Category: Ideas & Inspiration

Whether you’re looking to buy a home or remodeling your current home, understanding home architectural styles can be important. Each style has unique features and personality, and knowing how to identify architectural styles will ensure you make effective design choices that fit the style of your home.

While there are many home architectural styles to choose from, here are five of the most popular styles and what makes each unique.

 

1. Craftsman

Craftsman architecture took hold in the 20th century, and the style is still sought after today. Craftsman style emphasizes modesty while also showcasing sophisticated, architectural touches. This architectural style typically features open front porches, shallow pitched roofs, and exposed elements such as rafters or beams. Classic Craftsman homes were typically painted with warm, earthy tones, but the style has adapted to fit with a variety of color schemes. The use of wood trim elements is common as well, as it captures the cozy, homey feeling that is a trademark of the style. This classic, American architectural style endures because of its personality and the fine craftsmanship that gives the style its name.

Inside, Craftsman homes match their exteriors with warm, functional spaces. This style may feature open floor plans, but tend to still feature distinct areas, such as a dining room, that encourage togetherness. Wood is often used to bring added warmth to the space. Elements such as hardwood floors or beamed ceilings are accented with wooden tables, bookshelves, or other furniture.

It’s no surprise, then, that the front door is typically wood grain. Plastpro’s Craftsman Door Series is a collection of ovolo and Shaker panel profiles, in fir grains and smooth skins that beautifully captures the classic feel of Craftsman architecture while also providing options that fit within the contemporary Craftsman style.

 

2. Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern architecture emphasizes simplicity. This often means straight lines (as opposed to curves), neutral colors, and the incorporation of structural elements into the design. This style is great for people who prefer a clutter-free space. Mid-Century Modern design emphasizes practicality, and therefore unnecessary decor or furnishings are not included, meaning more space overall. These homes generally have open floor plans that accentuate the minimal decor. There is also typically an emphasis on natural light with many Mid-Century Modern homes featuring large glass windows This, combined with the open layout, creates a bright and spacious living environment.

From an interior design standpoint, one thing that makes Mid-Century Modern architecture so appealing is the ability to combine many different types of material. Traditional materials like wood can be complemented with materials such as metal or glass, which provides a lot of design flexibility and can suit a variety of individual tastes.

Being that Mid-Century Modern architectural style emphasizes simplicity, Plastpro’s Modern Door Series is a great fit for this style. Like the name suggests, this series features modern design characteristics such as clean lines and single patterned glass options, as well as wood grain skins that can accentuate a traditional take on modern style. For emphasis on natural light, Plastpro’s Nova Door Series and Onelite Door Series are also great options to fit a modern aesthetic. Both feature full lite glass options, ensuring maximum natural light in the space while staying true to the sleek, streamlined, modern look.

 

3. Cape Cod

Cape Cod architecture has roots hundreds of years deep, but a revival of the style in the early 20th century made it a prevalent style that maintains its popularity today. Hallmark features of this architectural style include a symmetrical appearance, steep roof, and centralized chimney, all of which make this a fairly easy style to recognize. The exterior is typically a neutral, earthy color and shingled. Like Mid-Century Modern architecture, Cape Cod homes typically don’t feature much ornamentation, instead relying on the natural aesthetic appeal of its practical features, which were originally designed to handle the harsh weather of New England.

Given the history associated with the style, Cape Cod homes are typically furnished with traditional decor that highlight the classical beauty of the home. Wood accents, antiques, or nautical-themed pieces work well at drawing out the New England origins of the home, adding character to the space.

Plastpro’s Oak Door Series works well with Cape Cod architectural style thanks to the traditional design selection and variety of panel options available. Cape Cod homes are versatile when it comes to design, but a paneled, wood-grain option will work well in many instances and will bring out the classic charm of the style. Our White Oak Series works just as well and can add a bit of modern flair to the home while still providing varying panel options that will complement the style.

 

4. Victorian

Unlike the first three home styles, Victorian architecture has a flair for the dramatic. This architectural style features eccentric design elements like towers, turrets, and steep, gabled roofs. If that’s not enough to give it away, Victorian homes are also typically painted in bright colors and have other decorative elements, such as a variety of window types with decorative or stained glass. They are typically tall homes with two or three stories. This unique style has regained popularity in recent years due to its quirky exteriors and individualistic charm.

