Most commonly thought of as front doors, entry doors can be used in back or on the side of your house, although the more ornate varieties are usually placed in a home’s main entrance. Whether building a new home or replacing and upgrading your home’s current doors, entry doors of today have greatly improved over those of years past. With wood’s tendency to warp, weather, and require regular maintenance (not to mention its high cost), most people choose either fiberglass or steel entry doors in Chicago. That said, a quality door made of fiberglass or steel will last for many years, provided that it comes from a reputable manufacturer and is installed by competent craftsmen.
A relatively new addition to the market, fiberglass doors come in an amazing array of styles, many that closely mimic the look of real wood. As a low maintenance option, they resist dents and scratches while still being very strong and secure. Unlike steel, a fiberglass entry door will never deteriorate or rust; and unlike wood, fiberglass doesn’t expand or contract with weather changes. Though light, fiberglass has a tough-to-breach thick coating, and its core provides considerable insulation. A wood grain fiberglass door is almost indistinguishable from a real wood door to the eye and can be matched to existing wood trim in the home.
Steel entry doors are usually thought of as the most economical choice and are a stronger barrier against intruders, though only slightly more so than fiberglass and wood. However, with its strength and lower price point comes a shorter lifespan. A steel door exposed to extreme weather conditions may only last five to seven years without a storm door, and “Consumer Reports” tests showed that steel was outperformed by both wood and fiberglass when it came to normal wear and tear. Steel can be prone to rust and dents if not properly maintained, which can be difficult and expensive to repair. If picking entry doors for high traffic areas or heavily exposed to the elements, a different material might be a better choice.
At Sahara Window and Door, we offer quality fiberglass, steel, and wood entry doors at a variety of price points installed throughout the Chicagoland area. Whether you call our office or stop into our showroom in Mount Prospect, IL, our staff can set you up with a free in-home estimate with one of our representatives to go over your entry door options and give you a quote. With over 35 years in business and excellent ratings on Yelp, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau, Sahara is a company you can trust for all of your entry door, window, and storm door needs!