As a homeowner, worst-case scenarios can haunt your imagination, creating all sorts of hypotheticals that could spell disaster for your property. Most of these potential outcomes can be traced back to a definitive cause, allowing you to take preventative measures that put your mind at ease. You can check and reinforce a foundation. You can test and replace pipes. However, when it comes to extreme weather, including storms, hurricanes, and high winds, the threat is a bit more abstract and can pose a challenge to the preparedness of both you and your home.

There’s no need to consult a psychic to protect your home from extreme weather, though. A few home improvements can double as home reinforcements against some of the harshest elements that come your way. 

Utilize a Backup Generator

One of the first aspects of community infrastructure that can be adversely impacted by extreme weather is electricity. It’s a pretty important amenity—because of it, we get to enjoy a lot of the creature comforts that make our houses homes, like cooking, staying warm, seeing in the dark, and maintaining any security systems installed around the premises. In an emergency, power can also be used to pump water out of basements, keep homes at safe temperatures and keep you informed about what to expect next. Being without power can cause discomfort, but within the right set of circumstances, it can also lead to far worse outcomes.

That’s why it’s important to install a backup generator, sometimes called a standby generator, that sits outside your home and is wired into its electrical system. Backup generators run on fuel sources like propane and natural gas, meaning they render your home immune to the impact caused by a power outage. A backup generator should kick on within a few seconds of any failure experienced by your home’s electrical system, restoring power and maintaining it for as long as the generator stays fueled. Remember to replace sitting fuel as needed and keep a supply at the ready.

Depending on the size of your home, backup generators can become a costly investment. Portable generators can be much cheaper and run on the same kinds of fuel, but they won’t carry the power of a backup generator. 

Insure Your Investment

Carrying insurance for the different kinds of calamities that could befall your home may seem like an obvious decision, but there are so many different kinds of insurance to choose from, which can make the decision seem daunting. 

Don’t overspend, but make sure you’re prepared and can fix or replace anything damaged or lost in severe weather through an insurance claim. When choosing which plans to purchase, one of the most important things will be deciding which extreme weather situations you’re likely to encounter in your area. Specific insurance plans are available for hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and more, so consider your geographical orientation and recent nearby occurrences before buying. 

Of note, some insurances may not fall under the extreme weather category but may still be important to the continued safety of your home. For example, many homeowners in Pennsylvania’s coal regions carry mine subsidence insurance due to their area’s vast networks of underground mines.

Perform Regular Preventative Maintenance

Sometimes, the best way to improve your home’s chances of withstanding extreme weather is to reinforce what’s already there.

Seal your home to protect against air and water leaks, and check those seals regularly for failure. Clean your gutters to remove a fire hazard and ensure proper water removal. Lower the risk of dangerous fires by using rocks in landscaping instead of mulch and concrete in outdoor areas instead of wood. Remove old trees that could be impacted by high winds and plants with oils that can feed fires, like pine trees. 

Choose Impact-resistant Additions to the Home

Replacing doors and windows that aren’t impact resistant and maintaining any parts of the home that already are will help protect homes from structural damage in high winds, keep in warm air in times of extreme cold, maintain a cold temperature in extreme heat, and further mute any noise from outside the home. It’s also possible that impact-resistant windows and doors can get you a discount on your home insurance bill. 

Why You Should Protect Your Home from Extreme Weather

It doesn’t take precognition to know that any future bouts of extreme weather will have you wishing you did more to prevent any potential damage to your home. Prepare for the most likely extreme weather scenarios given your location, but don’t rule out the possibility that anything can happen. As such, consider protecting against both the specific, logical threats for your area and the more generalized challenges brought on by nature.

Protect Your Home from Extreme Weather with Plastpro

A fiberglass front door could be one of the best examples of being prepared for anything. They tick the impact-resistant box, they’re long lasting, they’re energy efficient, and they’re easy to maintain. Search Plastpro’s dealer network and check out their fiberglass doors at a location near you! It could be an important step towards reinforcing your home against the uncertain future. 

The front door is the centerpiece of your home’s entryway, welcoming guests into your residence while contributing to the first impression gleaned from your dwelling’s exterior. A sturdy front entrance can also be the home’s first line of defense against unwanted visitors and harsh elements, protecting the people and possessions that make your house a home. So, how long do front doors last?

Average Door Lifespan

The average lifespan of a door is dependent on a number of factors, including material, fitting, instillation, amount of regular maintenance and built-in elemental protections. No matter the material, a door that’s properly fitted and installed, routinely serviced and protected by a home feature like an overhang is going to meet or exceed its predicted expiration date—which, for doors, is usually about 30 years from the date of first use.

