Exterior door problems?

Question

What is the best exterior door to use? I currently have a wood door that is cracked/split and needs replacing. It faces south and gets a lot of sun exposure. I live in Wisconsin so we have all the climates to deal with. Is fiberglass the way to go? What are other options?

Answer 1

Fiberglass doors are an excellent choice for an exterior door. They're well insulated, accept paint very well, and are available in a variety of styles, sizes and configurations. Also, if you prefer a stained finish to a painted finish, most fiberglass door manufacturers now offer a "stainable" fiberglass - with wood grain texture - and they stain remarkably well. I would stay away from masonite or wood doors for direct weather applications. Even real wood doors are actually veneered, and that is the part that starts to crack and split first.

Answer 2

I've always been a proponent of a storm door. Maybe one of those "Forever Doors". These have the glass and screen built in, so no hunting around as the seasons change. This easily replaceable door takes the brunt of the UV rays and general weather beating.

If you like having a fancy front door, then opt for the storm door that's mostly glass, to better show off the door. Plus it adds a layer of insulation to help minimize drafts.

Answer 3

Fiberglass are good doors but a Lil pricey. I would use a insulated steel door with adjustable sill and magnetic weather strip. Also I would paint a light color to keep it from expanding from the heat. and storm doors will build up heat between doors so if you have glass you should check with the manufacturer about damage from excessive heat from storm door on south side.

Answer 4

WE have a metal door and we r very happy.IT has not needed paint 4 - 10 years so far.