Categories: Uncategorized

Considering Fiberglass Exterior Front Doors? The 6 Reasons They’re a Top Choice for Your Home

When choosing a new exterior front door, one of the most important characteristics to consider is durability. After all, your front door is more than just an entryway—it’s the barrier that protects your home and family from the elements and the outside world. You want a door that can maintain its strength, appearance, and performance for years to come. 

That’s exactly why so many homeowners are turning to fiberglass exterior front doors. Their advanced composite material outperforms alternatives like wood and steel while requiring much less maintenance. Not only do they provide long-lasting protection, but they also retain their beauty over time to enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Exploring the Advantages of Fiberglass Exterior Front Doors

Investing in a fiberglass exterior front door can be one of the smartest decisions you make for your home. In fact, Therma-Tru® shares that its fiberglass entryways increase a home’s perceived value by 4.2%, or an average of $18,750. Let’s break down what makes fiberglass exterior front doors such a standout choice.

#1. Exceptional Durability

Fiberglass exterior doors are renowned for their remarkable durability. Unlike wood doors that can warp or steel doors that might dent or rust, fiberglass resists everyday damage with ease. Their composite construction is engineered to handle the demands of daily use and harsh weather.

Therma-Tru doors, in particular, use top and bottom composite rails designed to keep moisture out, protecting your home from rain, wind, snow, and other damaging elements. They’re rigorously tested for all conditions—from punishing weather to repeated slamming and UV exposure—ensuring that your door maintains its strength and beauty for years.

#2. Low Maintenance Requirements

One of the most appealing aspects of fiberglass doors is how little maintenance they need compared to wood or steel. Fiberglass is naturally resistant to fading, cracking, chipping, warping, and rotting. It doesn’t require regular repainting or restaining, saving you time and money over the years.

Therma-Tru’s fiberglass doors are built with premium materials that hold their color and quality long-term. Unlike steel, they won’t rust, and unlike wood, they won’t need refinishing every few years. Simply put, these doors will continue to look and perform beautifully with minimal effort.

#3. Impressive Energy Efficiency

Fiberglass exterior front doors also offer unmatched energy efficiency. Built with a thick, insulating foam core, they help maintain your home’s indoor temperature year round—keeping you comfortable while reducing energy costs.

Therma-Tru’s doors actually deliver up to four times the insulating R-value of traditional wood doors. That means better protection against both hot and cold weather extremes. They’re also Energy Star compliant, helping you reduce your environmental impact while saving money on utility bills. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Therma-Tru also uses recycled materials in the manufacturing process.

#4. Enhanced Security

Your front door is the first line of defense for your home. Fiberglass doors from Therma-Tru are designed to be secure and reliable. They include an enhanced lock block and a 1-¼” engineered lumber lock stile that strengthen the door’s structure, making it tougher to breach. These features provide peace of mind that your family and property are well-protected.

#5. Wide Range of Customization Options

Fiberglass’s composite construction allows for a wide variety of customization possibilities. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, finishes, and even glass panel options to fit your architectural style.

Therma-Tru doors can be finished with a realistic wood-grain texture or with smooth surfaces ready for bold paint colors. While some designs do closely resemble real wood, some homeowners still prefer genuine wood for its unmatched natural beauty.

#6. Reasonable and Competitive Cost

Fiberglass exterior front doors generally cost less than solid wood doors while offering greater durability and energy savings. Though they might be priced slightly above steel doors, their minimal maintenance requirements and long lifespan make them more cost-effective over time.