One of the main deciding factors of how long a front door lasts, material, usually comes in one of either wood, steel or fiberglass.

Wood

If you’re shooting for a classic look—or have a classic (read: older) home—it’s very possible you have experience with wooden front doors. Wood is a versatile material and can be used to add flare to your front porch area, create a rural look, or lend a touch of tradition to your home’s overall aesthetic. However, as wood is the most sensitive substance on this list, that unique presentation can only be maintained through regular door upkeep.

When they’re starting to look worn, wooden exterior doors should be polished to maintain that new-door look. They should be dusted to avoid wear from both salt and, of course, dust. Once you start noticing wear thanks to tell-tale signs like worn paint and rust, refinish your door—it isn’t cheap, but if you aren’t good with your hands, consider hiring a professional. Speaking of rust, check and clean the door’s metal bits at least once a year.

With all that work, plus accommodations to protect a wooden door from some of nature’s most destructive phenomena, expect a door made from wood to fall into that 30-year lifespan.

Steel

If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, a steel door may already be a fixture at your home. These doors can be thick, so they’re great at saving you money on heating bills. They also provide good protection against any would-be law breakers attempting to break and enter your front door.

The average lifespan on steel doors is also higher—and that improvement comes with positive maintenance changes thanks to the galvanization process. Usually, the steel used to make doors is galvanized, meaning it’s dipped in zinc. This adds resistance against damage and corrosiveness, meaning rust and scratches become less likely to impact the health of your front door. Most steel doors carry a lifespan that could last anywhere from 30 to 100 years.

Fiberglass

Thanks to the versatility of fiberglass, doors made from this material vary in look and color. This allows them to slot right into the entryway of any home, regardless of architectural style. They may be lightweight compared to doors made from the other two typical door materials, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a sturdy, safe, warm, energy-saving choice. Going with a fiberglass door can also save money when compared to the costs of customization with wood or sheer mass when considering steel.

Fiberglass doors are the easiest of the three to maintain and average about 70 years before irreparable wear, making them a lifelong investment.

Factors that Affect How Long a Door Lasts

Despite the different materials, there are some universal factors that can impact the performance of any door, be it wood, metal, or fiberglass.

How Often Are You Washing Exterior Doors?

Using a small amount of dish liquid and a sponge—don’t use harsh cleaning tools like steel wool—wipe down the outside of any exterior doors on your home. This will help prevent sometimes irreversible signs of wear, like rot and rust. Wash doors as often as it seems required, but don’t go a month without showing some attention towards your doors that lead outside.

Treat it Right

Yes, it’s important to be mindful of your front door to avoid causing any unnecessary damage during everyday use. That’s not what I’m talking about, though. Doors treated with things like sealed coatings or weather-resistant paints fare better than those without.

Upgrade Your Door’s Lifespan with Plastpro

Fiberglass doors present a reliably long lifespan with little maintenance required, and Plastpro’s fiberglass doors come with an added bonus: a foam core that contributes to improved energy efficiency. If you’d like to get a clear close-up of Plastpro’s sustainable fiberglass doors, it’s possible to preview and purchase Plastpro products near you.

The sound of a door slamming can be startling and annoying. Unless someone in the home is responsible for slamming the doors, it can be frustrating to determine why the door is slamming in the first place—and how to prevent it from happening.

The good news is, no matter the cause, it’s possible to stop doors from slamming. Let’s take a look at a few ways on how to do so.

5 Ways to Stop a Door From Slamming

1. Check the Hinges

There are a variety of reasons why a door might slam shut often—some directly related to the door and some not. As a rule of thumb, a good place to start investigating is the hinges.

Door hinges wear over time, and old hinges may result in the door closing more easily. This can lead to the door slamming more often. In this case, replacing the hinges is the best way to stop the door from slamming.

However, if the hinges are fairly new or don’t appear worn down, it may be an alignment issue. If the hinges weren’t installed properly or the screws are loose, the door may be out of plumb—or not level to the frame. To check this, open the door to a 90-degree angle from the frame and use a level on the side of the door. If the door is leaning, it may be causing the door to slam—as well as other issues.

To fix this, first try tightening the hinge screws. If this doesn’t solve the issue, the door may be improperly installed. In this instance, the door will need to be re-hung—it’s best to have this done by a professional to ensure the door is hung properly.

2. Use Pinch Guards

If it’s not the hinges, often a door slamming is a result of external factors—commonly, open windows or doors. This causes pressure changes in the home that result in the movement of air, which can cause doors to slam shut.