Victorian architectural style has roots in the Industrial Revolution, where a rise in technology allowed for more experimentation in home design. The ornate elements of these homes were symbolic of the increase in wealth during the mid-to-late 19th century. Because of this, traditional interior design elements of Victorian homes often include dark woods, ornamental furniture, and an abundance of decor such as rugs, house plants, and artwork. Today, many homeowners opt for space and light, making this type of design less appealing. However, Victorian homes are a great choice for those who enjoy decorating or collecting, as the style suits a busier layout.

When it comes to doors, Plastpro’s Smooth Skin Door Series is a natural match for Victorian architectural style. This series allows for maximum customization with a variety of panel designs and our largest selection of ornate decorative glass to create a statement in keeping with the rest of the home. These doors can also be painted any color, fitting perfectly with Victorian homes, as the brightly colored exteriors will often have a colorful door to match.

 

5. Mediterranean

Mediterranean architecture has Spanish roots, so it’s no surprise that this style is common in warm-weather areas like California or Florida. This architectural style is another that is easy to identify by its signature features: stucco or brick walls, red roofs, and ornamental details. The warmth of the style is brought out through the use of bright colors, and many Mediterranean homes also feature prominent outdoor areas. Italian influences like stone arches or columns are also commonly associated with Mediterranean architecture.

With added emphasis on outdoor spaces, Mediterranean homes typically feature smaller, more intimate indoor spaces. From a design aspect, dark wood furniture and lightweight fabrics pair well to enhance the warmth of the space. When used modestly, vintage decor also works well at giving the home character without sacrificing too much space.

Going off of that, a dark, wood-grain front door will tie both the indoor and outdoor spaces together well. Plastpro’s Rustic Door Series is a great match for Mediterranean architecture due to the rich, dark wood skins the series offers. The series also offers arched top doors which can accent any arches in the home’s design, and ornate, wrought iron glass inserts can add an additional Spanish flair.

 

No matter the architectural style, there’s a fiberglass door to match

Understanding how a home’s architectural style influences its design is important when making design decisions that bring out the best in your home. Choosing a fiberglass door that fits your style can tie the design of your home together, while also providing lasting benefits like energy efficiency, security, and durability. 

Check out Plastpro’s Where to Buy page for more information and direction on where to purchase fiberglass doors near you. For more information on our fiberglass doors, visit our website.

Though no one wants to think too much about break-ins, compromised home security, or severe weather damage, these are important factors to consider when building or buying a home. At the forefront of home security is the safety and reliability of your entry door.

Having a secure entryway and a durable front door are keys to ensuring your home is protected. It’s always best to take preventative measures against attempted break-ins, severe weather damage, or other situations where you may be in danger. To give you peace of mind, whether at home or away, we’ve compiled 10 ways to improve your front door security.

 

1. Pay attention to door material and construction

At the foundation of door security is the type of door you choose, and one crucial consideration is what your door is made out of—doors constructed from fiberglass and steel are far more durable than those made out of glass or traditional wood—making them better equipped to resist break-ins and severe weather. 

Fiberglass doors are particularly adept at withstanding various weather fluctuations, and won’t show damage like wood and metal in the face of severe weather. They’re also reliably solid and easy to equip with additional security measures as detailed below.

 

2. Choose an outswing door rather than an inswing door if possible

Outswing fiberglass exterior doors are naturally more secure than inswing doors since they’re harder to force open from the outside. For maximum security with outswing doors, ensure that your hinges feature non-removable pins, since they’ll be exposed on the exterior side of the door where otherwise an intruder could remove them.

 

3. Reinforce your door hardware

It’s a fairly simple process to reinforce your door’s hinges and the door jamb, but it can make a significant improvement to your front door security. Using longer hinge screws—at least 2.5 inches in length—will ensure more holding power and support for your front door. This can reduce potential severe weather damage and offer additional protection against an attempted break-in. You can also secure your hinges by installing hinge bolts above and below the hinges. These are small metal bolts that fill a jamb hole when your door is closed.

 

4. Strengthen your door frame

Most exterior doors are built with sturdier frames than interior doors; however, you can take additional measures to secure your door frame. Choose a door frame material wisely, as the three most common types of door frames—wood/finger joint frames, metal frames, and composite frames—provide varying levels of security.

Wood/finger joint frames are a common choice due to their classic look and value. However, because they are pieced together, they provide less structural support than a one-piece frame. Wood also requires more maintenance to maintain both appearance and security.

Metal frames provide more structural support than wood, which generally makes them a more secure choice. However, there are other tradeoffs to this choice—like steel doors, metal frames are a less durable and weatherproof option when compared with composite door frames. 

