On average, a quality steel security door should be much stronger than a well-made fibreglass alternative.
In addition to security features, steel doors are available in several profiles and colours with the added benefit of being able to be custom painted. You get what you pay for when it comes to security doors; however, fibreglass doors offer many benefits over steel. Fibreglass, by nature, is a lightweight material. Meaning, a fibreglass door is lighter than a steel door, often weighing only 10 per cent of steel alternatives. The lightness makes fitting them much easier compared to steel door installation, whether you are doing it on your own or with a hired professional. They also offer excellent insulation.
Steel doors are more expensive than fibreglass doors when it comes to cost benefits, security, and insulation. For many buyers, though, this price increase is offset by the additional benefits they offer. For your exterior doors, install security steel entry doors if security is a crucial concern.
Steel entry doors are rust-resistant and will not warp in extreme weather conditions, making them ideal for coastal areas that can withstand saltwater and stormy conditions. Steel has better noise reduction capabilities when shut, which would appeal to an office building or high traffic area. These two benefits are achieved because of the solid construction of steel entry doors, which are often used as security doors.They also come with a trade-off in visibility; if you require open views through your entrance, fibreglass will be a better option as metal doors tend to have smaller viewing panels than their fibreglass counterparts. In general, both fibreglass and steel entry doors are superior to wood doors.
Fibreglass doors do have a few advantages over their steel counterparts, the biggest of which is weight. They are much lighter and easier to install for this reason. The second benefit is insulation; they offer far superior insulation performance, making them ideal for climates that experience extremely hot or cold weather. Consequently, fibreglass doors, like their wooden doors counterparts, are energy efficient. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference for what type of material you would prefer for your exterior door to be made from. You will need to decide based on your climate conditions, security needs, door style, budget, and visibility requirements. Weigh up all these factors before deciding ultimately one factor isn't always better than another - it just depends on what you're looking for in a door.
The thickness of fibreglass mouldings means that even if you wanted to bend them into shape, they would break under their weight before they could be formed to any degree. This means that a fibreglass door can only be mounted in a straight line, unlike steel doors that have the advantage of being able to bend and curve.
While a strong steel security door can resist forced entry, a well-made fibreglass alternative is equally as strong. In fact, both materials have been engineered to withstand the elements and protect your property from intruders. When it comes down to which material you prefer, aesthetics play a role in making the final decision. If you've already decided that you would like a more modern look or want to avoid painting, then perhaps steel is something to consider. On the other hand, if insulation matters most to you and paint isn't an issue for you, then perhaps fibreglass may be a better option. The last alternative is the wood entry doors, whose security is not as robust as that of steel or fibreglass. However, they are cheaper, can be more visually appealing primarily due to wood grain textures.
One of the best features of fibreglass doors is that they are able to accommodate glass panels. Fibreglass door frames are often custom made with grooves that are specifically designed for standard-sized toughened safety glass panels. Standard panel sizes vary between 600 by 900mm or 800 by 1200mm. Some manufacturers also offer a removable door frame made from fibreglass and allow for glass panels in widths of up to 1400mm. This gives you many options when it comes to creating the look and feel you want in your home.
Steel is one of the most common security door materials on the market today. Steel doors are often more affordable than other door types while offering many benefits in terms of durability and resistance to weather conditions.
A steel security door will typically have a steel construction with a metal mesh infill or honeycomb filler. This offers some impressive levels of insulation while also being strong enough to withstand forced entry attempts. Steel doors are available in a range of finishes, making them extremely versatile options for all sorts of homes.
There are also steel doors that are made using sandwich panels which offer superior strength characteristics. These feature a steel core that is covered by an outer layer of aluminium or hardwood veneer. The New South Wales Police have a handy guide on what to look for when buying a security door.Security screens are a popular choice for areas that require a higher level of security. They provide a good compromise between safety and convenience. Security screens are typically made from aluminium or steel mesh which makes them incredibly tough while offering excellent visibility. The aluminium security screen is the more expensive option, but it offers a sleek, modern look that will complement your home perfectly. Steel screens are also tough and strong, but they are often a little bulkier than aluminium alternatives. Security screens can be installed as either fixed or sliding options. They will usually require some sort of lintel for support if you intend to use them as a sliding screen instead of a panel. Fixed security screens will provide a sturdy layout that is perfect for high traffic areas such as your front door entrance. Sliding screens tend to be more decorative and will allow you to open up your home as required easily.
While you are typically safe with any type of entry door material, there are some concerns that have been raised about the health risks associated with fibreglass. It's important to note that these concerns only relate to buying cheap steel doors from manufacturers who use inferior methods, including cheaper ingredients and lower quality standards. There are a number of different things you can look out for to identify an inferior fibreglass door. If the price for a basic steel door seems too good to be true, then it's probably best that you avoid buying such a product because poor quality materials typically equal poor quality build and long term durability. You should also check out the warranty period for a new steel door and ensure there is sufficient cover for any potential issues.
A steel door can sometimes be covered with a very thin layer of stainless coating to offer some protection against the elements. You may hear these doors referred to as "prime coated" or similar, which means they have undergone this process, making them great options for areas that experience lots of rain or other weather conditions. A stainless steel door is made from a high quality steel alloy and is finished with a thicker layer of stainless coating. Properly primed stainless steel doors make them more resistant to scratching, rust and other weather conditions. Compared to a basic steel door, the stainless steel alternative will require less maintenance over time. The prime coating also gives steel doors a unique charm.
Fibreglass exterior doors are typically made using a sandwich construction which offers strength and insulation. If you look at the price in terms of durability, insulation, and resistance to weathering, they can offer incredibly good value for money. Fibreglass is also extremely versatile, so regardless of your home décor, you are sure to find something that meets your requirements. While the initial outlay for a fibreglass door is higher than other alternatives, you are getting a product that should last much longer without any major issues. However, there are some things to watch out for before you buy.
No, steel doors are not fireproof. They do offer good resistance to heat, but they will eventually deform when exposed to high temperatures. To protect your family and belongings, you should always invest in a fire-rated door. This is typically indicated by a rating which means the door will withstand any number of minutes of high-temperature exposure before it starts to deform.
Aluminium doors are strong but lightweight. They are also very stylish compared to other options. They are quick and easy to install, making them perfect if you're looking for replacement doors because they offer good insulation against heat loss while being affordable. However, they may not be up to the same standard as steel and other options in terms of durability and security.
Yes, steel doors do rust because even though they may be treated with a protective coating, this doesn't last for the life of a door. It would be best to always look for a high-quality product because these will offer the best protection against rust and other weather conditions. You can treat rust with a rust converter, giving the door another layer of protection while it's being treated.
The best way to clean your door is by using some water and a mild detergent. You should always avoid using any bleach or other harsh chemicals as these can damage the protective coating on your door. If you experience any problems with stabilising your home's temperature, this may lead to condensation, which can cause rusting and other long-term damage to steel doors. This is why it's important that your door is properly insulated and weatherproofed.