In this case, it’s not necessary to shut all the windows to stop the door from slamming. Instead, try using pinch guards. Often used for baby-proofing the home, pinch guards block doors from closing all the way. This prevents fingers from getting pinched by the door—but it also works well to stop the door from slamming.

Pinch guards are very easy to install—simply slide the guard around the side or top of the door. If a draft pulls the door, the pinch guard will hit the frame and stop the door from slamming shut.

3. For Slamming Open, Use Bumpers

The sound of a door slamming shut can be startling, but a door slamming open can also be a problem—and can even lead to damage. For example, when a door slams open, the force of the door knob hitting the wall may result in potentially costly damage to the wall.

There’s a simple solution to prevent this: door bumpers. These small pads are attached to the wall at the height of the door knob. When the door slams open, the door knob will hit the bumper instead of the wall, which will not only prevent damage, but also soften the sound as well.

Like pinch guards, door bumpers are easy to install—simply line up with the door knob and stick to the wall.

4. Install a Door Closer

If the door is constantly slamming shut, it may be worth investing in a door closer. While this is a more expensive option than other solutions, they are specifically designed to stop doors from slamming.

For residential homes, pneumatic door closers are a good option. Professional installation is recommended for pneumatic door closers to ensure the motion of the door isn’t hindered. Once installed, these door closers can be adjusted to find the right pressure and speed to prevent the door from slamming.

5. Use a Doorstop

Sometimes the best solution is also the simplest. At the end of the day, using a doorstop is a time-tested way to stop doors from slamming. Simply wedge the doorstop underneath the door to prevent the door from closing, and remove it when you’re finished.

Stop Your Doors From Slamming Today

Whichever method you choose, there’s no need to have to listen to the bang of a slamming door. Door slams are usually preventable, so don’t wait to get the tools you need to stop your doors from slamming.

For more great home tips, visit the Plastpro blog or check out our how-to guides today.

 

 

Door security is one of the top considerations for most homeowners. Whether running a quick errand or taking an extended vacation, leaving home without worrying about security can make every trip that much more peaceful—and can make time inside more comfortable.

Certain exterior doors are better equipped for door security than others, but how can you be sure that your entryways are truly secure? Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to secure your door against possible intruders.

Those attempting to break into the home most likely won’t be delicate—often either breaking a window or trying to kick the door in. Let’s take a look at how you can secure a door from being kicked in.

 

5 Ways to Secure a Door From Being Kicked In

1. Upgrade Your Lock—And Use It

It goes without saying that door locks are an essential element of overall door security, but with the number of options available, determining the best exterior door lock can be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be.

One of the most important qualities to look for in a door lock is its grade. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) measures a lock’s strength and assigns it a grade, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 3, with Grade 1 being the most secure. Choosing a lock with at least Grade 2 security will help reinforce your door against most forced entry attempts.

While a standard high-grade deadbolt lock will work well to secure the door, you may also consider going with an advanced lock system such as a multipoint lock. Multipoint locks use multiple deadbolts to secure the door—typically one at the top, middle, and bottom of the door. This makes it incredibly difficult to kick down or break through the door.

Once you’ve installed a new door lock, the most important thing is to use it. While the convenience of using the lock in your door knob may be tempting, locking your deadbolt or other lock system every time you leave will provide far more protection.

2. Secure the Hinges

While the lock is essential to securing your door from being kicked in, the hinges play an equally important role. Not only should you routinely clean and check on your hinges, but you can also take additional steps to ensure they’re secure by replacing the original screws. 

Most often, doors come equipped with hinge screws that are an inch or less in length. Replacing these with screws that are at least two-and-a-half inches in length can provide a boost to door security and make it harder to break down the door.

When doing this, make sure you replace each screw one-by-one so that the position of the door doesn’t shift. When in doubt, consult with a professional on how to ensure the door doesn’t become misaligned.

3. Reinforce the Door Glass

If your door has glass, this can be an especially vulnerable area for break-in attempts. However, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice the benefits of natural light—so the next step is securing all door glass.

The easiest—and most subtle—way to secure door glass is to use security film. It won’t prevent the window from being broken, but it’s designed to help prevent the glass from shattering and allowing intruders to reach the door lock or knob.

4. Consider a Door Security Bar

One of the most secure measures you can take to prevent your door from getting kicked in is to use a door security bar. This steel bar is installed horizontally across the door and makes it nearly impossible for the door to be kicked in or broken down. 

Door security bars work best in situations where you’ll be away for an extended period of time—such as while on vacation or for your vacation home. Installation is straightforward, and the additional protection the security bar provides is priceless.

