Doors are a very important part of every home. when it comes to material, different choices are available but steel and fiberglass are the most popular ones. They not only give an attractive look to the home but are also energy efficient as well. These features enhance the market value of the house. However, both have advantages and disadvantages, and if you know these, it will help you to choose the right door for your property.
Fiberglass is an insulating material, so these doors are more energy-efficient as compared to any other material. Fiberglass is dent-resistant and you can give them a wood-like finish if you like traditional wooden doors. Moreover, very little or no maintenance is required for these fiberglass doors, which is a big plus.
On the other hand, steel doors are considered more secure and they are durable as well. If you live in an area where the weather is very harsh, steel doors are the best choice. Moreover, they are less expensive compared to other available options, so steel doors are a good solution for people having a limited budget.
If we compare fiberglass and steel, both materials have their pros and cons. Here we are comparing both on the basis of different parameters, which will help you to choose the right one for your needs.
Longevity
Fiberglass is a durable material; we all know this fact. This material doesn’t deteriorate due to weather conditions like rain and humidity. Moreover, it is resistant to rust as well. However, it can be damaged if stuck very hard.
On the other hand, steel is very durable and you can use these doors for years. However, steel doors get scratches and dents. If you will not maintain them properly, they will be prone to corrosion as well.
So, steel and fiberglass are better than wood. Steel can serve you even longer if you maintain it properly and save it from corrosion.
Appearance
Fiberglass gives a very appealing look. You can choose a wooden finish as well and it’s not very difficult to maintain too. You can easily paint it and change the color of your choice. Painting wood texture is also very easy, which makes it the best choice when we talk about appearance.
Steel doors are available in various attractive designs these days. You can choose steel doors having ornamental panels. Sleek designs give a great look and make it a suitable choice for the entryway.
If you want to buy a door for a better appearance, fiberglass is the better choice. If you want a wooden-looking door, fiberglass is the option. But steel can also create a modern look if you choose the right style.
Maintenance
Maintenance and cleaning of fiberglass doors are very easy. Use a simple wet cloth to wipe dirt and dust. You can also use hose spray, but make sure to keep the settings at the lowest pressure.
Steel doors are also not difficult to maintain. You can rinse it with a hose to avoid rusting. Moreover, if it gets any scratch, repaint it to save it from rusting.
In short, both kinds of materials demand very low maintenance. However, if you choose a steel door you might have to repaint it to avoid rusting.
Energy efficiency
Fiberglass is the best choice when we talk about energy efficiency. New fiberglass doors are 15% more energy-efficient as compared to the traditional ones and that makes them an undisputed king in this category.
Steel is less energy efficient as compared to fiberglass. This is so because it gets hot and catches high temperatures when exposed to the sun. Steel doors are durable and can serve you for a long time.
So, if you are looking for an energy-efficient choice, fiberglass is the ultimate choice for landlords.
Price
If we evaluate fiberglass in terms of price, it is expensive as compared to steel doors but not as expensive as wooden doors are. Landlords prefer fiberglass as it is easy to maintain and more energy efficient.
Steel doors are the most affordable choice in terms of budget. If you compare the price of wooden and fiberglass doors, you will find steel an economical choice. So, if you are a landlord who wants to renovate the property without spending much, steel is the best available choice. But if you are looking for an energy-efficient option fiberglass is the suitable option.
Verdict
Steel and fiberglass both have pros and cons that make them suitable for different reasons. So, you have to weigh all the factors before you make a choice.
If you want a durable door, which you can use for years, a steel door is a choice. They can easily bear regular wear and tear and serve you for many years. However, they may not be as energy-efficient as other options and they may not be aesthetically beautiful, but they are affordable for everyone and can easily fit into every budget.
On the other hand, Fiberglass doors are environmentally friendly and resistant to dents and scratches. But they come with a high price tag, which everyone cannot afford. However, they are energy efficient and can enhance the value of your home, due to these features.
So, you have to decide if you want an affordable and durable door, that will be a steel door or if you want an energy-efficient and beautiful door, that will be a fiberglass door. So, the decision depends on your priorities. Usually, landlords prefer steel doors as they are economical and durable. But owners, who want to flip their property and want to give some value to the house, choose fiberglass doors. Everyone knows the advantages of fiberglass and most people prefer it for its energy-efficient properties. It can play a vital role to reduce the indoor temperature in summers and that will reduce the use of air conditioning units. So, steel or fiberglass, choose the door which can serve you for a long time and which fits within your needs.
If you’d like to talk more about property management, or you need help with Everest Property Management, please contact us at Everest Realty.
As a top producing Realtor and Property Manager; Terry specializes in sales, extensive construction homes, rentals, REO’s, short sales, and all aspects of Real Estate. After graduating the University of Michigan with a master in MBA, Terry continued his endeavor and now has over 15+ years of experience in the Real Estate world. If there is anything that has to do with Real Estate and sales, you can always be sure of Terry to provide important, specialized knowledge.
