Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Doors

The doors to your home provide protection and security, helping to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe. But they also set the visual tone for your home’s exterior, creating a good first impression for guests and acting as the welcoming entry point for visiting friends and family. If you’re considering replacing or upgrading your current doors, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the door material you want to use. Fiberglass is a material that boasts some notable benefits for homeowners, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Curious about the pros and cons of fiberglass doors? We can help.

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Doors for Homeowners

Unlike their traditional wooden counterparts, fiberglass doors are crafted from a robust composite material of glass fibers and resins: fiberglass. While they might seem like a modern innovation, fiberglass doors were introduced in the late 1960s as a stronger, more durable alternative to wood. This durability is why fiberglass can be used to build airplanes, surfboards, boats, bathtubs, hot tubs, roofs, pipes, and more.

The material is robust and long-lasting, but unlike fiberglass doors of the past, modern fiberglass can be molded to emulate the aesthetic properties of natural wood so your door looks and feels like solid wood. This adaptability has made fiberglass doors surge in popularity for homeowners who want to combine the classic warmth and style of wooden doors without the drawbacks of traditional wood. What are the pros and cons of fiberglass doors compared to wood and other materials? Here’s how fiberglass compares.

Pros of Fiberglass Doors

Strength and Durability

One of the most impressive features of fiberglass doors is their resilience. Unlike wood, fiberglass doesn’t warp, rot, or rust. Because it doesn’t shrink or swell like wood, fiberglass doors won’t stick in the summer or let in the cold in the water. Compared to steel, fiberglass doors are also less likely to dent or scratch than steel doors, which can be a huge plus in a busy household with a high-traffic entryway.

Energy Efficiency

Many fiberglass doors are crafted with an insulating foam core eight times more insulating than a standard wood door. Fiberglass doors help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which translates to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Low Maintenance

With fiberglass doors, upkeep and maintenance is a breeze. All you need to do to keep your door clean is to wipe it with a damp cloth. 

Versatility

Whether you’re aiming for a rustic look with a woodgrain finish or prefer the minimalist appeal of a solid color, fiberglass doors offer a wide range of design options. They also hold paint exceptionally well, resulting in a long-lasting finish that can be updated to match your home’s evolving style.

Cons of Fiberglass Doors

Nothing in the world of home improvement is perfect, and a fiberglass door is only suitable for some homeowners. 

Higher Upfront Cost

Fiberglass doors are an investment. While their long-term benefits can outweigh the upfront cost — thanks to their durability and energy efficiency — for some, the initial price point may be a consideration, especially compared to less expensive options.

Susceptible to Fading

Some fiberglass doors may experience fading over time, especially in areas with harsh sun exposure, which can disrupt the consistency of their appearance. Homeowners concerned about the potential of fading can protect against this by regularly applying a protective top coat of clear marine varnish or paint.

Cracks

Fiberglass doors hold up to real life much better than other materials do. Fiberglass doors won’t warp or rot like wood or dent or scratch like steel. Still, while it’s hard to damage a door’s fiberglass skin, fiberglass can crack if hit with enough force. While it’s relatively simple to repair a crack in a fiberglass door, they aren’t completely indestructible.

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Are you searching for the perfect doors for your home? Turn to Liberty Home Solutions for exceptional quality and service. Our friendly team would be delighted to answer your questions and guide you through your search. We can help you find the ideal entry and exit solution for your home, whether French doors, patio doors, storm doors, or steel and fiberglass doors. For more information or to request a quote for your project, contact us today.