When it comes to choosing materials for exterior doors, homeowners can use a combination of different kinds. However, the primary door materials are steel, fiberglass, and wood.
Choosing one particular material from these three depends on your budget and what you want to achieve. This is because each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages and, therefore, they will offer different benefits. For instance, if you are concerned about the aesthetics of your home you should go for wood, if your care about security, steel doors will do. And for care-free exterior doors, you cannot get it wrong with fiberglass doors.
1. Wood
Wooden doors are quite popular among most homeowners. These exterior doors are an epitome of beauty, but that comes with a high price tag. The windows are heavy, resistant to damage and wear and are quite secure.
Even though the doors are prone to scratches and dents, it is easier to fix these issues as opposed to when fixing rusting on steel doors. However, these doors require maintenance and great care as exposure to extreme weather can significantly reduce their durability and beauty. For instance, you would want to periodically repaint and refinish them.
2. Steel Doors
Steel exterior doors are the best option if you want doors that are secure, strong, and energy-efficient. Thanks to the latest technology, nowadays steel doors come with foam insulation that enhances its energy efficiency.
However, though they are long-lasting, they need periodic painting in order to protect them from rust. What is more admired about steel doors is that they don’t warp or crack like wooden entry doors. However, they are prone to denting and when this happens, they are challenging to repair.
3. Fiberglass
Fiberglass entry doors are easy to maintain and come with superior insulation for excellent energy efficiency. Thanks to the latest technology, these doors can be made to look like real wood and they offer better resistance to wear and tear better than both steel and wood.
However, be cautious when choosing the doors as low-quality fiberglass doors are prone to cracking in case they sustain immense impact.
4. Aluminium Doors
Aluminium doors are cheap and easy maintenance. However, they are not a common option like the latter three types of doors. They require minimal cleaning. However, they are not energy efficient as the material loses heat.
We have looked at different types of exterior doors. The main types are wood, fiberglass, and steel. But how do steel and fiberglass door compare?
5. Comparing Fiberglass And Steel Doors
a. Costs
As you would expect, fiberglass and steel are two different door materials and as such, their prices vary considerably. For instance, getting a quality fiberglass exterior door will set you back to $800-$1000. A higher-quality entry fiberglass door will cost you $1600-$2600.
However, when it comes to steel doors, the cost range between $200 to $500. However, this depends on the steel thickness. For higher quality doors, you will be set back to $1000.
b. Security
Steel entry doors offer more security compared to fiberglass doors since they are made up of stronger material. It is hard to break steel doors, as opposed to fiberglass that can easily be manipulated.
c. Energy Efficiency
Though both steel and fiberglass doors offer more energy-saving properties compared to wooden doors, fiberglass is more energy-efficient compared to steel thanks to its extended lifespan and ability to withstand harsh weather elements.
They contract and expand without allowing weather elements to interfere with indoor conditions.
d. Durability
Though steel doors are prone to denting, this only happens on the surface of the doors and doesn’t affect its durability. Despite the dents, the door will always remain strong.
Fiberglass is also prone to dings and dents. Due to its lightweight material, it can bend when forced entry is made on it. However, the material doesn’t rust and this makes it a better option for long-lasting doors.
e. Maintenance
For both doors, it doesn’t take much time to maintain. Fiberglass needs wiping or painting. They can also be oiled using a pressure washer.
For steel doors, they should be oiled and hosed down to avoid rusting. They don’t need continuous cleaning.
