Replies

1. 
   PeteDraganic | Feb 17, 2006 05:46am | #1

   I'd say that the primary difference between Fiberglass and Steel is the cost.

   I've had both and no problems with either.

   The glass panel is what gives the door alot of its appeal.

   I do not typically buy big box doors... especially the steel ones as they are of poorer quality.  The fiberglass they stock hasn't been bad but its been awhile.

   Anyhow, order the steel door from a reputable supplier and order it painted to the color you choose.  Both side ons color or different color each side.  Should cost about 150 +/- for the paintjob.  well worth it for a clean look.

   As for the fiberglass.... if you plan to paint, there is no need to spend good money on fiberglass doors... the concept is that they are stainable as an alternative to wooden doors.

   Make sure you understand hinge-side terminology and review with your sales person, repeatedly if necessary, to ensure you order the correct door.

   I would expect to pay a professional about 500 for ordering, installation labor  and supplies plus the cost of the door where the new door is replaceing an old framed jamb... maybe 300 to swap it where there is a prefab framed door in place already.  you paint the jamb and trim for either price.

   I don't recommend replacing the slab only.

   No terrible need for a storm door.  I don't like the look personally but like the utility of them on a nice day.  No tax advantages that I know of either.

   The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein

   http://www.peteforgovernor.com

1. 
   mrfixitusa | Feb 17, 2006 05:55am | #2

   I go to Lowes, Home Depot, etc and I look through the scratched and damaged exterior doors, storm doors, patio doors, etc.I recently bought a very nice storm door for 1/2 price using this method.Someone had bought the door and returned it. Good Luck!.++++++++++++++++
   -Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain-

2. 
   RW | Feb 17, 2006 07:16am | #3

   I really don't know how warm dry southern climes affect the pros/cons of a storm door, but I'm in Nebraska, which is south of you, and I wouldn't go without it. Now, some people think that its some kind of hermitically sealed water impervious thing, which it isnt, and it doesn't insulate much either, but what it does do is keep the storm water and such off the jambs.

   Now, how worthwhile that is to you probably depends a lot on how much exposure the door has, but if its not under a big overhang, its probably worthwhile.

   sry Pete, wrong address.

   "A bore is a man who, when you ask him how he is, tells you." -Bert Taylor

   Edited 2/16/2006 11:16 pm by RW

2. 
   DDay | Feb 17, 2006 05:02pm | #4

   The two main benefits of fiberglass over steel is fiberglass will never rust so you'll get a longer life and fiberglass will not dent like steel will if someone kicks a stuck door to open it.

   I personally like Thermatru smooth fiberglass doors.  I would stay away from the big box stores, the quality is really wanting there.  Go to a lumberyard or call them, the price will be about the same and they can, with knowledge, answer any questions you might have.  If you are looking for a simple 6 panel fiberglasss door, the price will only be a few hundred, when you start adding glass, particularly fancy glass with insets then the price goes up quickly.

   Check the manufacturer for the painting, might differ from company to company.  I personal do not like any storm door or screen door.  Besides their looks, I would never have it open, and most people have A/c.  A good door does not need a storm door.  One thing you might see some time with a storm door, especially when the exterior door is a darker color, is that it becomes a heat trap in the spring fall and winter.  In the summer the sun is high in the sky and people would have a screen in the storm door, but in the colder months they have the glass in it.  It acts as a green house and traps the heat.  A darker colored door, say a maroon steel door will become so hot that you cannot touch it.  If the person also has a window in the exterior door, the plastic frame of the window will become so hot that it will start to deform from the heat. 

   http://www.thermatru.com/EntryDoors.aspx

   You might have energy rebates, that will differ widely.  Call your electric company and heating company as well as any state agency that might apply.  For a single door, the rebate will be small though.

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   Edited 2/17/2006 9:06 am ET by DDay

   
   

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   Edited 2/17/2006 9:13 am ET by DDay

1. 
   DanH | Feb 17, 2006 05:10pm | #5

   As a practical matter, a reasonably maintained steel door will never rust either. Certainly steel is CAPABLE of rusting, but a proper coat of paint will prevent it.
   If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people

   happy?

1. 
   Mpls1921 | Feb 17, 2006 11:15pm | #6

   Thanks for the replys

   As far as tax credit, I was refering to the enterance door, not the storm, and I was thinking of the new federal rules that apply for 2006/2007 for energy improvements.

   Someone mentioned ThermaTru as a quality door.  They do have those at my local HD.

    

   Thanks alot guys,

   Erik