- Home owners want high-performance, advanced materials that outlast and out-perform their old-fashioned counterparts and are frustrated with the maintenance and poor performance of wood and steel doors, the manufacturer found.
- When wooden front entry doors are replaced, 58% of them are replaced by steel or fiberglass doors.
- Durability and energy efficiency were the two leading criteria for selecting a particular type of door, but in higher-end and front doors, style became a more important factor. Of home owners who purchased a fiberglass front door, 31% said it was more attractive than wood or steel; 62% thought it would be more durable; 31% believed it would be more affordable; and 31% made their selection because the door had features that other types did not.
Professionals in the residential construction business, says Therma-Tru, are finding that fiberglass doors reduce callbacks and improve customer satisfaction.
Bob Eldridge, of Younger Brothers in Phoenix, said that interest in the manufacturer’s Smooth-Star door was strong when a Therma-Tru salesman provided a sample.
“The Smooth-Star was an immediate success on the job site,” said Eldridge, who counts on high-production builders for 80% of his business. “There were no dents and it weathered a lot better than metal or wood. There’s just no comparison in stamina to other materials. It’s a much better option for new construction, where you can dent up the doors while you’re finishing the interior.”
“Pros want products that are designed to last through the construction process, and perform for decades after the job is done,” said John Kufner, market manager, residential entry systems, for Therma-Tru Doors. “They resist dings, dents and warping during the project, and Therma-Tru’s best-in-class warranties ensure home owners can install these door systems with confidence.”
“It’s a little more expensive than steel, but it’s worth it,” said Eldridge. “My customers never question the price once they understand the benefits of fiberglass. You don’t have to allow for waste, so your cost of merchandise and maintenance go down. It’s a cost-effective solution.”
As steel prices have rises, fiberglass doors have become an increasingly viable alternative, he added.
For more information on Therma-Tru doors, click here, or call 800-537-8827.
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