Picking the perfect doors for your home requires a lot of careful consideration and research. The best choice can vary greatly according to your location and the factors surrounding that area. Compared to steel and wood doors, fiberglass is a low-maintenance material for doors capable of resisting rusting, rotting, scratches, and dents. While it usually resists warping as well, certain conditions can cause it to crack or warp after a while.
Here’s everything you need to know about fiberglass doors and warping—what causes them to warp, and how can you prevent it:
Can a fiberglass door bend?
A fiberglass door can completely get bent, especially due to incorrect installation. Inaccurate measurements before installing the door can cause it not to have a snug fit, making it bend. A weaker fiberglass frame can also cause further structural damage.
A fiberglass door’s composition also makes it possible to bend—it has a flexible nature that allows it to bounce back to its original shape after being put under pressure.
Applying heat to a fiberglass door will make the curves permanent. A material known as thermoset resin is often used in fiberglass doors, making it set in a certain shape at the first application of heat. It cannot be reheated or remelted, making it impossible to reshape the door.
How can you prevent it from warping?
Fixing a warped door is best done with the help of a professional. Maintenance and prevention are two of the most important factors in a new fiberglass door. Here are some of the best ways to prevent your fiberglass door from warping and bending:
Know the basics
Before installing a fiberglass door in your home, it’s important to gather any information that you can about its material and quality. While all fiberglass doors are made of the same material, the manufacturing varies greatly across different door providers. Taking these factors into consideration is vital for knowing what you need to avoid.
For example, a low-quality fiberglass door probably won’t have a very sturdy structure, forcing you to be extra careful with heavy objects impacting its surface.
Ensure proper installation
Make sure to check more than once that your new fiberglass door is exactly where it needs to be with the help of proper measurements. Any problems you discover during the installation process may push you to get your door completely reinstalled. If not, the door might bend or become completely unusable over time.
Consider its placement
Strong exposure to the heat, such as that from the sun, will cause your door to warp over time. Try installing your door in a place where it’s not directly affected by extreme heat exposure. Avoid installing fiberglass doors in areas with harsh sun exposures. If you live in a particularly hot and sunny area, it’s probably best to keep your fiberglass doors as interior doors instead of exterior doors.
A snug fit between your frame’s weatherstripping and the door can also ensure a decreased amount of warpage. You can tighten the fit by installing an adjustable latch plate or strong hinges to hold the door securely.
Add some extra protection
Don’t be afraid of giving some extra protection to your door to keep it safe from outside environments. Use overhang shelters or apply marine wax to protect it from UV and sun exposure. You can also add a storm door to provide ventilation and shield your entry door from any extreme elements or weather conditions.
Keep your door clean throughout its life by using a soft cloth and furniture polish to wipe it down. You can mix white vinegar and water in a 50/50 ratio to clean the glass panels.
Consider your colors
Lighter colors reflect heat, while dark colors absorb it. If you want to ensure your fiberglass door’s long life, try choosing white or other light colors for your door.