5. Choose the Best Door and Door Frame

At the end of the day, the best door security comes from choosing a highly secure door and door frame. Solid wood, steel, or fiberglass doors can all be good options when it comes to front door security. Specifically, fiberglass doors are a preferred choice due to their enhanced security, high durability, and low maintenance needs.

One of the most important elements when choosing the most secure door is the door core. Look for a door equipped with a high-density core as this will make kicking the door in very difficult.

While a highly secure door will boost your entryway, pairing it with a weak door frame won’t do much good. It’s equally important to pair your door with a strong door frame—typically one made of composite material. Unlike wood, these frames won’t warp or weaken over time.

 

Secure Your Entryway With Plastpro

You shouldn’t have to worry about the security of your entryway. The factors listed above will go a long way in ensuring your door is secure against being kicked in, broken down, or failing in any other manner.

When it comes to door security, always start with the door and frame. Plastpro’s fiberglass exterior doors are designed specifically with security in mind. Equipped with a high-density polyurethane core, Plastpro doors are built to withstand whatever comes their way—including intruders. They also feature an full-length lockblock that can accommodate most lock types, including multipoint locks.

Pair a Plastpro fiberglass door with a PF Door Frame to create an entryway that is nearly impenetrable. Plastpro’s PF Door Frames are longer lasting and more secure than wood or steel, while requiring less maintenance than either.

To find out how to secure your entryway with Plastpro, visit our Where to Buy page to find a dealer today.

If your door has started to sag, it can be frustrating to deal with your door scraping the door jamb, or even getting stuck. However, this is an easy fix that can usually be addressed without replacing your front door or paying someone to come and fix your sagging door.

There are a variety of issues that can cause a sagging door, but the most common are:

1. Loose hinges
2. A spacer added to the top hinge
3. Loose hinge screws
4. Additional coats of paint or stain

Each of these issues can push your door out of alignment, resulting in a sagging door.

How to fix a sagging door

Fixing a sagging door will depend on the source of the problem. The first step (tightening loose hinges) is the most common, effective way to fix a sagging door—however, if this does not solve the issue, it’s important to troubleshoot and decide which of the next steps is the best course of action.

1. Tighten loose hinges

Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws on both sides of the hinge, starting with the top hinge. To avoid stripping the screws, it’s important to not use a drill for this. If any of your hinge pins rattle or move while you’re tightening the hinges, it’s likely the hinge has loosened over time and will need to be replaced entirely. If the other two are still in good condition, replacing the old one will suffice.

2. Remove hinge spacers

Hinge spacers, also known as hinge shims, can be used during door installation to make adjustments to the alignment of the door. However, if the door is sagging, there may be an issue with the spacer. It may have shifted over time or, depending on the type and material, may be damaged and no longer usable. If your hinges have spacers, try removing the hinge screws and hinge to slide the spacer out, and re-tighten the hinges without the spacer.

Depending on the exact nature of the issue, removing the spacer may solve the issue. However, in the case of damage, the spacer may need to be replaced. As always, it’s best to consult with a professional to determine the best solution and, if need be, to properly install a new spacer.

3. Add new hinge screws

If you noticed one or more of your screws continued to rotate instead of tightening during step one, you’ll need to replace those hinge screws. It’s not necessary to replace the ones that tighten correctly—just the ones that continue to rotate instead of tightening. Generally, hinge screws are 1 inch, but you should measure yours to be certain. Replace 1 inch hinge screws with 1 ½ inch screws.

If you’d like to go a step further, an effective fix for a sagging door is to replace the middle screw of the top hinge on the door jamb side with a 3 inch screw. This will bring the hinge closer to the door jamb, and as a result, bring the entire door closer. To do this, remove the highest screw closest to the door stop, on the door jamb side, and using a screwdriver, put the 3 inch screw in the center hole before replacing the other two screws.

4. Remove excess paint or stain

If you’ve had your door for a while and it has gone through multiple coats of stain and paint, additional paint or stain underneath the hinge can accumulate and cause the door to sag. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated, then re-screw your hinges back onto your door.

Minimize your maintenance needs with Plastpro

While an annoying problem to deal with as a homeowner, fixing a sagging door should be doable once you learn how. Plastpro aims to provide resources to preserve the door you already have. We also recommend this video, with a method to adjust your door by bending the hinges. However, if it is a recurring issue—or if other issues arise—you may consider a new door or frame.

Plastpro’s fiberglass doors and PF door frames are a great choice for minimizing the amount of maintenance needed on your entryway. Our fiberglass doors and composite door frames are extremely durable and less likely to warp or rot, especially compared to wood doors. This keeps your entryway strong, secure, and beautiful for years.

