Steel doors and fiberglass doors are the most popular doors in the market because of their durability. Understanding the differences between the two is important to help homeowners decide which one to choose for their entry doors.
The obvious difference between both doors is the material used to make the door. Learn the major differences between fiberglass and steel doors.
Durability
In terms of durability, both steel and fiberglass doors are long-lasting. Fiberglass doors are more durable because of their ability to resist rust, rot, or decay because of the material they are made from.
Steel entry doors are made from steel or aluminum which makes them strong and durable. The steel material makes them resistant to severe weather conditions such as rain, temperatures, and sunlight.
For homeowners looking for strong and long-lasting doors, they can choose between steel or fiberglass doors for their entry doors.
In terms of maintenance, fiberglass doors require less maintenance as compared to steel entries. Steel entries will require regular painting to prevent them from rust while fiberglass doors require less painting because they can be easily cleaned using soap and water.
For homeowners looking for low-maintenance doors, their best choice would be fiberglass over steel entries.
However, it is easy to design fiberglass doors to mimic different door styles giving homeowners the ability to design their doors to the style of their choice. However, it is not easy to style steel entries to different styles.
Energy Efficiency
Homeowners look for entry doors that will help them minimize power bills associated with air-conditioning. Between fiberglass and steel entries, homeowners will go to a door that cuts down power bills.
Fiberglass doors have several insulation inner layers that offer excellent power saving. In addition, fiberglass doors are not affected by extreme changes in temperatures making them energy-efficient.
On the contrary, steel entries are prone to expansion or contraction if exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures. This can lead to gaps or bents on the door frames allowing flow of air in and out of the house.
However, under normal temperatures, steel entries are energy-efficient.
Aesthetic
Compared to steel doors, fiberglass doors offer a broad range of design options and this makes them a common option for many homeowners. Also, fiberglass doors can be modified to mimic different wood styles including cherry, oak, and mahogany.
This implies that fiberglass doors can be modeled to achieve the elegant look for most modern designs. On the contrary, steel entries do not offer much variety of designs as compared to fiberglass.
Steel entries can be customized into different designs and finishes. The decision to choose between steel and fiberglass door, it is important to consider personal preferences and your home style.
For homeowners looking for classic elegance, fiberglass is the best choice for your entry door replacement.
Cost
When it comes to choosing between fiberglass and steel entries, cost is also an important factor to consider. The cost of a door depends on the material, design, and other factors.
Generally, fiberglass doors are more expensive compared to steel entries. The price of a fiberglass door ranges between $1,300 and $5,800 depending on design and specifics.
On the other hand, steel entries may range between $1,000 to $5,000. The choice of an entry door will depend on one’s budget.
If you have money, investing in high-quality doors will increase your home value. Therefore, fiberglass doors are the best choice for homeowners looking to increase their home’s value.
Homeowners on a fixed budget can consider steel entries over fiberglass doors. However, steel entries can be expensive in the long run as compared to fiberglass doors because they require high maintenance costs.
How To Make The Right Choice
It can be challenging to make the right decision by weighing the tradeoffs between fiberglass and steel entries. However, this can be addressed by considering the most important aspect for you.
For example, if your main priority is energy efficiency, choose a door that helps you achieve this. If you are not sure what your main priority is, consult door experts for professional advice.
Professional advice will help you understand what your preferences and priorities are and which door design meets both.
