Choosing the Right Exterior Doors for You

Your exterior doors are like the hardworking superheroes keeping your home together. They keep the bugs out, the heat in, and your possessions safe and sound. So when it comes to choosing the perfect exterior doors for your home, you’ll want to consider more than just their curb appeal. But how do you decide which is best for your needs?
In this blog, the experts at Astro UP in Rock, Michigan will give you the rundown on two of the most popular exterior door types: fiberglass doors and steel doors. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of each, and by the end of the blog, you’ll hopefully have a much better idea of which route you want to take for your own house.

1. Fiberglass Exterior Doors

2. Steel Exterior Doors

3. Our Exterior Door Brands

Fiberglass Exterior Doors

The first fiberglass doors from Therma-Tru doors debuted in 1983. In the past forty years, fiberglass door technology has been improving and winning over many happy customers. Fiberglass doors come with a long list of advantages, but there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider before purchasing one. With that being said, let’s get into the details.

Fiberglass Exterior Door Pros

Durability: Fiberglass doors are highly durable and resistant to various environmental factors, such as moisture, extreme temperatures, and UV rays. So, they’re a great option if your home is in an area that experiences lots of snow, rain, extreme heat or extreme cold. They do not warp, rot, or rust, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to traditional wooden or metal doors.

Low Maintenance: Exterior door maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore thanks to fiberglass doors. They require minimal upkeep, and do not need regular painting or staining like wooden doors. Instead, they only need occasional cleaning with soap and water–so easy, even your kids can help out with it.

Energy Efficiency: Fiberglass doors offer excellent insulation properties, helping to keep your home well-insulated and energy-efficient. By preventing heat transfer, these doors can contribute to lower energy bills in the long term. They’re also great for cold environments, keeping in as much heat as possible.

Versatility: “Fiberglass” isn’t the most glamorous word in the English language, but you may be surprised at how pretty a fiberglass door can be. These doors come in a wide range of designs, styles, and finishes. They can even mimic the appearance of wood, steel, or other materials, allowing homeowners to choose a door that complements their home’s aesthetics.

Fiberglass Exterior Door Cons:

Cost: Fiberglass doors can be more expensive than other doors. The initial investment may be higher, but their durability and long-term benefits (particularly their energy efficiency) might offset this cost.

Susceptibility to Impact: While fiberglass is durable, it’s not indestructible. It can still dent and crack upon impact with heavy objects, and those accidental knocks could cause damage that might be difficult to repair.

Limited Repair Options: Fixing damaged fiberglass doors may be more challenging and require professional assistance.

So, while fiberglass doors offer a great combination of durability, energy efficiency, and design options, they do come with a higher upfront cost. They may also be tougher to repair. If energy efficiency is important to you and you have a decent initial budget, fiberglass doors might be the perfect choice for you.

Steel Exterior Doors

There’s a reason they call Superman the man of steel–he’s tough, strong and keeps people safe. You could say the same for steel doors! These doors are a fantastic option for homeowners whose primary concerns are security and durability. But before you go all in on a steel exterior door, take a look at both the pros and cons we lay out here.

Steel Exterior Door Pros:

Security: If your home is your castle, a steel door is your drawbridge. Steel doors are known for their exceptional strength and durability, making them an excellent choice for enhancing home security. They are highly resistant to forced entry and can provide peace of mind for homeowners concerned about safety.

Easy to Care For: Steel doors require minimal maintenance compared to wood doors. They do not warp, rot, or crack, and they are not susceptible to insect damage. As with fiberglass doors, a simple cleaning with soap and water is usually sufficient to keep steel doors looking great. However, they do need to be monitored for rust (see more on that below).

Energy Efficiency: Many modern steel doors are designed with insulation, providing good energy efficiency. Like fiberglass doors, steel exterior doors can help reduce heat transfer, leading to potential savings on heating and cooling costs.

Cost-Effective: Simple, straightforward steel doors are often more affordable than wood or fiberglass doors, making them a cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget.

Steel Exterior Door Cons:

Susceptible to Rust: While steel doors are treated to resist corrosion, they can still be prone to rust over time, especially if scratches or dents expose the underlying metal. Regular maintenance, such as painting and sealing, is essential to prevent rust formation.

Limited Design Options: Steel doors may have fewer design and style choices compared to wood or fiberglass doors. While advancements have been made in design variety, they may not offer the same level of customization and aesthetic appeal as other materials.

Weight: Steel doors can be heavier than other types, which might require more substantial hinges and hardware. Installation may require professional assistance to ensure proper fitting and functionality. If anyone in your home has a lot of trouble with heavy objects, steel doors might not be the best choice for your family.

In conclusion, steel is an excellent option for homeowners who are looking for enhanced security, low maintenance doors, and cost-effectiveness. However, they do come with the risk of rust and may have limited design options compared to other materials.

Our Exterior Door Brands

Waudena Doors

Since 1992, Waudena has been making trusted exterior doors. An American-made, Wisconsin-based company, Waudena is proudly 100% employee-owned. Through precision design and using top tier materials, Waudena crafts quality steel and fiberglass exterior doors. We carry Waudena doors in a wide variety of colors and architectural styles.

Therma Tru Doors

Therma Tru has been in the business for over 55 years. In 1983, they launched the first fiberglass door on the market. Ever since, they’ve been innovating industry-leading products, and in 2020, Therma Tru manufactured their 70 millionth door. By carrying Therma Tru products, we offer quality exterior doors in a wide range of styles to fit the aesthetic of virtually any home.

Astro UP in Rock, Michigan Has All Your Exterior Door Needs Covered!

We hope this blog has given you a better idea of the types of exterior doors on the market, and given you insight into their advantages and disadvantages. Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons, we’re here to help you find the door that best suits your home and family’s needs. We also have all of the supplies and expertise you need for exterior door repair.

So while it might take some consideration to pick the right exterior door, it’s easy to decide where to buy it! Make Astro UP in Rock, MI your home building supply headquarters.