Before choosing a design for your home’s doors, you need to find out what types of materials are available out there. Not all options suit a setting. Based on the space and the door’s location, you need to ensure that the material offers you benefits. While a steel door is the strongest, it doesn’t compliment the indoor setting. This leaves us with the two most popular material types: Aluminum and fiberglass.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of aluminum and fiberglass doors to know once and for all which material is the best:
Pros and Cons of Aluminum
Pros of Aluminum
- Durable
- Inexpensive
- Strong
- Weather-resistant (won’t rot, warp, or corrode)
- Low-maintenance
- Insect-resistant
Cons of Aluminum
- Prone to condensation
- Thermal conductor
- The material oxidizes
- Installation is costly
- Prone to corrosion
Pros and Cons of Fiberglass
Pros of Fiberglass
- Durable
- Strong
- Lightweight
- Weather-resistant (won’t rot, warp, or corrode)
- Energy-efficient
- The frame and glass contract and expand simultaneously, which makes this material ideal in summer and winter.
- Low-maintenance
- Insect-resistant
Cons of Fiberglass
- Expensive compared to aluminum
- Less security
- HOA might not allow you to install glass doors (This isn’t a con but just something you should consider)
- Less resale value
Now that you know the pros and cons of both materials, let’s take a look at one of the most important factors that you should consider when making your decision:
Which Door Requires Less Maintenance?
In comparison, fiberglass requires less maintenance than aluminum. You need to be extra careful with aluminum to not stain or corrode it. With that being said, here’s how to clean fiberglass and aluminum doors:
Cleaning Fiberglass Door
Mix one cup of vinegar in a gallon of water. Dip a sponge or a lint-free, soft cloth in the solution and clean the window in circular motions. Next, take a squeegee and wipe the glass with rainbow strokes. If you see any stubborn stains on the glass, use a scrub brush with soft bristles and gently rub the surface.
Cleaning Aluminum Door
Nowadays, aluminum doors come with water-resistant qualities, but you still need to take extra care to prevent corrosion. Soak the door in soapy water and use a non-abrasive cloth to remove dirt and oil stains. Use a tower to absorb the water and then apply aluminum cleaner. Rinse the door with clean water, and then use a squeegee to wipe the surface so that no marks are left behind.
So, which option do you think is better? If you look at the pros and cons once more, you will find that the only major con of fiberglass is that it is more expensive than aluminum. If you have the budget, why not mix it up and use fiberglass for sliding patio doors and aluminum for standard doors. You can get both products at Sky Building Materials. As one of the premium glass and mirror companies in Dallas, they offer different products, including doors, windows, shower enclosures, and bathroom hardware. To get in touch with them, call on 972-807-9616
Photo by: Creative Commons Zero – CC0