Entry Doors: How To Get the Fiberglass Advantage but With an Attractive Wood Look

Few things are as elegant as authentic wooden doors, but you’ll pay for their luxurious looks in maintenance. Wood needs to be polished and protected, and periodic refinishing is highly recommended. Fall behind on your maintenance schedule, and you can expect rot, warping, and a dry, colorless surface. Fabricators have created a solution: fiberglass. This magical material can now replicate real wood convincingly, so the only one who’ll know the truth is you. Fiberglass doors offer durable, stylish surfaces in a range of detailed woodgrains. They’re statement pieces that will improve your curb appeal and enhance your architecture to boot, though some products are better than others.

If you’re thinking about the plastic facades of last decade’s fiberglass doors, think again. The market’s best options are more than just convincing. They have excellent insulation and a huge range of moldings. Brand leader Therma-Tru’s products have a solid polyurethane foam core that raises their R-value exponentially. They’re durable, beautiful, and energy-efficient, so your initial outlay will pay for itself in reduced utility bills. ProVia is another brand leader that offers unmatched attention to detail. Their exclusive DuraFuse Finishing System comes with robust strike stiles, hinges, and integrated frames.

More than Just Good Looks

Fiberglass has become so sophisticated that it’s created a market of its own. Some manufacturers focus on aesthetics while others take a more technical approach, but they all have one thing in common: They draw from the exceptional benefits of fiberglass.

Quality varies greatly with manufacturing processes, though. The right mull configuration and bonding have a powerful effect on the end result. When made well, fiberglass is more lasting than vinyl and more economical than wood.

Understanding R-Value

The R-value of your front door can make or break your energy efficiency. This important measurement tells you the difference between a warm and cold surface through a barrier. Any breaks in R-value affect your household insulation as a whole, so your fiberglass door’s capacity for thermal resistance has a significant effect on your monthly bills. Unlike wood, fiberglass can be built around an insulating core so that it can offer exceptional R-values. With the right door sweeps, sills, and jambs, you can maintain a comfortable indoor climate while reducing your HVAC bills.

With fiberglass, you can finally put dents, splits, and cracks behind you without sacrificing a sophisticated aesthetic. Who says style has to come at the cost of practicality?

Interested in a fiberglass door for your home? Call the pros at APCO at 614-254-5489 to learn more about your options and get started on upgrading your front entry.