Let’s open the door and peek in on some urban myths today, shall we? Fiberglass doors sometimes take a knock on the Internet. Home bloggers, DIY warriors, a random reviewer throw out tales of woe and, naturally, you don’t want to sign up for a similar experience.
Well, Hall’s Window Center is charging to the rescue. Here are some straight answers on your burning questions:
Q: Do fiberglass doors warp?
- Absolutely—ifthey aren’t installed properly. Some foreign import products, no doubt trying to compete with the steel insulated door market—do not have an inner frame system substantial enough to handle this heavy job.
Compare that to a Therma-Tru fiberglass door built with an inner frame that’s 3.5 inches in all four sides of the door. That sucker doesn’t have the wiggle room to warp! The manufacturer is certain enough to provide a 25-year warranty against warping.
Q: I’ve heard that fiberglass doors are too new and the results for our climate aren’t proven.
A: What is your definition of “new”? Therma-Tru developed the fiberglass doors more than 30 years ago, which has been long enough to prove that it doesn’t dent and doesn’t rust. Nor does it split, crack, chip As for warping, we’ve got that under control as well.
Q: Here’s an unusual question: Is it true you must use a multi-point lock with fiberglass doors?
A: Yes, depending on the size of your door. Therma-Tru panels work fine with regular handle sets. But multipoint hardware is a factor in preventing warping, and with any door more than 8 feet tall, multipoint hardware deflects wind at the top of the door.
Q: But steel doors are more energy efficient, correct?
A: If both doors have Energy Star certification, they both carry the research and engineering stamp of approval you want for your home. Both fiberglass and steel door brands have earned this recognition.
Q: Will I spend more to get a fiberglass door than a steel one?
A: You don’t have to. At Hall’s we can pull out samples of patented vinyl frames that compete directly with steel insulated door systems. In some cases, the fiberglass doors are less expensive.
But the cost isn’t always about what you spend on your credit card at the time of purchase. Finished, wood-grain fiberglass doors with decorative features (think glass panels) average between $600 and $1,200 compared to steel’s $250 to $350 price tag, but fiberglass are nearly maintenance free and last decades. ProVia guarantees them as long as you live in the home! And hey, these guys have dined at all-you-can-eat buffets, so they’re well aware that lifetime could mean a lot of years.
Drop into Hall’s today and let us help you work through your fiberglass door questions!