Besides offering security, your home’s entry door plays a critical role in the comfort and efficiency of your home. As a homeowner seeking the best value in your home, you may ask yourself what type of door is the best. Among the most popular options, steel and fiberglass doors stand out. Both types of doors offer endurance, security, and energy efficiency. Both options are also easy to maintain and can be customized. When faced with the option between steel and fiberglass doors, most homeowners have no idea how to compare the two. At Aspen Home Improvements, we want you to make the right call. In today’s article, we shall explore these types of doors and see how they measure up to our door-buying checklist.

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass is constructed by reinforcing a polymer with fine glass fibers. Fiberglass doors are lightweight, impact-resistant, and highly durable. The material is moldable, and its high strength ratings make it a perfect choice for high-end doors and windows. With advances in manufacturing, fiberglass doors can be manufactured in ways never done before. Modern fiberglass doors can be made to mimic natural materials like wood grain and can be painted to match any interior and exterior elements. The elegance, energy-efficiency, durability, and security that these doors bring make fiberglass doors an excellent investment for any homeowner.

Steel Doors

These doors are made of either polyurethane or polystyrene core that is draped with a steel skin. The core acts as a thermal barrier that reduces expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Steel doors are the perfect option for an entry door because they are affordable, durable, elegant, and offer better security & comfort than most other door types. Steel doors also give your home entryway a sleek and clean feel. While the options are limited compared to fiberglass doors, steel doors can also be customized to match your interior or patio furniture. Steel doors are also foam-filled and constructed with thermal adhesives that enhance your door’s structural integrity while keeping it energy-efficient. Steel doors are the perfect option for homeowners who are keen on going green.

Steel vs. Fiberglass Doors: How do they compare?

We have seen that steel and fiberglass are two of the most popular choices for door materials. To help you choose between the two, let us compare them based on the factors below:

Appearance

Fiberglass doors can be manufactured in many styles, options, colors, and finishes. They can be made to mimic a wide variety of wood finishes, including oak, cherry, mahogany, and fir. These doors can also feature paint and stain finishes. Fiberglass doors also include a multitude of glass options, including decorative glass that improves your curb appeal.  You can customize fiberglass doors to your liking, making it an ideal option if you have specific design needs. While steel doors also come in various styles and finishes, they are not as many as those of fiberglass doors. These doors also support different glass pane options. Steel provides a smooth, unique entry into your home.

While both options can be customized, steel doors have limited options.

Durability

Fiberglass does not crack, split, laminate or warp, even in the harshest climates. Fiberglass is, however, a lightweight material, and is prone to scratches and dents arising from mechanical shock. If the disturbance is strong enough, the door might crack. Steel is more prone to dents and scratches since it has a thin outer layer. The scratch cannot penetrate to inner layers, making it a very durable option. Steel doors can also stand up to strong mechanical disturbances. Fiberglass is not susceptible to rusting, making it a durable option for an entry door. Both options can last the lifetime of your home and usually come with limited lifetime warranties.

Both doors have impeccable endurance, but fiberglass doors have more desirable qualities over time.

Cost

In both options, the cost varies greatly with the style, size, and quality of the roofing material. High-quality fiberglass doors typically cost between $1500 and $2500. High-quality steel doors usually cost a maximum of $1000. Installation costs vary depending on the roofing contractor chosen. Normally, a fiberglass door installation would cost you between $3000 and $5000 for an average size door. An average size steel door would cost you between $600 and $1800 to install.

Generally, steel doors are cheaper to purchase and install than fiberglass doors.

Maintenance

Both types of doors require little maintenance. You can clean fiberglass doors with soap and water as regular maintenance. They require little preventive maintenance as they are dent and scratch-resistant. You can refinish and repaint them to your liking, with the help of a professional. They are also pressured washer-safe so long as the washer is on lower settings. Steel doors shouldn’t be pressure washed as this accelerates rusting. You can use an auto-body kit to pull and putty down dents. Steel doors do not require regular cleaning, though you should oil their hinges for maximum performance.

Fiberglass doors require the least maintenance.

Which is better, fiberglass, or steel doors?

We have explored how both types of doors measure up against our buying factors. Both are great options for any home. Your choice will be tied to the style, budget, and location of your home. For the average homeowner, we’ll recommend fiberglass doors, as they are easier to maintain, more customizable, and are still very durable. However, at Aspen Home Improvements we offer both fiberglass and steel door options if you would like to get a free consultation for both products.

Aspen Home Improvements has been carrying outdoor installation and replacements for over 25 years. If you need help deciding between steel and fiberglass doors in  Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, contact us today!