When it comes to new door installations, two materials, in particular, have probably captured your attention: vinyl and fiberglass. They’re the industry’s current go-to choices for quality and dependability. They are versatile enough to work in almost any situation. If you are looking for a new exterior door, fiberglass and vinyl are the popular door material options. They are both exceptional and superior when it comes to design and functionality.
Here are some benefits of installing these doors:
Energy Efficiency
Both vinyl and fiberglass doors provide an airtight seal against thermal incursion as well as heat transfer resistance. This translates to greater energy savings, and that is always a plus.
Versatility
Both types of doors can be fashioned to resemble almost anything, whether you want them to look like wood, steel, or something else. They are also available in a variety of colors.
Resistance
Both these doors don’t dent, thanks to their excellent impact resistance. Unlike wood doors, neither of these will rot or support mold growth, making them more long-lasting and sturdy.
Maintenance
All that is necessary for either of these materials is a light dusting or wiping. That makes them far less annoying than wood doors. They are still a little easier to maintain than steel doors.
So what is the difference between these two synthetic materials? Which is the superior option? Which of the door materials appeals to you the most? Which option is more cost-effective for you? Today, we’ll address these concerns and assist you in determining which option is best for you!
Fiberglass Doors
Overview of the material
Fiberglass is a reinforced material that incorporates glass fiber for increased strength. Fiberglass doors are lightweight and incredibly sturdy, as well as long-lasting, thanks to the unique combination of materials. They are more durable than vinyl doors, lasting for far longer than them. They do, however, come with a greater price tag, which is something to consider.
Fiberglass doors are an excellent choice for homes in areas where the weather changes dramatically throughout the year. These doors usually have an insulating foam-padded interior, making them a good choice as they also offer energy-saving benefits that will keep your wallet happy. Fiberglass has nine times the strength of vinyl and twice the strength of aluminum. Because of their strength, they can tolerate tremendous heat without warping or softening, as well as extreme cold (down to -40 degrees F) without becoming brittle.
Pros
Strength & Durability
Door frames made of fiberglass are far more durable than those made of vinyl. Because of the added robustness, these doors are constructed of glass as opposed to a vinyl frame. Ideally, fiberglass means that your door will have the most glass and that your home will have the most natural light. It is easier to operate, thanks to the additional strength fiberglass provides!
High Performance
Fiberglass doors have a longer lifespan than most doors and should last well over 15 - 20 years. While fiberglass doors are slightly more expensive upfront, they tend to provide better performance and longer service life. While vinyl doors may be less expensive, the substantially longer lifespan implies that fiberglass doors may be a better investment as they will work well for years to come, allowing you to maximize their benefits.
Airtight Sealing
Fiberglass doors have a tight seal that keeps your house draft-free and energy-efficient. These doors are more energy-efficient than steel doors and are therefore often considered the best exterior door for cold weather. They do not shrink and swell as the seasons change unlike wooden doors.
The most significant distinction between vinyl and fiberglass doors is their sealing. While vinyl door frames tend to leak air, fiberglass doors secure your home like no other material. The airtight seal ensures that your home is safe without any additional drafts surfacing, keeping your windows sturdy and airtight!
Fogging can also occur when you have bad sealing. Sometimes, glass panes end up losing their seal that eventually results in air leaks. A foggy appearance can devalue the entire space. A fogged patio door can be way worse than that of a living room! This is something you will not get with fiberglass doors.
Variety of Styles
There are hundreds of styles to choose from with fiberglass doors, allowing you to personalize your home. The look and feel of your indoor and outdoor living spaces is influenced by the type of your exterior door. That is why choosing the perfect door for your exterior is crucial. Because vinyl frames are thick and come in a limited number of colors, they limit your design options. Fiberglass doors come in a wide variety of styles and colors to complement the aesthetic of your home. If you prefer the aesthetic of wooden doors but don’t fancy the annual maintenance potential they require, fiberglass doors are a good alternative. Fiberglass mimics the lateral surfaces of wood and steel and is a much more durable material option.
Low Maintenance
Fiberglass doors do not require regular maintenance. Neither do they require painting or staining. These doors can be painted, stained, or natural wood in appearance. The material is also resistant to warping, rot, and corrosion and can last for decades with minimal upkeep.
Cons
High Cost
Fiberglass is one of the more expensive alternatives available in the market, but not as pricey as some options in wood. They are generally the most expensive of all exterior doors but outlast both wooden and steel doors.
These doors are way stronger than others as they provide better insulation. Homeowners usually prefer fiberglass doors because they look so much like real wooden doors. More sturdy, less maintenance! Sounds like a whole package, no?
