Knock Knock! Is it time for a new door? Old door warped, aged, or broken? Maybe you’re giving your home a facelift, and it’s time to switch up the style? Regardless of your reason for wanting a new door, it’s important to understand the different types of materials you can choose from.
Your entryway door gives your home personality. It can hold decorations, fun signs, and create the initial welcoming ambiance for guests! Don’t just settle for a standard door; choose one that is durable, stylish, and fits your needs!
Let’s lock down the info on Steel Doors vs. Fiberglass Doors and how to choose the right one for your Midwest home!
Breaking Down The Doors – Literally
If you’re wondering why it is important to pick a type of door, because it’s just a door, it’s like wondering why you prefer one type of shoe brand over another! It comes down to the details and materials!
So let’s break down these doors and see what’s really happening on the inside!
Steel Doors
When imagining a steel door, you’re probably imagining a thick, silver slab of steel so thick that it looks like it should be attached to a military fort or an ancient castle…
But modern steel doors are sleek, stylish, and minimalistic, which gives the home an elevated feel.
Construction & Energy Efficiency
Typically, a steel door is made of an insulated core and has a steel overlay. The insulation helps with energy efficiency, and the steel cover protects and provides strength and durability.
The tight seal of a steel door aids in lessening heat loss in the home and conducts heat better than other entry materials.
Steel Door Durability and Lifespan
If you’re looking for maximum security for an entry door, steel doors are a great option. The strength is unmatched, and they are very durable.
Steel doors have a long lifespan, lasting decades with proper maintenance. This durability is especially valuable for Michigan homeowners, as Midwest winters bring heavy snow, ice, and strong winds due to the state’s northern climate and proximity to Lake Michigan.
Maintenance
Steel doors are, by standards, low maintenance, but they can be prone to scratches and dents if damaged.
You may need to touch up scratches to prevent corrosion and rust on the surface. The minor repairs will be beneficial to the door’s durability, but also to its appearance!
Cost
If you’re looking for a more cost-friendly option that can stand the test of time and help lower your energy bills, a steel door is a great choice! You will enjoy the sleek, modern appeal while also ensuring your family’s safety!
Fiberglass Doors
On the opposite end of entry door materials is the Fiberglass Door. Fiberglass doors maintain the classic door look with added durability and an endless number of choices for customization.
Construction & Energy Efficiency
Like the steel door, a fiberglass door has a core and a fiberglass overlay. The reason for the different core is to aid in energy efficiency and stability.
With this type of material, you can basically customize the door to your style and needs. You can create a classic woodgrain look without worrying about a wooden door; on the flip side, you can create a smooth look with bright colors, stains, or even decorative inlays if you want!
In terms of energy efficiency, fiberglass doors are highly rated for that, and because of the material used, they will have more stability and balance despite the temperature changes that we see here in the Midwest! It is also going to stay cooler compared to a steel door when in contact with direct sunlight!
Fiberglass Durability & Lifespan
If well maintained, fiberglass doors can last a long time, sometimes up to 50 years.
It is a lighter-weight construction compared to a wooden or steel door, but it is very durable. Fiberglass is also resistant to rusting, moisture damage (like mold), and rotting compared to a wooden door. It will not warp or shift in shape, but it can crack or dent if a high-impact incident occurs.
Maintenance
Upkeep on a fiberglass door is very simple, just needing a quick wipe-down with warm, soapy water to eliminate handprints or any other surface-level smudges.
Cost
Because of the materials and the variety of options and customizations available, a fiberglass door will be a higher initial investment compared to a steel door, but if you’re looking for something that is unique to your home and boosts curb appeal, this is an excellent choice.
This is also a door that can withstand the major temperature changes that we experience in the Detroit area. Because of its resistance to warping and moisture retention, you won’t have to worry about your door wearing away from the crazy highs and lows of the changing seasons.
Two Great Entry Door Options, One Big Choice To Make
If you haven’t already realized, the two-door material choices, fiberglass or steel, are simply too evenly matched to pick a true winner. It ultimately comes down to homeowners’ style preference, needs, and budget.
Thankfully, here at Performance Remodeling, we offer both fiberglass and steel door options to help our homeowners maximize their choices and choose what works best for them. We are experts in the home remodeling and upgrading industry, which means we don’t just install the doors; we are here to assist you in choosing the best option!
For more information, contact our team to discuss your entry door upgrade and how we can help make it happen!