Find a dealer near you to see Plastpro’s selection of doors and frames.

 

Everyone involved- manufacturers, distributors, and customers- appreciate a quality product that performs well enough to fade into the background. No one wants dissatisfied customers, especially at the cost of warranty coverage disagreements. Proper maintenance will help prevent these conversations by maximizing fiberglass door performance over time. Read our list of do’s and don’ts for fiberglass door maintenance that distributors, installers, and customers should all know for maximum efficiency.

1. Do use a hard topcoat

Fiberglass doors require a hard, polyurethane or acrylic topcoat finish. Otherwise, in hot environments, the weatherstripping may stick to softened paint and damage the door. The door’s topcoat should be reapplied often — every two years if not exposed to direct sunlight and up to every six months if there is no overhang and a lot of direct sunlight.

2. Do protect the lock bore during installation

Before the lock and hardware are installed, protect the open lock bore- this prevents water damage inside the door in the event of it being installed on a rainy day.

3. Do take extra care to protect outswing doors.

Beware of the additional exposure to the elements that outswing doors without an overhang face — these doors will need extra protection during installation and more frequent weatherproofing.

4. Do equip homeowners.

Ultimately, the homeowner is financially responsible for what happens to the product once it reaches them. But if manufacturers and distributors don’t offer education, arguments and expensive settlements can ensue even if the customer is at fault. The customer should seek out maintenance instructions, and we should make them easily accessible — online and attached to the product when possible.

5. Do keep open lines of communication.

After the sale, the best thing manufacturers can do to save everyone time, money and hassle is to keep lines of communication open. If manufacturers, distributors, and installers are accessible, owners are more likely to troubleshoot and take preventative steps before any big issue arises.

6. Don’t bend to trend when it’s not practical

For example, black doors are currently popular, but more prone to heat damage and less likely to age well. Be mindful of paint and stain colors generally. Particularly in hot climates or in entrances without an overhang, light colors perform better, as they are less likely to absorb damaging UV rays.

7. Don’t power wash doors.

This is a popular chore, but doors with glass inserts should be hand washed; power washing can cause damage to the seal- leading to leaks and foggy glass.

Encourage customers to engage with maintenance information from Day 1. Set them up well with the correct topcoat and point them to the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions.

At Plastpro, we know people will be drawn to DIY projects, so we provide easily accessible maintenance instructions, approachable how-to guides and blog posts for guidance. If manufacturers aim to be go-to sources for this information, and distributors and installers point customers to our websites, these practices should go a long way to making everyone’s job easier.

 

Originally Published on NAHBNow:

https://nahbnow.com/2021/09/dos-and-donts-of-fiberglass-door-maintenance-from-a-manufacturers-perspective

 

Drafty doors can be a pain—both in terms of comfort and the impact on your energy bill. This is where exterior door weatherstripping comes in. Weatherstripping is the material around your door that prevents drafts from making their way into your home. Most commonly, this is placed on the outside of the door, but it can also be on the inside of the door—and should be placed inside in hurricane zones. While the idea of inspecting the weatherstripping on your exterior doors might sound complex, it’s really quite easy for anyone to evaluate, and it is important to maintain overall functionality. 

 

Benefits of exterior door weatherstripping

Ensuring that your exterior door is properly sealed with weatherstripping can have many positive effects for your home. Some of the key benefits include:

Energy savings

Door drafts can account for up to 30-40% of energy loss in the home, which means exterior door weatherstripping can help homeowners save annually on their energy bill.

Home comfort

On the coldest days in winter, the last thing anyone wants to feel is a chilly draft sneaking into their home. Exterior door weatherstripping eliminates this problem, meaning you don’t need to escape to the warmest room in your home or spend additional money on under-the-door draft stoppers that will likely be less effective.

Deters pests 

While this might not be one of the benefits commonly associated with weatherstripping, it’s one that all homeowners can appreciate. If you’ve ever struggled with ants and other small insects making their way into your home, any small gaps between your door and its frame could be the culprit.

 

Inspecting your weatherstripping

It’s recommended to inspect your exterior door’s weatherstripping at least once a year to check for any indication that air is leaking through. Like many other exterior components, weatherstripping is prone to damage from age, friction, and seasonal elements. To check whether your exterior door’s weatherstripping needs to be replaced, you’ll first need to check which kind of weatherstripping you already have—we have provided instructions for the three most common types.

