Fiberglass offers many advantages as a building material for an exterior door. A premier external door material that is resistant to warping, cracking, rotting and corrosion. Even for design, fiberglass doors can’t even be beaten by wood. Wood is known for its beauty, and steel for its strength, but modern fiberglass has improved quite a bit over the last few decades, with an emphasis on visual appeal, strength and durability.
Fiberglass vs. Wood Doors
There are many reasons to choose fiberglass doors over wood, including:
- Enhanced Durability: Fiberglass has none of wood’s problems with warping, fading, scratching, and rot. Plus, fiberglass doors can be manufactured to look like painted exterior wood doors but have strength that outweighs wood in terms of weathering, aging, and general wear and tear.
- Lower Cost: Exterior fiberglass doors also typically cost less than exterior wood doors do and can even be customized to have a woodgrain texture that mimics a desired species. Also, because fiberglass doors are non-porous, they’re far superior to wood entry doors in resisting damage from the environment.
- Energy Efficiency: Fiberglass doors are also more energy efficient than wood and can be built to be fire doors as well. Fiberglass is an excellent insulator, and when used in a storefront door, it can help to reduce heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of a business. This can result in lower heating and cooling bills and a more comfortable working space.
- Easier Maintenance: When paired with the right glass, storefront doors made of fiberglass can create an attractive, strong, low-maintenance and secure storefront door system. Fiberglass is a superior material for exterior doors. They offer a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to upgrade their entryway doors.
Fiberglass vs Metal Doors
Not sure if fiberglass doors can really stand up to metal? Consider:
- Comparable Strength: Modern fiberglass can be customized to approximate the strength of steel. With the right commercial-grade door hardware and locks, it can deter break-ins.
- Durability: Another advantage of external fiberglass doors over steel doors is that they do not dent. Steel doors are susceptible to denting, which can make them look beat up as they age. Fiberglass is much more durable and resistant to damage. Fiberglass doors will maintain their appearance and functionality over time.
- Corrosion Resistance: Unlike steel, which can corrode in wet environments, fiberglass is fine to use in cold and damp conditions; it’s built to last and won’t require maintenance or refinishing.
Additional Benefits of Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass Combines the Versatility of Both Wood & Metal
You might not think it, but fiberglass is also known for its versatility; it comes in a variety of sizes, finishes and styles. You can also choose exterior fiberglass doors with windows to let some natural light in. You’re sure to find the right fit for your door with an inspired factory finish to complement your building’s entryway. You can also choose factory-primed doors that you can stain or paint to suit your tastes. Fiberglass doors can be made to look like traditional wood doors or modern metal doors, depending on the desired aesthetic. This versatility makes fiberglass doors a great choice for a wide range of applications. From historic buildings to modern commercial architecture.
Exterior Fiberglass Doors are Greener than Their Counterparts
On top of their strength, durability, and versatility, fiberglass doors also have an environmental edge over other types of exterior doors. They reduce heat transfer, boosting energy efficiency. Plus, the fact that they last so long means yours should endure for years, diminishing the need to create waste by having to repair or replace your storefront door often. As well, fiberglass doors are recyclable, which means that they can be repurposed at the end of their lifespan. This makes commercial fiberglass doors a sustainable choice for businesses reducing their environmental impact.
Smart Features and Modern Innovations
Today’s commercial fiberglass doors are designed for more than just durability. They also integrate modern technology like:
- Smart locks with keypads or biometric access for increased security
- Soundproofing features for quieter commercial spaces
- Impact-resistant designs to withstand heavy use in high-traffic areas
By opting for these features, businesses can ensure their doors provide not only security but also convenience and efficiency.
Fiberglass vs. Wood vs. Steel: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Fiberglass | Wood | Steel |
| Durability | High. Resists warping, rotting, and denting. | Medium. Prone to warping and rotting. | High. Can dent but doesn’t warp. |
| Maintenance | Low. Requires minimal upkeep. | High. Needs frequent refinishing. | Medium. Can rust if not properly coated. |
| Security | High. Strong core and impact-resistant options. | Medium. Depends on wood type and thickness. | High. Naturally strong, but can be dented. |
| Energy Efficiency | High. Insulated core reduces energy loss. | Medium. Depends on wood density. | Medium. Can be insulated but conducts temperature changes. |
| Aesthetic Options | High. Mimics wood with customizable finishes. | High. Natural and customizable. | Low. Limited design options. |
Choosing fiberglass doors allows businesses to combine the strength of steel, the beauty of wood, and the efficiency of modern insulation in one reliable product.
Choosing the Right Door for Your Property
Selecting the ideal exterior door depends on your specific needs, aesthetic preferences, and the environment where the door will be installed. Fiberglass doors are an excellent choice for many homes and businesses because of their durability, low maintenance, and versatility. They perform exceptionally well in areas like California with high humidity, extreme temperatures, or frequent weather changes, thanks to their resistance to warping, rot, and corrosion.
Ultimately, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution to exterior doors. Wood doors are suitable for more traditional building styles and those seeking a warm, natural look, while metal doors offer superior strength and security for commercial or high-traffic settings. Choosing the right door depends on balancing factors like maintenance commitment, security needs, climate conditions, and design goals. Fiberglass doors provide a balanced alternative to wood and metal, making them a smart choice for many property types.
SACS DOOR & GATE CORP can help you choose the best exterior fiberglass door for your commercial, industrial or institutional needs. Ask one of our expert commercial exterior door installers for their advice and learn all about the advantages of a fiberglass exterior door and how it can offer security, energy efficiency and good looks.