When you talk about an entry door, you will realize most homeowners have their minds fixed on the front door alone. However, they can use these fiberglass doors on the sides and the back of their homes. That is, front doors are ideal for putting on the exterior door spaces of your home.
When choosing an exterior door, other than considering materials the doors are made from, you should focus on their aesthetics as well and one of the mostly preferred entry door are fiberglass doors. Do not leave your door looking plain, just because it is exposed to the weather elements. WindowTech Windows and Doors recommends that you follow these tips while buying your front door:
1. Go Online
Going online while looking for fiberglass doors will always save your time and money. It creates a ground to compare different sellers within a short time and establish an average cost for front doors. So, even when you decide to go in-store for your door, you will have an idea of how much to spend on a particular door.
2. Consider Energy Efficiency
It is one of the most important features to consider. Whichever door material you choose, make sure it has undergone testing from the relevant bodies and attained certification. Although all materials can make energy-efficient doors, wood is not as good as others.
If you want a full glass door, its efficiency is determined by the type of glazing it has. Most are either double or triple glazed. Double glazed exterior fiberglass doors are more popular, mostly because they are more affordable than triple glazed doors.
3. Installation
Replacement doors are easy to install since they come while ready for hanging. It makes it easy for DIYers to install them without the need to involve a professional.
However, if your project has significant renovations involved, consider hiring a professional contractor. If you have none in mind, you can ask your supplier to recommend one for you since they are well connected.
4. Safety
When human intruders want to force themselves into your house, they attack your door’s locking system. To enhance safety for your property and loved ones, consider investing in quality locks and strike plates.
5. Types of Entry Doors
Types of entry doors are categorized according to materials used in making them. They include:
a. Fiberglass doors
Exterior fiberglass doors are a preferred option by most homeowners. It has outstanding qualities and can be veneered to have a wooden texture.
Pros: they require little maintenance, are resistant to harsh weather, they have a friendly price, and you can paint or stain them.
Cons: when subjected to extreme impact, they crack.
b. Steel
It is also widely used by homeowners.
Pros: they are affordable, have a low maintenance requirement, are sturdy, and energy-efficient. However, if you use glass panels on them, their energy-efficiency reduces.
Cons: when compared to other materials, steel doors are not good in weather resistance. When exposed to scratches, these doors rust when not repainted soon. They are susceptible to dents, which can be challenging to repair.
c.Wood
It is the most classic material which is timeless.
Pros: their damages are the easiest to repair, they are resistant to wear and tear, and have low chances of getting dented.
Cons: they are quite expensive and require regular maintenance.
6. Features
There are different features manufacturers offer. They include designs, patterns, and transoms. These features affect the prices of entry doors. Some of the features you should consider are:
a. Adjustable Threshold
This feature prevents rain and drafts from getting into your house.
b. Glass
They enhance the attractiveness of your door. They also increase the cost since you have to buy a more expensive lock to enhance security. You also have to buy a double or triple glazed glass for energy efficiency, which is a bit expensive.
c. Rails and Stiles
They brace a door from its vertical and horizontal parts. These components are found on wood doors. Rails and stiles are prone to warping and bowing but can be veneered to prevent this damage.
Go for a door that describes you with little effort and helps from these tips.