Here’s what you need to know about exterior door replacement.
Exterior doors. Often, they’re the first thing to greet us after a long day. They’re the first thing guests see when they come over, and they separate our homes from the outside world. So, it’s no real surprise that entry door replacement was one of the top ROI-boosting home renovations in 2024, according to a recent study by Bankrate.
There’s a long list of reasons why you might decide to replace an exterior door, whether it’s rotting, chipped all over, or just so 2008. But when the time comes, the most important decision is the door that’s the right replacement. And when the forecast calls for wind, rain, and everything in between, your door needs to do more than just make a good first impression — it needs to be your home’s first line of defense, too. So, let’s dive into the world of exterior doors and explore how the right one can do wonders for your home.
Fiberglass doors have become a favorite among homeowners because they offer the best of both worlds: aesthetics and resilience. They’re engineered to take the worst from Mother Nature and still look flawless.
Here’s the difference between fiberglass and other materials, and how fiberglass will do you favors:
When it comes to door material, fiberglass doors are some of the most durable. Unlike wood, which can swell or rot, and steel, which might rust or dent, fiberglass doors resist warping, cracking and rusting year in and year out.
One of the best things about fiberglass doors? They’re practically hassle-free. Forget about the constant repainting or refinishing that comes with wood — fiberglass doors resist warping, cracking and fading, so you can enjoy their look for years with minimal upkeep.
Thanks to their foam-filled core and low thermal conductivity, fiberglass doors are better insulated than wood or steel doors. They help maintain indoor temperatures, which means less work for your HVAC system and potential savings on energy bills.
Because of their energy-efficient qualities, they help keep your home feeling more comfortable, no matter what it’s like outside.
Available in smooth or textured finishes, fiberglass doors can be customized to suit a variety of front facades, from a Craftsman home style to one with modern aesthetics.
Want to learn more about fiberglass? Read why you should select a fiberglass front or patio door for your home.
Exterior doors are some of the largest openings in a home, and that means they have a massive impact on a home’s energy efficiency. If your entry door has a faulty seal and doesn’t quite sit right in its frame, you’re not going to be too happy when the monthly energy bill comes.
The great news about fiberglass is that it’s a natural insulator, and when combined with a proper seal, it can help keep cool air inside during hot months and the cold air out in the winter. That can translate into major savings on your energy bills and a cozier living space for all. Many of the exterior doors from Masonite®, including our fiberglass ones, are ENERGY STAR®certified, which means they meet strict energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Want to learn more? Check out these 3 ways a front door impacts your home's energy efficiency.
At Masonite, we specialize in doors that stand up to whatever life throws at them. Whether that’s bad weather, day-to-day wear and tear or unwanted visitors, our collection of performance exterior doors have you covered every step of the way.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your entry door — or any exterior door on your home, for that matter — the Masonite Performance Door System is a great all-in-one solution. This system takes the strength and durability of fiberglass and combines it with a performance seal that makes it weather-resistant and energy efficient. These doors also come in a wide range of styles and colors that complement any home. We’ll get into that later, but first, let’s understand what makes up a performance door system:
A performance door is one that offers superior resistance to environmental factors. Performance doors like ours are tested to ensure they meet high standards for insulation, strength and durability.
A door system is just a fancy way of saying you get the whole package all in one; the frame, seal and locking mechanism are all included, which isn’t always the case when you buy a door. Most of the time, you just get the door and have to hunt down frames and additional hardware separately.
These doors are built to last, so they stay looking beautiful year after year. And all of them come with a limited lifetime warranty.
A square edge door creates a precise fit with no gaps while adaptive weatherstripping and enhanced corner pads create a tight seal against air and moisture. To cap it all off, a self-adjusting sill maintains its seal, adapting to imperfect or changing conditions while other sills need to be manually adjusted. The result? A door that prevents leaks and drafts and may even help you shave a few dollars off your energy bill.
Unlike traditional wood frames that degrade over time, this door uses a frame that’s designed to resist rot and deterioration for long-lasting strength.
When it comes to withstanding harsh weather conditions, the Masonite Performance Door System is second to none. We tested it, and it stood up to 8 inches of rainfall per hour and winds over 50 mph with no leaks or drafts, performing 64% better at keeping air and water out than the leading competitor*.
*Test ASTM E331 Water Penetration of Exterior Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference. Tests performed by Architectural Testing, Inc. and Intertek company.
Live on the coast? Don’t worry. We’re a Florida-based company, so we know a thing or two about hurricanes. Our Hurricane-Lite™ frame is engineered to meet HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zone) code requirements. Combined with the Masonite Performance Door System and our impact-rated glass options, it’ll look just like a standard door with the hidden ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. Pretty cool, right?
Weather-resistance is a must, but perhaps the most important feature to consider when shopping for a new entry door is its ability to keep your home safe and secure. If you’re looking for an option that combines weather resistance, energy efficiency and security, you’ll want to check out the M-Protect™ Multi-Point Security Lock.
It’s an add-on to the Masonite Performance Door System that uses a tapered 3-bolt design that makes it 4x* stronger than a standard deadbolt lock. That means unmatched protection against forceful entry with all the other benefits of a performance exterior door.
*Testing performed on a door without glass, results may vary for other door styles.
Impact vs. M-Protect
Alright, let’s talk style. As we highlighted earlier, the Masonite Performance Door System is available in a wide range of designs and styles that fit all kinds of homes from traditional and transitional to Craftsman and modern. And, we would recommend the glass fiberglass doors as patio doors too. Consider our flush-glazed fiberglass doors to let in up to 18% more light than traditional glass doors, seamlessly connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces while also keeping your home energy efficient. Here are a few of our current favorites:
If you’re looking for a modern, seamless look, the VistaGrande Flush-Glazed 3/4 Lite may be right up your alley. A large central window with clear or textured glass options lets in abundant natural light while maintaining privacy. It’s perfect for brightening up an entryway!
The Winslow Flush-Glazed 3 Panel more of a classic, Craftsman front door design, which conveys an elevated sense of quality and timeless appeal. Its flush-glazed panels ensure a clean, sleek finish while bringing in additional light with a nicely framed window at the top.
For those who prefer a more rustic or textured look, the Cheyenne door has a unique design and you get the performance of fiberglass. Its inviting aesthetic is ideal for both traditional and modern homes.
Your home's exterior doors are more than just a point of entry — they're the first impression guests get when they visit, they shield your home from the elements, and they protect everything you cherish inside. Whether you're looking to elevate your home's look with a new door, increase comfort or boost your home’s energy efficiency, the exterior doors on your home make a big difference. Explore our collection of performance doors today and discover how the right one can be the perfect addition to your home.
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