Frequently Asked Questions Door Repair and Installation

There are four main type of  materials for exterior doors used in Miami, FL. wood, steel clad, glass W/ aluminum & fiberglass. 

It really depends on budget, style, & longevity.

Pros: 

•  Wood doors continue to maintain their beauty over time because they are extremely sturdy, withstanding years of heavy use. Unlike faux wood options, solid wood doors hold up much better over time and are tested constantly with everyday activities. They are long-term investments that make a statement for everyone that sees and uses them. 

Cons:

•  Issues with insects.
•  Wood rot (depending on species).
• Swelling of wood in high humidity Climates like Miami.

Pros:  

• Hurricane protection via impact glass.
• Reduced insurance rates due to the durability of the glass which may result in less damage.
• Reduced energy bills.
• Noise reduction.
• Burglar resistance.
• Added value to your home.
• There are many advantages that come with these doors. This makes them a favorite choice for many property owners especially in the industrial and commercial buildings. Modern homes are also using them to add an industrial look to their homes.
• The durability, strength, and stability of doors made from aluminum are their biggest advantage. Aluminium boasts of being exceptionally strong. This is demonstrated by the strength and quality of its products. Products made from aluminium last for decades. They often outlast similar products made from other materials.
• These doors blend well in structures that are already fitted with aluminium windows. They blend together well, creating an exceptionally beautiful finish that lasts long.
• Another key advantage of these doors is that they are able to withstand any climatic conditions. No matter where you live, be it in a coastal region or deep in a desert, these doors have proven to be strong and weatherproof. They can withstand extreme temperature and constant changes in temperature without any signs of wear and tear.
• You can always find these doors from most dealers. This is a big advantage. You will not have to struggle looking for them since most door suppliers worldwide stock them in plenty.
• If you’ve already made up your mind to go for these doors for your main entry door, then you will easily find a reliable and reputable supplier to supply and fix them within a short period of time.
• However, if you need a customized door, the entire process of making it would take a bit longer. In the case of regular and common designs, a supplier will always have them readily available in different sizes. Regular doors will only require delivery and installation upon ordering.
• A great advantage to most property owners who use these doors is that they will not have to maintain them often. Aluminium resists rust and this is good news since it makes them ideal for use in any weather condition, even in areas near the ocean.
• Salty air around coastal regions damages many metallic products due to rust. However, these doors are treated to ensure they stand any weather element and climatic condition.

Cons: 

• Every product in the market has its own share of shortcomings. Aluminium is no different. It has some disadvantages when compared with other materials.
• One disadvantage of these doors is staining from water. In case your structure is built in a constantly wet area, especially an area that rains a lot, expect to find some marks on these doors.
• The marks may increase in size and number over time. Although they don’t rust, these marks look unsightly. Hence, consider this shortcoming before making your final decision.
• These doors are also relatively more expensive than those made of other materials. Aluminium is expensive and metal prices fluctuate often. This makes it challenging to budget much in advance.
• Most suppliers give an accurate price once you ask them for a quote. Also note that they require expert installers since their quality demands the highest installation standards.
• Choosing a contractor who is inexperienced with aluminium doors might lead to poor installation and this will demand repairs sooner than expected. Hence it is recommended that you go with someone who has years of experience supplying and installing aluminium doors. 

Pros:  

• It's stable. Fiberglass doesn't shrink and swell like wood, so these doors won't stick in summer or let in drafts in winter. And the molded panels and window grilles won't require recalling.
• It's energy efficient. Thanks to the insulating foam inside, a fiberglass door is typically about R-6, compared with R-2 for wood. Keep in mind, however, that adding windows—even ones with low-e glass—significantly lowers the advantage.
• It's low maintenance. The only routine upkeep needed is regular cleaning with a damp cloth. Because fiberglass doesn't expand and contract, temperature swings don't degrade the finish. A restorative top coat of clear marine varnish (for a wood-look door) or paint can help prevent fading—which will happen sooner if your door faces the beating sun, has a dark finish, or has no sheltering overhang. Keep that protective coat fresh, says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, and the finish will look good indefinitely.

Cons: 

• It might not fit. Thinking of installing a fiberglass slab into an opening that's not square? Make sure in advance that you can make alterations. Some fiberglass doors can't be trimmed at all. Others can be trimmed only along the top and bottom. Even doors that can be planed on all four sides usually can't be trimmed by more than half an inch on each edge.
• It can crack. A fiberglass door won't dent, but the skin can crack if it takes a hard hit from an errant golf ball or gets banged up during the delivery of your new range. Also, delamination—the skin peeling away from the frame—can occur with doors that have wood stiles and rails, which will absorb water and rot if not kept sealed with paint or varnish.
• It negates the one-of-a-kind option. Unless you're willing to shell out $20,000 to $30,000 or more to have a factory create a unique mold for you, you'll need to pick and choose from all the available standard sizes, options, and extras.

Pros:  

• Let’s first look at the advantages of installing a steel door to your home or business. Probably the biggest advantage is the durability. Steel doors have a strong outer shell and can withstand wear and tear better than most wood, or vinyl doors. Another advantage is that they are fire-rated and can be heat resistant, along with the correct hardware that meets your town’s fire rating code. This provides an extra layer of safety to your home or business. Durability through any kind of weather is another advantage to installing a steel door. 

Cons: 

•  On the flip side, steel doors are hard to fix once they are dented. Although able to withstand normal wear and tear, dents can easily downgrade the look and curb appeal. This is also true with scratches and gouges in the outer skin. 
• The sheer heaviness of steel doors is also a disadvantage and it can be difficult to make cut-outs, as compared to wood and vinyl doors. These doors can also be very hard for the do-it-yourself homeowner to work on due to the weight and also the outer shells not permitting sanding or filing.