Self-adhesive foam

If it’s time to replace your self-adhesive foam weatherstripping, the adhesive might be starting to lose its grip. Look for the foam pulling away from the edges of your door, losing its flexibility to spring back to fill the gaps, or falling off completely.

Rubber/vinyl 

When inspecting rubber or vinyl weatherstripping, you’ll want to look for cracking or dryness, which generally indicates it is time to replace this type of weatherstripping.

Metal 

This may be spring metal or stand-up metal weatherstripping. Issues with metal weatherstripping will show up as cracks in the metal strips, bending or warping, or pieces coming loose. Please note: if your inspection of metal weatherstripping reveals an issue, it is time to bring in a professional to resolve this—do not try to DIY repairing this type of weatherstripping.

If your inspection reveals problems with your weatherstripping, it is most likely time for a full replacement. While replacing your weatherstripping can be a simple process, we recommend consulting with a professional before starting a DIY project to ensure you will have the proper fit and get the best performance. 

 

Prevent heat loss with an energy efficient door

New weatherstripping can go a long way in preventing heat loss and drafts, but sometimes more help is needed. That’s where energy efficient doors come into play. Paired with effective weatherstripping, energy efficient doors, like Plastpro’s lineup of ENERGY STAR Qualified fiberglass exterior doors, can greatly improve comfort and lower your energy bill.

Check out Plastpro’s Where to Buy page to find Plastpro’s energy efficient fiberglass exterior doors near you, and explore our how-to guides which cover a variety of home and door needs.

Material, color, and style are often what first come to mind when choosing doors for a home or building. But one of the first choices you’ll need to make is the size of the door. So what is the standard door size? The answer varies depending on which type of door and its application. We’ll cover the standard door sizes for exterior entry doors, as well as potential variables to consider when selecting a new door unit that would fit your home.

 

What is standard door size?

While years of evolution have brought the millwork industry to a general agreement on the sizes of exterior entry doors, it should be noted that our use of the term “standard door size” refers to the most common size—there is no precise standardized measurement. The size of your door will depend on a variety of factors; however, knowing what sizes are most common can be helpful in getting started. Additionally, the sizes outlined here are intended to serve as a reference point for doors in the United States and Canada. Always consult with a local professional to ensure you are selecting the proper door size for your specific situation.

Please note, we will refer to the height and width of doors in feet and inches, such as 6/8, 7/0, etc. We do not refer to the door sizes in exact inches, because openings for doors are not precisely standardized into inches. Within the listed sizes we give, there is room for some slight variation in the inch measurement of the door opening that will accommodate these door sizes. 

Therefore, when selecting a new door, the first thing you should determine is if you are installing a brand new, pre-hung door unit (complete with the full door hinges and frame) or if you are just replacing the existing door slab. If you are installing a brand new unit, slight variations in slab measurement are allowed and can be accommodated during unit installation. However, if you are only replacing the door slab, the slab measurements need to be exactly the same as your previous slab to avoid any potential leakage or damage. 

Again, this is why we always recommend consulting and confirming with a local professional before ordering a door.

 

Standard door sizes for entry doors

Entry doors are often used in various applications, such as a front door, back door, door between the garage and house, hinged patio doors, etc. This creates a variety of standard door sizes. While the most common width is 3/0, there are also a variety of sizes that are commonly used. 

For entry doors, the standard door sizes are:

• Width: 2/0, 2/4, 2/6, 2/8, 2/10, 3/0, 3/6
• Height: 6/8, 7/0, 8/0
• Thickness: 1 ¾ inches

A 3/0 width door is commonly used in a single slab entry application. In recent years, there has been a shift toward a 3/6 width, as the wider entryway makes it easier when moving furniture and other large items in and out of the home. 

In addition to expanding the door size, many people choose a double-door configuration to create a larger entry. Double doors also add grandeur, a welcoming aesthetic, and even increase the value of the home. Double exterior entry doors are commonly built with smaller size slabs. For example, using two 2/6 width doors to build a 5/0 entry width. However other common double door widths include 2/8, 2/10 and 3/0, depending on the homeowner’s needs.

Most manufacturers will offer several size and width configurations. For example, standard Plastpro widths include 2/0, 2/4, 2/6, 2/8, 2/10, 3/0, and 3/6 and available heights are 6/8, 7/0, and 8/0. Additionally, when it comes to renovations and non-standard sizing, you may also opt for a custom size door—such as those in Plastpro’s Trimmable Door Series—to ensure the proper fit.

