If your front entry door is in need of a replacement, consider a fiberglass door. Fiberglass entry doors are prefinished and available in a wide variety of colors and styles. The downside to fiberglass doors is that they do not have the same durability as other types of doors and do not have a polyurethane or urethane core. They will also cost you a lot to insulate, so if you have an energy efficient home, a fiberglass door may not be as energy-efficient as other doors.

Although front doors are not often the headlines, they can boost the value of your home significantly. The right mailbox or a potted plant can add a boost of 7% to the value of your house. A fiberglass entry door is an affordable, beautiful, and durable way to enhance the curb appeal of your home. And if you're looking to sell your home, you can choose a door that matches the rest of the house's style.

Another benefit of fiberglass entry doors is that they require minimal maintenance. The average homeowner can easily keep their doors looking great by wiping them down with a cloth after every use. A coat of varnish or paint will protect the door and help it last for a decade. Unlike many other types of entry doors, fiberglass doors are also more affordable than comparable wood doors. However, you'll still need to do your research when selecting a fiberglass entry door. Slab entry doors require professional installation. You'll need to cut holes in your jamb to install hardware, and you'll need to mount them on the existing jamb. Prehung entry doors are the easiest to install, since they come with a threshold, weatherstripping system, and even a lock.

Another benefit of fiberglass doors is their resistance to the elements. Fiberglass does not warp or crack or delaminate like wood does. They also resist scratching and discoloration, making them a great choice for harsh climates. Fiberglass doors also tend to have long warranties. The US Department of Energy recommends fiberglass and steel doors for their outstanding insulating properties. They are also easy to maintain, and require only mild cleaning with water and a mild soap. You can even have them refinished by a professional.

A fiberglass entry door replacement costs around $200, excluding hardware and accessories. A prehung wood-grained door may cost upwards of $7000. A high-quality fiberglass entry door can cost upwards of $3,000, and professional installation costs $400 to 800. The warranty typically includes a lifetime guarantee and factory-finish warranties of one to three years. However, it is important to note that these warranties are only available on full entry systems and do not cover the frame or hardware.

Steel entry doors are a cost-effective alternative to fiberglass. These doors do not warp and will not require much maintenance, making them a great choice for those with a budget. The only drawback of steel entry doors is that they are not as durable as fiberglass, and can cost hundreds of dollars. While steel doors are strong, they are not as energy-efficient as fiberglass. They are also less expensive than fiberglass but are more difficult to repair.

A fiberglass entry door replacement can add value to your home and increase its curb appeal. A new entry door can also boost energy efficiency. If done correctly, entry door replacement can give you a considerable return on investment. In the Chicago area, fiberglass entry door replacement can have a return on investment of 53.9%, compared to 62.3% for steel doors. For these reasons, you should consider a fiberglass entry door replacement before deciding on a wood door.

In addition to security and aesthetic value, you can add energy savings to your home by choosing an energy-efficient fiberglass entry door. Many manufacturers offer low-e glazing that will keep your house warm and your energy bills down. Decorative windows made of brass or lead can also add style to your home, but these are more expensive than the fake stuff. And of course, quality steel and fiberglass doors will also have a thermal break between the inside and outside skins.

Fiberglass exterior doors that have glass are also very energy-efficient. The air between the panes provides additional insulation, which further increases your home's energy efficiency. Fiberglass is made of 80% sand, a naturally abundant resource. It takes less energy to manufacture a fiberglass door than an aluminum or vinyl entry door. When choosing a door replacement for your home, make sure you choose one that matches your energy efficiency criteria.