Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 21, 1999 01:09pm | #1

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   Yes, the foamed-core steel doors are much less conductive of heat than solid wood. Just like studs on a wall conduct more heat than the insulation in the bays. If you want to rationalize paying twice as much for a wood door that doesn't insulate as well as a foam-core, figure that the infiltration of outside air will be much, much less in any new exterior prehung door than any 1960's door you are replacing. And air infiltration costs you more energy $$ than conductive heat losses. Better yet, decide what you prefer and just do it without regret. -David

1. 
   Guest_ | May 21, 1999 10:25pm | #2

   *Well, in my homes I have installed both. When it comes to a decision of: "Do the savings from insulated steel really outweigh the aesthetics of real wood?" no one can answer that question but you.I have one door, a custom carved solid wood door because it really fits the house and the location. The other is there as much for security as anything else. Never ran the numbers, but my guess is that there isn't enough difference in the actual energy dollar cost to make it worthwhile spending a lot of time on the decision.Go with what you want to look at.

2. 
   MarkF_ | May 21, 1999 10:32pm | #3

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   Joe,
   I have been considering a wood door to replace my steel door for a while. Purely for aesthetic reasons. I do have a storm door however....I like the airflow minus the mosquitoes in the summer. It's one of those full view storm doors...it really doesn't look that bad. That might be a way for you to live with the wood. Though it raises other concerns like how will the paint hold up on a wood door when it's exposed to the sun/heat in winter with the glass in the storm door? It gets pretty hot in that little space! That's the only thing keeping me from running out and buying the wood door today.

3. 
   Guest_ | May 21, 1999 11:02pm | #4

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   Don't overlook fiberglass as an option. Much more "wood-like" in its appearance, less prone to warpage during the summer than steel, can be stained to resemble woods, and available in many styles.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 22, 1999 06:59am | #6

   *Good points, Barry. Also, the fiberglass door has a longer warranty, doesn't rust or dent like steel, is less likely to crush around entry set and deadbolt installations, and, unlike steel doors, can be painted in dark colors on sunny exposures. Also check out the new smooth finished fiberglass doors (for paint only) which have no fake wood grain.One of the big advantages to the steel door in comparison to wood is its weather seal system. The fiberglass door has essentially the same system, except there is no magnetic weather strip.Good luck, Steve

4. 
   Joe_Krupa | May 22, 1999 06:59am | #5

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   THIS IS A RE-POSTING OF A MESSAGE I CREATED THE DAY OF THE DISCUSSION CRASH.

   I am in the process of renovating my Cod style house and am working on the front entrance. After tearing out, with pleasure, the 1960's style front door and screen, I would like to replace them with a 6 panel colonial door and classic sorround (with no storm/screen door). My big question involves wood vs insulated steel for the door. I am a huge fan of the look of real wood, even when painted. However, I am very concerned that a solid wood door without a storm door in front is gas bill suicide. There are some decent insulated steel doors that claim to be 4-5x more energy efficient than wood, however they lack the detail and warmth of natural wood. I am really stuck !

   Does anyone have any opinions on just how energy inefficient solid wood really is? Do the savings from insulated steel really outweigh the aesthetics of real wood?

   Any advice would be of great help? Right now I am stuck on top of the proverbial fence!

   thanks,

   joe