Fibreglass vs Steel Doors: Which is Better?

When shopping for interior and exterior doors, homeowners are faced with the dilemma of deciding whether they should get fibreglass vs steel doors. There are several factors to consider when weighing your options. In this article, we will cover these aspects to give you an idea if a new fibreglass door or a new steel door would be more beneficial to your home and family in the long run.

Let’s get started!

Should You Get A New Steel Door?

In the past, homeowners do not even think about whether they should have a new steel door installed for their residential properties because it’s a feature that’s typically exclusively used for buildings. However, as industrial-themed homes become increasingly popular, architects and designers now incorporate steel doors into their designs as an intriguing focal point.

A common misconception about new steel doors is that they are made of solid steel, but they’re not. They’re manufactured from polyurethane or polystyrene core with a steel skin coating between 16 to 24 gauge. A solid steel door would be impractical to use as a home’s front door, for instance, because it would be impossibly heavy to swing open and would most likely damage the hinges and the walls.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Door

As a front entry door, steel doors would make a bold statement piece. Other potential reasons to get a new steel door include:

• They offer exceptional insulation properties.
• Steel doors are commonly used as an exterior door or garage door because of its promising security and durability features.
• If you’re living in a neighbourhood where forest fires are a significant concern, steel doors boast of an impressive fire rating.
• Steel doors are usually sold cheaper than fibreglass doors.

A few known disadvantages of steel doors for residential properties are:

• You cannot DIY steel door installation because of its heavy weight.
• They tend to become a bit too hot to handle when exposed to intense sun exposure, which is a cause for concern during the summertime.
• Steel doors are prone to rust, scratches, and dents. Because they cannot be sanded or painted, it would be a challenge to find accessible and affordable ways to mitigate or improve wear and tear signs.
• Steel doors have limited designs. You’d have to get them custom-made if you want windows or a pet door cut out.
• Although the latest models of steel doors have been improved, they are still less energy-efficient than fibreglass doors. As conductors, they are notorious for absorbing heat or freezing temperatures from the outside.

What Is a Fibreglass Door?

Fibreglass doors give you the timeless beauty of natural wood without the setbacks. They feature a core of rigid insulation covered with fibre-reinforced polymer and enhanced with the artificial wood grain, so they mimic the appearance of oak, mahogany, or pine. Fibreglass doors can be installed as an exterior and interior door.

Pros and Cons of a New Fibreglass Door

Primarily, fibreglass doors are an innovative solution to the most common issues associated with wooden doors or steel doors. Here are several benefits of installing a new fibreglass door for your home.

• Fibreglass doors can dramatically enhance your home’s overall curb appeal. They are aesthetically appealing and can be fabricated to look like any wood of your choice. There’s also no hassle if you want to get on a home improvement spree and spontaneously paint or stain your fibreglass door a different colour every now and then.
• Similar to steel doors, fibreglass doors are weather resistant. They are manufactured with high-quality synthetic materials that can endure impact and all forms of weather. They will not warp like wood or rust and corrode like steel doors. Fibreglass doors also do not rot, swell, or shrink, which is common among other less optimal materials when the weather fluctuates.
• Fibreglass doors are low-maintenance. Wiping it clean is all you need to keep it in its pristine condition. Dents and scratches can be sanded and repaired quickly.
• Fibreglass doors are the winner when it comes to energy efficiency because they have an impressive ENERGY STAR® rating. They can bring you an instant return of investment by cutting back on your energy bills with a very low risk of heat loss and heat gain.
• They are easier to operate and install when compared to steel doors because they are more compact and lightweight.
• Fibreglass doors are also wonderful options if you are particular about soundproofing your home from external noise.
• In terms of security, fibreglass doors can now be comparable to steel doors, depending on the provider. For instance, Burano Doors are made with 4-inch lock blocks and reinforced laminated wood tiles. Our doors are highly secure and resistant to severe weather.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of a new fibreglass door is that they come at a steeper cost than steel doors. Nevertheless, with all these benefits we’ve covered, you can say that it’s going to be a worthwhile investment you won’t regret getting.

At Burano Doors, Beauty Begins at Your Doorstep

Burano Doors is a leading manufacturer of premium quality customized steel and fibreglass door systems in the country. We are a proudly Canadian company with over 40 years of experience servicing Toronto and other provinces.

Whether you’ve decided to go for a new steel door or a new fibreglass door for your home, we’re sure that you’ll find what you’re looking for in our extensive collection of pretty and practical doors. We have both exterior and interior doors in a wide range of styles and colours that take into mind the impeccable taste of both the classic and contemporary homeowners.

If you have more inquiries and would love our expert opinion when choosing fibreglass vs steel doors, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our friendly representatives will be more than happy to help you. Contact Burano Doors now!