Entry Doors for your Home

Most commonly thought of as front doors, entry doors are often on the back or on the side of your house, with the more ornate varieties are usually found in a home’s main entrance. When buying a “new to you” home, replacing or upgrading your home’s current doors, entry doors of today have come a long way in terms of material quality and thermal ability. 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.

Fiberglass Entry Doors

A relatively new addition to the market, fiberglass doors come in an amazing array of styles, many that closely resemble 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 rust, dent, or otherwise deteriorate; unlike wood, fiberglass doesn’t expand or contract with weather changes. Though light, fiberglass has a strong, 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 it can be matched to existing wood trim in the home.

Steel Entry Doors

Steel entry doors are 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 also 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 wood and fiberglass entry doors outperform those made of steel when it comes to normal wear and tear. Steel is prone to rust and dents if it is not properly maintained, and those issues 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 solution.

Entry Door Installation

At American Thermal Window, we offer quality fiberglass, steel, and wood entry doors at a variety of price points, and we install throughout the Chicagoland area. Whether you call our office at (773)774-3131 or stop into our showroom in Chicago, 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 stellar ratings on Yelp, Angie’s List, and the BBB, American Thermal is a company you can trust for all of your entry door, window, and storm door needs!