 

Prefit Size

When considering standard door sizes, keep in mind that wood doors typically come labeled as a larger size than their fiberglass or steel equivalent, because the edges will need to be beveled before installation. The standard size for wood doors is usually considered to be 36,” but that is before the door is beveled on the edges to fit for installation-the actual fitted size will be slightly smaller than 36”. Fiberglass and steel doors are labeled with a prefit size that will stay consistent, as the edges will not need to be beveled. As a reference point, you can find Plastpro’s prefit door specifications in the diagram below. Note that each manufacturer might have slight variation in the prefit sizes they offer—this diagram is only applicable to Plastpro doors.

What to consider when choosing a door size

When choosing a door size, it’s important to consider the size of your existing opening. A prehung door unit that is slightly too small can be accommodated during installation, where a too large unit cannot. The next thing to consider is the entry size and the configuration of the door unit. An opening can be configured differently depending on your need. For example, a 5/0 unit can be built with two 2/6 door slabs to create a grand entryway, or it can be configured with a 3/0 door and two 1/0 sidelites, creating a smaller entryway with the charm and natural light of sidelites. As always, it’s best to consult with a professional to ensure your door will fit properly and satisfy your needs.

And while all doors are held to the same size regulations where applicable, not all are created equal. Specifically when choosing an entry door, consider which size and shape will fit best with the exterior appeal and architectural style of your house, which material is best-suited to your home’s security and weather durability needs, and which door is the best financial investment.

Check out Plastpro’s Where to Buy page to find the closest distributor for fiberglass doors, and visit our website for a better look at fiberglass door sizing options.

 

There’s plenty to consider when choosing a fiberglass door for your home or business (be it the material, finish, color, or hardware), and one of the first things you’ll need to decide is if you want an inswing or outswing fiberglass exterior door, based on your space and depending on exterior conditions.

Both doors should be available options to you, but one may make more sense based on your space. Even if the choice seems evident, there may be unexpected factors to account for—like building swing codes, your location, and more.

 

Your building or locale may require a specific type of door

Residential and commercial buildings may require you to select a specific door based on your area’s structural guidelines. Always consult these guidelines before selecting your door; however, there are basic building swing codes that are fairly standard nationwide.

Areas with climates prone to snow typically require any exterior door to swing inward to avoid trapping the building inhabitants if large piles of snow are blocking the entryway. Outswing door units are required in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), because of the high risk of inswing doors being blown in during strong wind conditions. Meanwhile, doors in commercial buildings are generally required to swing outward per the International Building Code to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation.

 

Benefits of an outswing fiberglass exterior door

Outswing doors are categorized in building codes as “Right Hand Outswing,” or “Left Hand Outswing,” and have hinges on the right and left of the door respectively so that the door opens out of the room when pushed or pulled. As mentioned earlier, per the International Building Code, all commercial doors need to swing outward in case of evacuation. Many evacuation plans will even include mention of how the door should be held open for escape. Note that in commercial applications, Right Hand Outswing is also known as Left Hand Reverse, and Left Hand Outswing is known as Right Hand Reverse.

On a similar note, it could be argued that outswing fiberglass exterior doors are more secure than inswing since they’re harder to force open from the outside. For maximum security, your hinges should feature non-removable pins, being that they will be exposed on the exterior side of the door.

Outswing doors may also be better for areas with harsh climates like wetlands or windy areas—the threshold design and physics of an outswing fiberglass exterior door can better protect a home’s interior from damage or water leaks in these intense climates, particularly if there is the added protection of an overhang.

If tight on interior space, it might be best to install an outswing door to allow for more flexibility within the space. When choosing between an inswing or an outswing door, it is important to consider the amount of space the door may take up. Not only should you take into consideration the square footage of a room, but also the furniture that may be close to the door. For example, if a door is 36 inches wide, you will need at least 36 inches of clearance when opening it in (if inswing) or out (if outswing). You will also want to leave additional space for freedom of movement, which may make an outswing door more desirable. 

 

Benefits of an inswing fiberglass exterior door

Inswing doors have multiple options and codes-when standing on the interior side of the door, there’s a Left Hand Inswing option, where the hinges are located on the left of the door or a Right Hand Inswing with the hinges on the right, although with either option the door opens into the room when pushed or pulled. For security purposes, inswing doors have hinges on the interior side of the house, so there’s less concern about them being pulled off for a forced entry. Again, however, it is typically easier to push in an inswing door than pry open an outswing door, so you may consider installing deadbolt locks for extra security.

Additionally, inswing doors typically require less maintenance. By nature, inswing doors have less exposure to the elements as compared to outswing doors—especially outswing doors without an overhang. Additional protection from moisture may be required when installing an outswing door, and there are more frequent weatherproofing needs. There is also a higher chance an outswing door could be ripped off its hinges due to intense wind if allowed to stand open.

