Curb Appeal: Fiberglass Exterior Doors
Monday, October 02, 2006
No matter what you do to the front of your house, nothing will make a more dramatic change than to update your front door. It's the focal point to any home and the first place anyone looks when they begin their subtle evaluation of your home's curb appeal.Sun, wind, and moisture have probably done a number on your front door. If you're in the market to replace it, consider a fiberglass door over a natural wood one. They're more efficient than a wood or steel door but they have the same natural wood grain look. They come in a variety of styles, they're paintable or stainable, and can really control the heat and cold exchange in and out of your home. They're not "maintenance free" but they're not subject to warping or shrinkage like wood doors. Paints will stay on the surface for a much longer period. They're better in high moisture climates than steel doors because they won't rust or oxidize.
Fiberglass doors are made up of a molded surface, with wood stiles inside, and a polyurethane-foam insulation filling in the gaps. They can come pre-painted or pre-stained from the manufacturer, but there are also unfinished versions that can be done by you - you can stain them to match cherry, walnut, oak, or other colors of wood grain. Even up close, it can be hard to tell it's not made of wood.
You can buy the door only, or you can purchase the entire kit, that includes the frame, hardware and door handles. To get the maximum energy savings, I would suggest the entire kit. Your old door "moved and grew" with your home, but a new door might not be as level or plumb and you'll be fighting gaps between the door and frame.They're affordable options that have really long warranties, so check out fiberglass doors the next time you want to really bump up your curb appeal quotient (and save a few bones on that energy bill.) Click here to find a local door installation pro.