Depending on the model and the glass options and fittings you choose, the cost of fiberglass doors can be comparable to or significantly higher than the cost of a wooden door, but they offer more durability and significantly less maintenance. The fiberglass door on average falls somewhere in the middle when you start comparing other door prices. Steel doors have a higher resale value and recoup over 90% of their value, while fiberglass doors bring in almost 77%. Although fiberglass doors cost a little more upfront, you also get longer service life and better performance out of them. So if you are looking for an exterior door with high-quality workmanship to enjoy years on end, you can pay a little more and get a fiberglass door.
Sizing
Fiberglass has a lot of advantages, but it isn’t the best option for everyone. Because the material is tough to trim, it’s not ideal for non-standard-size exterior doors.
Vinyl Doors
Overview of the Material
Modern vinyl doors are composed of resin polyvinyl chloride and have vastly improved in terms of aesthetics, quality, and durability over the years. Vinyl entry doors are the most cost-effective option, with great stats for a door of their price range. When compared to wood, it has more strength and requires less maintenance, but at similar pricing. As a result, you get a better material that won’t break the budget.
Vinyl is a popular, low-maintenance, and cost-effective exterior door material. These doors withstand air and water intrusion, as well as wind and outside noise. When it comes to protecting your home from external elements, you can count on vinyl doors.
Our vinyl doors are energy-efficient and help you save money on your energy bills by keeping your home warm all year. With each of our vinyl product lines, you may choose from a variety of exterior and interior finish options. Our vinyl doors don’t need to be painted, stained, or refinished, so they’re a great low-maintenance option for keeping your home looking great.
Pros
Low Cost
When compared to other types of doors, vinyl doors are less expensive. Vinyl doors have the advantage of providing great durability at a reasonable cost. They will also save you money due to their low maintenance requirements.
High Insulation
Vinyl is an excellent insulator. The insulation in different doors of your house contributes to the building’s energy efficiency. Inside these doors that are hollow and insulated, there is a rubber seal, tightly sealed to secure it in place. The insulating properties of the door will be improved by installing different panels. Make sure they are double-glazed. The vinyl doors tend to survive in winters, thanks to their excellent insulating capabilities.
Lightweight
Because vinyl doors are extremely lightweight, they are much easier to install. They can easily be lifted and replaced without much effort and are perfect for everyday use.
Recyclable
Vinyl doors can also be recycled. If you choose vinyl doors, you may help keep the environment healthy. This door can be recycled – a quality that is mirrored by wooden and steel doors. The material for other vinyl doors can be made from recycled ones.
Weather Resistant
Vinyl doors are popular because they are more durable than other types of doors. Wood doors are commonly used by homeowners because they have a classic appearance. However, because wooden doors are exposed to different elements when used outside, they require a lot of upkeep. When you install a vinyl home door, you won’t have to be concerned about it being damaged. Vinyl doors have a high level of durability, allowing them to last for many years. Termite damage to a wooden home door is not a problem with PVC or vinyl doors. The vinyl doors are anti-corrosive, as well as moisture and chemical resistant. The vinyl material provides high weather resistance, which is the most important feature. It can also tolerate a variety of temperature conditions.
Low Maintenance
The vinyl home door also has the advantage of being low-maintenance. If you have vinyl home doors, you merely need to dust and wipe them on a regular basis. It’s simple to perform with a soft, clean cloth and some light cleaning products.
Cons:
Difficult to Repair
After you’ve placed the vinyl door, you’ll need to maintain it. It can be difficult to fix the door or replace hardware if it is damaged. More often than not, these doors are difficult to lock because of the brittle nature of the material. If you ever find a crack in the shutter, it will be quite difficult to fix the gap in the door without damaging it further.
Fades With Too Much Sunlight Exposure
PVC doors are not as sturdy as Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) doors and can be damaged when exposed to sunlight for a long time. The (UPVC) doors, on the other hand, are made to tolerate or withstand the sun’s UV radiation.
Vinyl doors tend to fade, discolor, and crack when they are exposed to sunlight. If the house you live in has a vinyl entrance door or the location of the exterior door confronts the sun directly, you’ll want to think about this while selecting a door.
Lack Strength
Although vinyl doors are long-lasting, they are not particularly strong. Their lightweight nature may limit the door’s strength. The door’s strength can have an impact on the house’s security. If you’re thinking of investing in a vinyl door, keep these suggestions in mind. Check to see if they are appropriate for your needs before making a purchase.
The Best Exterior Doors for Your Home
The only way that you can decide which material to choose for your home is by considering your options and consulting a professional door service provider. They can give you a better insight after analyzing your home décor and placements of the doors. For detailed inspection and discussion about your choice, consult US Window & Door. We have a wide variety of door choices in vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass, and we offer expert and professional advice on the best options for exterior doors in San Diego. We’ll further discuss the costs, durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency capabilities of these door options so that you’ll be confident in your decision. Contact one of our offices to schedule a consultation today!
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