How to Properly Maintain Fiberglass Exterior Front Doors

While fiberglass exterior front doors require far less maintenance than wood or steel options, a bit of care can go a long way in preserving their appearance and functionality. Here are some simple maintenance tips to help your door stay in top condition for years:

  • Follow the Manufacturer’s Care Instructions: Therma-Tru doors come with detailed guidance to ensure optimal longevity. This includes recommendations to reapply a protective topcoat every 3-5 years (or whenever the gloss starts to fade) to maintain the finish and protect the surface.
  • Clean with Mild Soap and Water: If your door collects dirt or debris, a gentle cleaning with mild soap and water is all it needs. For stained fiberglass doors, you can even re-stain them for a new finish just as you would with a traditional wooden door.
  • Inspect for Minor Damage: Check occasionally for any scratches or scuffs. Minor surface blemishes can often be improved using an automotive wax to restore the finish and provide extra protection.
  • Maintain Hardware: Periodically oil hinges, knobs, and other hardware to keep them operating smoothly.
  • Replace or Repair Fixtures as Needed: Don’t hesitate to replace handles or other door fixtures if they become worn.
  • Check and Maintain Door Guards: Door guards protect against dings and scuffs while also helping with insulation. Replace or repair them if they become damaged to maintain your door’s appearance and energy efficiency.

What Are the Best Fiberglass Front Doors?

When it comes to fiberglass exterior front doors, Therma-Tru is the industry leader. They were the original inventors of the fiberglass exterior door, and their commitment to innovation and quality continues to position them a trusted choice for homeowners.

Zeeland Lumber & Supply offers complete door systems from Therma-Tru, including everything from the door slab itself to the glass, hinges, and sills. This ensures a precise, high-quality fit that enhances security, weather resistance, and appearance.

Plus, Therma-Tru doors are continually tested and improved to ensure they meet the highest standards for strength and durability. They also back their products with a limited lifetime warranty, one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.

Therma-Tru Fiberglass Exterior Front Door Collections

Classic-Craft Collection

Recognized as a Consumers Digest Best Buy, the Classic-Craft line is Therma-Tru’s premium offering. These doors are expertly designed to replicate the authentic look, feel, and even sound of real wood doors, but without the maintenance hassles. Available in five unique collections, there’s a Classic-Craft door to match virtually any style or architectural preference.

Fiber-Classic Collection

This is the collection that launched Therma-Tru’s success. The Fiber-Classic Oak and Fiber-Classic Mahogany lines introduced homeowners to the beauty of realistic wood-grain fiberglass doors. Today, they offer two distinct wood grain options designed to appeal to a range of tastes while delivering long-lasting performance and easy care.

Smooth-Star Collection

The Smooth-Star collection was created for those seeking vibrant, custom color options. These doors feature a smooth, paintable surface that’s ready to finish in any shade you can imagine—no priming required. Whether you want a bold red door, a classic navy, or something totally unique, Smooth-Star is the budget-friendly, fully customizable fiberglass option that delivers durability with style.

Popular Design Options for Fiberglass Exterior Front Doors

Fiberglass doors offer nearly limitless design flexibility to match your home’s aesthetic and personality. Here are just a few of the popular options:

  • Wood-Grained Look: Realistic oak and mahogany wood-grain textures deliver the appearance of authentic wood without the upkeep.
  • Panel Embossments: Therma-Tru’s Classic collections include detailed, high-definition panel designs that add depth and architectural interest to your entryway.
  • Bold Colors: The Smooth-Star line is ideal for those looking to make a statement with a bright, vibrant, or deeply saturated color.
  • Glass Paneling: Add natural light and visual appeal with decorative or clear glass inserts in your door or sidelites.
  • Transoms and Complementary Trim: Complete the look with transom windows above the door and coordinated trim or casing for a polished, cohesive appearance.
  • Decorative Accents: Consider wrought-iron grilles or frosted designs for added style and privacy.

Your Trusted Source for the Best Fiberglass Front Doors

At Zeeland Lumber & Supply, we’re proud to offer industry-leading fiberglass exterior front doors from Therma-Tru. With a range of stylish, secure, and durable options to match any home and budget, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit—whether you’re building new or upgrading your current entryway.

Our team is ready to guide you through the selection process, answer your questions, and ensure you get the door that’s right for you. Get in touch with Zeeland Lumber & Supply today with questions or to request a quote. Let’s build a better, more beautiful entry together.

Zeeland Lumber

This website uses cookies.