Choosing an entry door can be a little overwhelming. There are many options for door styles, designs, and types. But the first thing you should choose is the material.
When it comes to selecting an entry door for your home, the material type is essential. There are three main types of entrance doors on the market today: wood, fiberglass, and steel. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so let’s dive in and take a look at which door is right for you.
Wood Exterior Doors
Wood doors are the traditional door material used for decades. They’re aesthetically pleasing and are available in a variety of styles. They can be ordered in more complex designs that feature ornate carvings. They’re easy to paint and can be painted or stained any color or colors with ease. If you are looking for a door that you can personalize, a wooden entry door might be an option.
However, wood doors aren’t the best choice for most homeowners. The downfall of wood doors is that they require more maintenance than other door types. They’re also prone to warping, cracking, and weather damage. Expansion and contraction mean that they aren’t always a good fit for the door opening.
A wood entry door is also flawed from an energy and security standpoint. Wood absorbs heat and cold, passing it through to the inside of the home. Worse, a wood door is easier to kick in unless it features extra security measures.
We don’t recommend wood doors because of their flaws. Instead, we prefer to install fiberglass and steel doors.
Fiberglass Doors
With advancements in fiberglass door technology, many of the best features of wood doors can be replicated in fiberglass, creating a door that’s aesthetically pleasing, durable, and weather resistant, making them the best choice for most homeowners. They’re energy-efficient and maintenance-free without sacrificing quality or strength.
Fiberglass doors are made of two fiberglass skins with an insulating core and a polyurethane frame that gives it its structural integrity. Fiberglass doors are extremely durable and have very low maintenance. In fact, fiberglass doors can hold their own in strength tests against lower-quality steel doors.
In addition to their strength tests, wood texture and stains make fiberglass doors indistinguishable from wood doors. They can also be painted. Whether you opt for a smooth, modern finish or one of several wood textures available, your door will be uniquely stylish. Custom fiberglass doors are also available in a wide variety of styles and glass configurations to match your home’s architectural style.
Strong, stylish, and customizable, fiberglass doors are also known for their energy efficiency, which outshines both steel and wood doors. They’re incredibly energy efficient due to their construction. You’ll even find some doors, like ProVia’s fiberglass doors, to be energy-star-rated.
Steel Front Doors
A steel entry door is the ultimate door for security – provided it’s a high-quality door. Low-quality steel doors are prone to dents and scratches and lack the insulation that can be provided by fiberglass. High-quality fiberglass doors, too, can match the strength of inexpensive steel doors.
However, there are some reasons to go with a steel door over fiberglass. A high-quality steel door with proper insulation, like ProVia’s Legacy Series, can make your home virtually impenetrable. For commercial locations and homes where you need a bit of extra protection, these doors are the ultimate choice.
Custom Entry Doors
Choosing the right door material for your home is easier when you consider that your new door will be made to custom-fit your home. With ProVia’s fiberglass and steel doors, that’s exactly what you’ll get: a custom door for your home.
Custom entry doors allow you to choose the design that works best for your home. Let your creativity run wild. From traditional, colonial-style doors to contemporary designs, we have an assortment of doors for your taste and style. Regardless of the material you choose, you’ll have the option of features like sidelights, transoms, and custom hardware to create a one-of-a-kind entryway that complements your home’s architectural style.
Custom entry doors, too, are fitted to your home. Another key benefit of custom fiberglass entry doors is the precise fit. Standard doors may not always meet the unique specifications of your home, especially if your entryway is irregularly shaped or if you’re working with an older or historic home. Custom doors are measured and constructed to fit your exact dimensions, providing a flawless installation that improves security and energy efficiency.
Whether you need double doors for a grand entrance or a single door with a specific height or width, custom entry doors are built to meet your specific needs. A perfect fit also means better insulation, which can help reduce your energy bills by minimizing drafts and improving thermal performance.
Choosing the Right Entry Door
Whether you choose fiberglass for its wood grain and energy insulation or steel for its durability, you’ll find that ProVia doors give you all the security you need for decades to come. Contact us today for a quote on a new exterior door.
