors can be made from hardwood or softwood. Hardwood is expensive and long-lasting than softwood.
To enjoy the ambiance these doors create, wood should be treated to protect it from getting damaged by the weather elements.
2. Fiberglass doors
It offers the privileges that wood doors have. However, it is more affordable than wood and has superior qualities that make it last longer. It has great insulation properties, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs.
Fiberglass entry doors Canada don't not warp or fade when exposed to harsh weather. It means that you do not have to keep painting or treating them regularly. You can create unlimited door designs using fiberglass to enhance your entry's appearance.
3. uPVC Doors
uPVC (Plasticized Polyvinyl chloride) doors are more affordable and are durable. These doors come in different colors and waterproof finishes. They can be stained with a wooden finish to offer the warmth that comes with wooden doors.
Previous versions of these doors used to be fragile but not anymore. The modern uPVC doors are reinforced with metal from inside. The reinforcement ensures that the door provides security to your property.
The downside of these doors is they fade with time. So, regular repainting is required. Additionally, they are hard to repair once they get some damages.
4. Metallic Doors
Metal is often associated with warehouses and other commercial properties. There is also the fear of the material rusting, which can cause damage to property and a strong unwanted smell. However, technology has helped in eliminating these undesirable effects.
Today, you can have a metallic entry door at your home. They are treated to prevent rust and provide insulation. Additionally, they can be stained to create beautiful patterns including a wooden texture.
Metallic doors are the strongest and safest option which we can see in Crittal doors. Mild dents incurred can be repaired with a DIY kit without necessarily calling a professional. They are easy to maintain too.
5. Glass Doors
Most homeowners feel insecure and hesitate to use glass doors. But, you do not have to worry about security with modern glass doors. They are made strong enough to prevent break-ins. These doors are ideal if you want to allow more natural lighting into the house.
Glass doors create an expensive appearance to a house and offer insulation too. To prevent people from snooping around your home, use a one-way glass on your door. It prevents people to look inside your house but allows you to view its exterior.
Because glass doors come in different designs, you can choose to have a full-glass door or glass as part of your door.
6. Factors To Consider
a. House Style
Most people are concerned with the curb-appeal when choosing doors. As far as that is concerned, the first impression of your home matters and that is why nowadays most homeowners are opting for fiberglass entry doors in Canada.
b. Sizing The Door
Most people make an assumption that the fiberglass doors are the same size and they end up buying oversize or undersize doors. To fit well, such doors should be sized up or down and that can be time-consuming and costly.