Fiberglass exterior doors are renowned for their durability, often lasting many years before needing to be replaced. With proper maintenance and care, fiberglass doors can provide a lifetime of service. In this article, we’ll explore the typical lifespan of fiberglass exterior doors, as well as tips on how to maximize their longevity. This helpful recourse will surely help you to know more about durability of fiberglass exterior doors.
Advantages of Fiberglass Exterior Doors
When it comes to choosing exterior doors for your home, fiberglass is an excellent option. It is a strong, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and inexpensive material that gives your home a nice look and makes it safer. Here are some of the advantages of fiberglass exterior doors:
Durability: Fiberglass is a highly durable material that can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. It is also resistant to warping, cracking, and splitting, making it an ideal choice for exterior doors.
Energy Efficiency: Fiberglass is an energy-efficient material that helps keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low. It is highly resistant to air leaks, which helps reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Low Maintenance: Fiberglass doors are very easy to maintain and do not require frequent painting like wood doors do. To keep them looking great, you don’t have to do much to them.
Aesthetically Pleasing: Fiberglass doors come in a variety of styles, colors and finishes. Depending on your style and the way your home is built, you can choose from modern, traditional, or even custom designs.
Security: Fiberglass doors provide enhanced security, as they are difficult to break into. They are also resistant to fire and termites, making them extremely secure.
Weather Resistance: Fiberglass doors are highly resistant to wind and water, making them an excellent choice for homes that experience extreme weather conditions.
Cost-effectiveness: Fiberglass doors are cost-effective and can often be cheaper than other types of doors. They are also easy to install, making them an excellent choice for DIYers.
Factors Affecting the Durability of Fiberglass Exterior Doors
Quality of Construction
The quality of the construction is a big part of how long a fiberglass exterior door will last. Poorly-constructed doors are more likely to suffer from wear and tear and require more frequent repairs or replacements. Before you buy a door, you should look into the company or manufacturer to make sure that their doors are made of the best materials and are built to last for years.
Material Type
The type of material used for the door also affects its durability. Fiberglass is often used for exterior doors because it is very strong and can handle the weather better than other materials. It also doesn’t warp, crack, or fade, which makes it a good choice for an outside door.
Level of Exposure to the Elements
The level of exposure to the elements is also a key factor in determining the durability of a fiberglass exterior door. Doors that are exposed to the sun, rain, and other elements every day will wear out faster than doors that don’t get as much of this damage. If possible, it’s best to choose an area of your home that is not exposed to the elements as much to help ensure the longevity of your door.
How Long Fiberglass Exterior Doors Generally Last
When it comes to the average lifespan of a fiberglass door, estimates can vary depending on the type of door and the factors that could affect its longevity. In general, though, these doors can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, and if they are well taken care of, some can even last up to 50 years.
For example, entry-level fiberglass doors can last between 15 and 20 years, while higher-end models like those with decorative glass and art glass panels can last over 30 to 50 years. The reason for the difference is that higher-end doors are often made with higher-quality materials that are more durable and can withstand the elements better than their cheaper counterparts. Reputable companies like STL Windows and Doors can give their clients high end fiberglass exterior doors.
The weather is another thing that affects how long a fiberglass door will last. If you live in a place with high humidity or high temperatures, your door might not last as long as it would in a place with milder weather. This is because extreme temperatures and high levels of humidity can cause the door to expand and contract more than usual, which weakens the door over time.
Lastly, if you want your fiberglass door to last as long as possible, you need to keep it in good shape. This means cleaning the door, checking it for wear and tear, and fixing it if it needs it. You can be sure that your fiberglass door will last for many years if you take care of it regularly.
Replacing Fiberglass Exterior Doors
Signs That Indicate Replacement Is Necessary
Fiberglass exterior doors usually last for many years, but if they are broken or worn out, they may need to be replaced. If any of the following things happen to your door, it’s time to get a new one:
– The frame is warped or cracked
– There’s visible damage, such as dents or scratches
– The door is difficult to open or close
– The door’s insulation is inefficient
– You can see signs of water damage
Benefits of a New Door
When you replace your old fiberglass exterior door, you can get a number of benefits, such as:
– Improved security and insulation
– Increased curb appeal
– Better energy efficiency
– Reduced noise from outside
– Enhanced aesthetic value
Steps to Take When Replacing a Door
When replacing your fiberglass exterior door, it’s important to take the right steps. Here’s what you must do:
– Measure the door’s frame and buy a door that fits
– Remove the old door and frame
– Install the new frame
– Hang the new door
– Caulk the seams and edges
– Install door hardware
– Test the door
– Paint or stain the door (if desired)
Conclusion
In conclusion, fiberglass exterior doors offer great durability and can last for many years before needing to be replaced. Fiberglass exterior doors can last for many years and add a lot of value to your home if you take good care of them.
