Doors

In most cases an exterior door replacement normally takes 3 hours and might take a little longer depending on the door’s type and additional work needed like capping or door lock installation.

The front door price totally depends on which particular door characteristics you pick: type, size, colour, material, sidelights, glass insert type/size, transom etc. For example, if you choose the standard size single steel door, it starts at $799. Fiberglass - from $1999. Wooden - from $3999. And any non standard/custom configuration additions will add to the cost.

The time wait for your ready made door takes as little as two weeks. More customized door production might take from two to four weeks. 

Some of the main features to compare fiberglass vs steel door:

Security: depends on lock and frame material and not much on the doors material.

Durability: steel can leave an indents when hit, when fibreglass material is more forgiving and can spring back. Both will serve over 20 years.  

Insulation: for both door types is the same, each has insulated foam core with steel or fibreglass shell.

Maintenance: both require some basic maintenance - just some lubrication and basic soap and water cleaning. 
 

Steel doors might get rust with time in case when paint comes off exposing the steel to the elements. That’s why it is important to paint over any scratches or damages.

With steel or fibreglass doors it doesn’t make much of a difference from security prospective. Frame is more important. Choose solid vinyl or fibreglass frame which is stronger comparing to wood. The lock plays the most important role to insure safety of your house. Multipoint lock is the best for security.

It is possible to purchase and install new door with existing frame. But it is highly recommended to replace a door with the frame. When it comes pre-hunged with new frame adjusted from the manufacturer, they guarantee the best fit and long lasting service. The door is also levelled with a frame during installation for the best tight fit to avoid any drafts. So even if the new door is exactly the same size, it most likely will not be levelled to an old frame, which also might have shifted or warped with time. Lock can also be a problem to adjust.

Both steel and fiberglass doors are equally energy efficient. To avoid air leakage around the door it should be properly assembled, levelled and installed to lock properly with no gaps and draft around the door in closed position.

Exterior grade doors are built to withstand the elements: sun, rain, snow, wind. 

There is no storm door needed for steel or fiberglass doors. Storm doors were previously used to protect wooden doors from extra painting and added the insulation in winter. Fiberglass doors require minimum of maintenance or additional protection and they already come insulated. 

Make sure you pick a good quality lock and get it installed properly. Also there is an option to set up alarm and exterior webcam. Keep in mind that porch enclosure or storm door locking system is pretty weak to offer any additional safety.
 

Multipoint lock is considered to be more secure than regular one. But it doesn’t mean you have to pay more for multipoint lock. There are many good trusted lock brands on the market which would serve you for a long time.