Windows & Doors Review: Steel Doors

December 25th, 2006

For many years, sturdy steel reigned as king of the entry door because of its durability, low maintenance, and affordable price. But with the proliferation of lower-cost smooth-skin fiberglass doors and cheaper fiberglass imports from China, the price differential between steel and fiberglass has nearly faded away.

For that reason, steel’s market share has slipped in recent years. According to the Insulated Steel Door Institute in Cleveland, steel accounts for 25 percent to 30 percent of the entry door market and fiberglass, which is taking business from steel and wood, accounts for about 25 percent. Various wood species and other materials make up the rest.

Despite fiberglass’s growing popularity, steel still is holding its ground because consumers perceive it to be the most secure material, Campbell says. Steel doors are unbreakable, he says, and they’re also water resistant and fireproof.

What’s more, steel doors won’t chip or rot (like wood), have good R-values (they have polyurethane or polystyrene foam cores), and are easy to maintain. And a new coat of paint is all it takes to give a steel door a fresh look, says Jeff Kibler, brand manager for Peachtree, which makes steel and fiberglass doors.

EASY CUSTOMIZATION

Another reason why steel doors continue to be competitive is because manufacturers are offering a plethora of coordinating accessories that increase the value of the entryway.

Andrew Braden of Braden Construction in Houlton, Wis., installs both steel and fiberglass products. He says his clients typically add sidelights at the very least for an upgraded look.

Ddecorative options and accessories are relatively inexpensive while being valuable to homeowners. These items can be a source of larger margins for builders, Kibler says.

Sidelights, transoms, decorative glass, caming, and other accessories can add big bucks to the bottom line and are easy to come by. What’s more, many firms manufacture entire door and accessory lines with all the components designed to work together to provide pros with simple, one-stop shopping and ease-of-installation benefits.

Nevertheless, the rising price of raw steel and cheaper fiberglass imports will make fiberglass an increasingly price-competitive option. What’s more, pros will continue to realize the value of alternative materials.

Builders want to reduce their service and warranty costs and they’re becoming aware that the lowest-priced product isn’t necessarily the least costly to install,” says Dave Wehr, national builder market manager for Therma-Tru, which produces steel and fiberglass products.

Still, industry officials predict there will always be a market for steel.
By Stephanie Herzfeld.

Entry Filed under: Steel Entry Doors