“Many of us are familiar with the emphasis that is placed on first impressions in social settings, but it’s important to hold your home to the same standard,” said Christopher Wittmann, CR, exterior product specialist with Callen. “Your front door speaks volumes in terms of first impressions, because as a crucial focal point, it’s one of the first exterior elements of a home that a visitor’s eyes are drawn to. Not to mention, an attractive front door can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal when it comes time to sell your property. If you want to create a stunning front entry, consider opting for a door made of fiberglass or steel.”
For those who favor the look of a natural wood door, but desire increased strength and durability, fiberglass is a sound alternative. Fiberglass doors, which are resistant to warping, shrinking, rotting, and minor scratches and dents offer flexibility in terms of aesthetics. They can mimic the look of real wood and can be factory stained in an array of shades, or painted in any color, to compliment a home’s unique exterior. “Moreover, fiberglass doors are comprised of a fully insulated polyurethane core, which acts as a highly effective safeguard against inclement weather,” said Christopher. “Although there is typically a cost difference when selecting fiberglass over wood, installing an energy efficient fiberglass door will lower your home’s energy bill and contribute to a significantly higher return on investment in the long run.”
Steel is another option when it comes to selecting a new front entry door, as its security and strength are unmatched when compared to all other front door materials available on the market. In fact, they’re one of the safest options against home invasions and they’re impervious to cracking and splitting. The most robust steel doors contain insulated polyurethane foam surrounded by steel paneling on both sides. “Be mindful of doors that are not 100% foam filled, as these are prone to air pockets, which is an ideal environment for condensation that can culminate in rot,” he said.
When it comes to appearance, steel doors tend to come pre-stained or pre-painted in a color of your choosing. For added customization, homeowners can decide on a textured or smooth finish as well. “Comparable to fiberglass with regards to energy efficiency, steel is particularly useful at eliminating drafts, a benefit that can be measured in the form of energy savings,” Christopher said.
When considering exterior home improvements, your home’s front entry is a vital component, as it directly impacts visitors’ and prospective buyers’ perceptions when they view your home. More specifically, a new front entry door made of fiberglass or steel embodies personalization, upgrades security, and boosts energy efficiency. Additionally, these door types require minimal maintenance outside of the occasional cleaning. Furthermore, their incredibly tough compositions often equate to lifelong investments, as it’s common for lifetime warranties to accompany the purchase of these products. “Taking into account the significant advantages that each material offers, I strongly advise that fiberglass and steel should be top contenders on your list when you’re in the market for a new front door,” said Christopher.
