When you’re looking to get a new front door, there are a lot of options out there for you to consider, one of which is the material of your door. If durability and security are priorities for you, then you’ve probably narrowed your options down to fiberglass and iron front doors as per your door specifications (or steel, as iron and steel doors are comparable in many aspects). Since you want to be sure you’ll be happy with your investment, it’s important to understand the differences between the two materials and which one will be better for you. To help you with your search, we’ve listed how these different materials fare in the key factors for choosing a new door.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, fiberglass, and iron are relatively comparable in that they’re both low-maintenance doors. Both fiberglass and iron doors can be cleaned and oiled every once in a while. As iron doors can rust when not cleaned properly, just make sure to follow specific cleaning instructions.
Durability
In general, single iron doors and double iron doors are more durable than fiberglass. Although iron can rust, this shouldn’t be an issue if the door is well-maintained. Also, while it’s possible for either material to dent, it’s easier for fiberglass to be broken through because it’s a lightweight material. As iron is a heavier and thicker material, it’s much more difficult to actually break.
Energy Efficiency
Iron and fiberglass front doors would also produce comparable energy savings. As they both have insulating properties, they’ll be able to keep your home hotter in the winter and cooler in the summer. This means that either door would be a good option if you’re trying to reduce your environmental impact and your energy bills.
Security
Although a fiberglass door is more secure than a wooden door, it’s still not as secure as an iron door. This is because of the durability issues mentioned earlier. It’s just easier to break fiberglass than it is to break iron. If security is a big concern for you, iron doors are the ideal choice here.
Cost
Up front, an iron door is likely to cost more than a fiberglass door. However, this is because you’re paying for more durability, more security, and low maintenance. In the end, you’re more likely to save money having bought an iron door once than another type of door multiple times.
What’s the Best Door Material of the Two?
The best material for a front door will always depend on a person’s priorities. If durability and security are your main priorities for an exterior door, then iron is clearly the better option. However, if you aren’t as concerned about those, and have a tighter budget, you may want to consider fiberglass or even a wooden door.
If all you care about is how nice your front door looks, then your choice of material will highly depend on your subjective taste. However, both single iron and double iron doors are highly variable in design, and it’s entirely possible to get one custom-designed to your liking.
Get an Iron Door from Bighorn Iron Doors
Iron doors are the perfect option for people looking to have safe, durable, and attractive front doors installed. At Bighorn Iron Doors, we create top-quality wrought iron doors that can be custom-made to fit any home and doorway. Contact our helpful team to learn more about our products and services.