Doors and Windows - choosing new entry door
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ltorp
11-17-09, 08:05 AM
We're trying to pick an energy efficient front door to replace our old 1950s model. Too humid for wood, so fiberglass seems to be the most logical choice. Any brand suggestions? Can't seem to find consistent product reviews.
Just Bill
11-17-09, 03:48 PM
ThermaTru has served me well over the years, never a problem they did not handle quickly. I also liked Stanley, but they seem to have gone downhill since Masonite bought them out. I don't like Pella, or anything at big box. Others will agree and disagree, that is what this forum is about.
Steel doors dent and any scratch must be quickly touched up or there can be rust. I like fiberglass doors. They don't dent, scratches will not rust, should not warp, but sometimes do. Expensive glass does nothing to improve the functionality of a door, but does look nice.
Steel doors dent and any scratch must be quickly touched up or there can be rust. I like fiberglass doors. They don't dent, scratches will not rust, should not warp, but sometimes do. Expensive glass does nothing to improve the functionality of a door, but does look nice.
Gunguy45
11-17-09, 04:33 PM
Well..not much I can say but "ditto that". OK..of course there is...lol...
Look for a thermal break between the inner and outer panels..whether it be wood or synthetic (my choice) rails/inserts. Also look at if they use synthetics in the lower part of the jamb or wood all the way down. I believe some makers have also started using PVC brickmold, which will never rot.
Look for a thermal break between the inner and outer panels..whether it be wood or synthetic (my choice) rails/inserts. Also look at if they use synthetics in the lower part of the jamb or wood all the way down. I believe some makers have also started using PVC brickmold, which will never rot.
chandler
11-18-09, 03:24 AM
I've got to replace a builder-installed ThermaTru tomorrow because they failed to flash over it, and it is on an exposed wall. The door did great, but the sides of the casing are toast. ThermaTru is furnishing the new casing, so that's cool. Even though it wasn't a manufacturing problem. I guess they want their doors to look good for a long time.
ltorp
11-19-09, 11:08 AM
What about painting the fiberglass door? We don't really care for the factory available colors, plus it more than triples the price. We have a trim color we would like to use. Any suggestions?
Gunguy45
11-19-09, 11:33 AM
Painting FG is easy...they are normally preprimed, so a good cleanup, light sanding of the frame and a good coat of quality paint. I believe most recommend latex paint since the FG and steel doors will expand and contract quite a bit with the temps and sun exposure. One of the paint Pros could clarify that I'm sure.
Oh..if you get sun exposure on the door..I highly recommend a lighter color if you want the finish to last.
The Prefinished doors had a ton of problems when they first started that..maybe its gotten better, but as you found..no cheaper.
Oh..if you get sun exposure on the door..I highly recommend a lighter color if you want the finish to last.
The Prefinished doors had a ton of problems when they first started that..maybe its gotten better, but as you found..no cheaper.