 

Adding an overhang for additional protection

Lastly, an overhang can benefit both inswing and outswing fiberglass exterior doors. Overhangs provide cover and protection from direct sunlight, as well as from precipitation, keeping the unit from getting wet. However, the additional protection will add to the budget when building, so not every door will have the protection of an overhang. Take this into consideration when choosing your door type, as inswing doors make the feature somewhat less of a requirement.

 

Look to the experts for installation tips & tricks

If you have outstanding questions regarding the proper installation of inswing and outswing fiberglass exterior doors, or which type is best-suited to your exterior needs, consult your contractor. Leveraging their expert advice will be beneficial in finding the right door for your situation. For more information, utilize secondary resources like Plastpro’s Doorability function to design your dream entryway—and picture it in your space. Consult Plastpro’s guide to framing your exterior door for additional installation information.

Check out Plastpro’s Where to Buy page to find the closest distributor of inswing and outswing fiberglass exterior doors. For more information on our fiberglass door offerings, visit our website.

 

 

Whether adding an addition (and as a result, an additional door) to your home or swapping out an old style for new, framing your exterior door opening is a crucial part of the process—both to build the foundation of the door and to ensure all goes smoothly with further installation.

Follow the tips below to ensure proper installation as well as gain insight on the best types of door frames to match your exterior door opening.

 

Measure the frame’s opening size in detail

While a challenging and meticulous process, getting an estimate of the rough opening size for the exterior door frame will prevent potential issues down the line during door installation. One simple trick? For this estimate, measure the size of your new exterior door and add 2” to the width and 2 ½” to the height. This will factor in the sub-floor space. Read the door manufacturer’s instructions in detail to determine the width and height of the rough opening you’re framing. 

Leaving the extra space is important as it helps decrease the margin of error—since rough openings aren’t always created to fit flush to the door, the extra space allows you to level and square your door accordingly during installation. It will also account for extremely minor wall expansion and contraction, which naturally occurs in response to outside weather conditions.

 

Determine where you’ll put your door

When determining the spot where you’ll place your entry door, use a stud finder to assist in planning. It can also help later with installation if you look from an existing basement or crawlspace to determine what could be in the wall above or below. 

Be sure to loop a plumber, electrician, or both into your plans. It’s important to steer clear of any pipes or electrical cables, both of which can usually be moved properly by a professional. Larger structures—like heating and air-conditioning ducts—are often a bigger issue and may require you to reconsider your door’s location.

 

Plan for your opening

Always consult with a contractor or other professional when planning your opening. Keep in mind the following:

• Since exterior walls are load-bearing, you’ll need doubled studs on both sides of the door opening and a larger header than what you use for interior doors. Your local building codes will give a minimum size for the required header based off of the rough opening size. 
• Use a level to assist you in creating guidelines for where the rough opening will land. Ensure it’s square (the corners measure 90 degrees), in the same plane and level (the device will gauge this for you—keep in mind level doesn’t mean the opening is always parallel to the ground), and plumb (properly vertical and determined most accurately by a plumb bob)
• Once you draw the lines for the rough opening, you’ll want to draw additional lines about 1-1 ½” outside of these from the floor to the ceiling to account for where the drywall will be cut and removed.

 

Consider the space around the exterior door frame

Before framing, consider the type of stairway or stepping support you’ll need to access the door from the exterior to enter the house.

Additional factors to take into account are if you have hardwood or tile flooring on the interior or carpet. If you’ll be carpeting the floor, add an appropriate amount to the height for the doorjamb to allow clearance between the carpet and door. 

Since framing exterior doors requires working with a load-bearing wall, you’ll need to make sure you have temporary supports built to hold the ceiling, particularly if you’ll need to cut or remove more than one stud. Consult a professional about this, and once you finish framing, measure across all door openings to make sure they’re consistent top to bottom. If you find significant differences in the opening size, you’ll need to adjust the studs accordingly to make the opening uniform.

 

Where to purchase a door frame

Plastpro’s Polyfiber (PF) Door Frames are an innovative, new alternative to traditional door jambs. Our uniquely formulated door frame combines the beauty of wood, but requires less maintenance and has a longer life span. The material is durable, long-lasting, and is more thermally resistant than either wood or metal. The advanced system can be installed the same way as traditional wood jambs with no added hassles. When a fiberglass door is used together with a PF Frame, they create an enhanced, impenetrable entryway.

Check out Plastpro’s Where to Buy page to find the closest distributor for fiberglass doors, polyfiber door frames, and fiberglass door parts.