Pros & Cons of Fiberglass Exterior Doors

Are fiberglass exterior doors the right choice for your northern Utah home?

Several decades ago, wooden doors were the only option. And when fiberglass first hit the scene, they weren’t all that impressive. These days, however, fiberglass doors are premium products – and they’re a popular choice.

The best way to determine whether you should install a fiberglass entry system is to consult with a reputable local door supplier. However, reading the following guide may help you come to a decision.

Utah fiberglass doors

Advantages of Fiberglass Exterior Doors

Fiberglass entry systems come with several positives. The major selling points for these doors include:

Durability – The material never warps, rots or rusts and can stand strong for decades.

Performance – The entry system reduces heat transfer and boosts energy efficiency, thereby lowering your energy costs.

Maintenance – No painting or staining is necessary with this material, and it has minimal care requirements.

Appearance – Entry systems can closely mimic the look of painted, stained or natural wood.

Versatility – Hundreds of styles are available, allowing homeowners to achieve any type of exterior look.

Drawbacks of Fiberglass Exterior Doors

Fiberglass may offer quite a few benefits, but it’s not the optimal choice for everyone. The disadvantages of fiberglass doors include:

Price – While not as costly as some types of wood, fiberglass is one of the more expensive options on the market.

Sizing – The material is difficult to trim, so it’s not well-suited for exterior doors that aren’t standard sizes.

Installation – Because these entry systems come as a full unit with the frame, they must be installed by an experienced professional.

Understanding Your Exterior Door Options

Fiberglass is only one of the options for exterior doors.

Wooden doors are still available, of course, and today’s solid wood entry systems offer luxurious natural beauty and high energy performance. Wood is also quite durable, and in the unlikely event of a scratch or dent, repairs are easy. However, wood requires regular sealing or staining to prevent warping and splitting.

Steel entry systems are exceptionally strong, fire-resistant and require little maintenance. Steel is an inexpensive choice, but the material has a shorter lifespan than both fiberglass and wood. And, when damaged, steel doors can be difficult and expensive to repair.

Composite exterior doors are another option, one that offers aesthetic appeal, remarkable durability and superb performance qualities. In addition, composite entry systems have minimal care requirements, too. On the negative side, they can be costly.

Should You Choose Fiberglass Exterior Doors?

For expert advice and assistance weighing the pros and cons of fiberglass doors, turn to a trusted local expert – like the professional team at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors.

Based in Orem, Utah, Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors serves homeowners in Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah communities. We offer an extensive selection of high-quality entry systems from the world’s leading manufacturers, all of which are backed by an unconditional satisfaction guarantee. And, we can accommodate any budget.

For a free, no-pressure consultation to determine whether fiberglass exterior doors are the best choice for your northern Utah home, contact us today.