Your front door is one of the most important features on your home’s exterior. It’s the focal point of your façade and the first thing guests see when they enter your home. When visible damage builds up, it can damage your curb appeal. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. helps you plan for the future by comparing how steel vs. fiberglass front doors hold up to the local weather.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey weather is harsh on front doors with dramatic temperature swings, heavy precipitation, and storms with high wind and debris.
- Fiberglass doors perform best in extreme temperatures but swell up with moisture. Steel doors are heat-conductive and vulnerable to scratches, but do not fade easily.
- When choosing the best front door material for your home, consider your unique entry, its weather exposure, and your priorities for maintenance and budget.
Which Front Door Material Holds Up Better in New Jersey Weather?
New Jersey weather is demanding. With snowy winters, damp springs, and blistering summers, the seasons impose a wide range of harsh conditions that can wear down your front door or affect its energy performance. Here, we’ll go through a list of common NJ hazards and compare how each door type holds up:
Cold
Fiberglass tends to perform better in cold weather than steel. Fiberglass does not conduct thermal energy, making it more effective at preventing indoor heat loss. Steel, on the other hand, feels icy when the outdoor temperature drops. However, a quality insulated steel door will protect your home from the harsh temperatures.
Heat
Fiberglass also performs better in hot weather. Once again, the thermal resistance of fiberglass makes it a more energy-efficient option. Because it doesn’t heat up in the sun, it also doesn’t expand. Unless they’re quality-built, Steel doors, meanwhile, will expand in hot weather and may stick in the frame.
Moisture
When it comes to damp weather, steel does better – but only if it’s well-maintained. Fiberglass doors resist moisture better than wood doors, and they are generally not prone to swelling or rot. Steel does not swell, but it is vulnerable to rust. You must paint over scratches to protect the steel from direct contact with the air.
Wind and Debris
If your front door is exposed to wind and debris, then go for a fiberglass door. Fiberglass is scratch-resistant and won’t take as much damage from twigs, gravel, or dirt. Steel doors, on the other hand, are likely to scratch or dent, exposing the material to moisture and rust.
Sun
As already mentioned, steel doors warm up in the heat or under bright sunlight. On the other hand, they are resistant to fading and can be repainted if they lose their color. Fiberglass doors, meanwhile, can fade with consistent UV exposure. Fiberglass doors may require refinishing if discoloration occurs, depending on the product and finish.
Steel vs. Fiberglass Front Doors: Which Is Better?
Ultimately, the best option for your front door depends on your home. Steel and fiberglass doors each perform well under different conditions, so it’s important to choose an entry door based on your unique needs. Consider your home’s location, your entryway’s weather exposure, and your personal priorities when weighing your options. You might choose:
- Fiberglass doors for wind-exposed entries
- Steel doors for sun-exposed entries
- Fiberglass doors for maximum energy efficiency
- Steel doors for improved security
- Fiberglass doors for less maintenance
- Steel doors for a budget-friendly replacement
No matter which door material you choose, installation quality is important. Professional installation means the difference between a durable, energy-efficient entryway and one that is doomed to experience frequent issues over its lifespan. One must also consider the warranties offered on their products. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. offers industry-leading warranties on their entry door products.
Learn More About Entry Door Materials Available in NJ
When shopping for a new entry door, understanding material performance will help you select a door that stands up to the weather. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. can help you out with expert door advice, high-quality products, and professional installations. Contact us to learn more about steel vs. fiberglass front doors or to start planning your front door replacement in NJ.
FAQs About Steel vs. Fiberglass Front Doors
How do steel and fiberglass front doors compare in New Jersey weather?
Steel doors offer superior security, moisture resistance, and fade resistance, but at the cost of reduced efficiency and increased maintenance needs. Fiberglass doors are energy-efficient and low-maintenance, but prone to swelling when it rains.
Which door material is better for durability, insulation, and maintenance?
Fiberglass doors are generally better for durability, insulation, and maintenance.
Which door material is better for security and budget?
Steel doors offer superior security and are usually more budget-friendly.
Why does my entryway matter when selecting a front door?
Sheltered entryways are less subject to changing weather conditions than entryways that have open exposure. As a result, they impose different limitations on your door selection.
Why does professional installation matter for entry door durability?
Amateur installations can result in mistakes with measuring, leveling, and framing. They may also cause avoidable damage to the door itself. These issues all reduce your entry door’s longevity and make it more vulnerable to the weather. Professional installation avoids errors to ensure a door that will stand up to the New Jersey climate for years to come.