Plastpro’s Polyfiber (PF) Door Frames are composite frames that, when combined with a fiberglass door, are designed to provide enhanced, long-lasting front door security. While traditional wooden door frames experience wear-and-tear over time, our full-length door frames made of PVC composite material offer a longer lifespan and increased durability. They are weatherproof and 25% more rigid than wood frames, giving them twice the screw-holding power that will help keep your home secure.

 

5. Upgrade to a multipoint lock

Where hardware is concerned, multipoint locks are a solid, sturdy, and secure option to add support between the door slab and the door jambs. Multipoint locks provide more than one locking point—typically the top, middle, and bottom of the door—as opposed to a traditional lockset, which only provides support in the middle of the door. 

The additional supports make it difficult for the door to be forced open, and increases the door slab’s overall stability. This is a particularly important factor to consider for taller doors, like 8’0” heights. More height can create an additional need for stabilization, and multipoint locks help to evenly distribute the movement of the door as it is opened and closed, preventing warping and structural compromise at the top and bottom of the door slab.

If budget is a concern, consider adding deadbolts, surface bolts, or door latches. This is an easy, affordable option that still provides additional support and increased door security. When adding additional hardwares, check with the door manufacturer and make sure you are installing them in areas that can hold and support the hardware.

 

6. Consider a smart front door lock

Keypad or wireless entry systems help protect your home from break-ins by utilizing a code exclusive to you and whoever you share it with. You can control most keypad entry systems from your smartphone and lock your door from anywhere, providing additional peace of mind while away from home.

While these systems can improve front door security in many instances, keeping best practices in mind will ensure that you maximize your system’s effectiveness. Two basic tips: be mindful of whom you share your code with, and memorize your code rather than writing it down. Minimizing the chances of your code falling into the wrong hands will go a long way in keeping your entryway secure.

 

7. Protect your glass with security film, or upgrade to impact glass

Many front doors have windows, which provide additional benefits such as natural light and aesthetic value. However, when contrasted with a solid fiberglass, wood, or steel door, glass presents additional security challenges, as it is much easier to break. If your front door does feature glass, it is important to protect it from being easily compromised.

One effective way to secure your glass is to use security film. While this won’t completely prevent the window from being broken, it can add a layer of difficulty for anyone attempting to get into the home. The added time it would take to enter the home could act as a deterrent. And it isn’t only for intruders—the film can also protect against accidental damage or intense weather.

You may also consider upgrading to impact glass, which comes equipped with the benefits of security film. While this is typically a more expensive option and only used in hurricane prone states, impact glass eliminates the need to apply the film yourself, and provides a significant security upgrade over standard glass. 

 

8. Pay attention to door ratings

Another important security consideration is how well the door is built to withstand the impact of extreme weather. You should consider the door’s Design Pressure (DP) ratings, and if it is High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) compliant or Wind Borne Debris (WBD) Resistant. These different designations all factor into how well the door will perform in extreme weather conditions, which includes how well it may withstand the impact of flying objects. 

Most standard Plastpro fiberglass doors are WBD-rated impact doors—this means they’re difficult to shatter, automatically providing an extra security measure. Meanwhile, for those who live in the appropriate hurricane zones, our HVHZ Impact Door Series was created, tested, and certified to meet the most stringent wind and impact code requirements in the nation and withstand the force of flying objects. 

 

9. Purchase a front door security system

Surveillance systems may act as a preventative defense to potential intruders who don’t want to risk being identified. Make sure the camera has a clear view of the front door, and ensure it’s visible to intruders to attempt to stop them from breaking in.

The right security system can also help you monitor deliveries, children playing, or any suspicious behavior that could indicate an attempted break-in or compromise on your peace of mind—overall, it’s a great investment in securing your home.

 

10. Consider a fiberglass door

Fiberglass doors are more durable than most other exterior door materials—not only do they resist dents and scratches from basic wear-and-tear, they offer superior security. Plastpro doors come equipped with full-length LVL, which adds rigidity to protect the door from being kicked in, and tightly packed, high-density foam, which provides strong structural support. The full-length lockblock also supports multipoint lock installation and offers flexibility as to where you can install additional security hardwares. Pairing a Plastpro fiberglass door with our composite PF Door Frame creates a nearly impenetrable entryway that, when combined with other security measures, provides ultimate front door security, allowing you to feel safe and secure—whether at home or away.

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

One of the largest benefits of fiberglass doors is their ability to combine the aesthetic and appearance of a wood door with the enhanced durability of composite material, which allows them to last for decades and prevail against corrosive agents.

Fiberglass doors, such as those from Plastpro, offer many skin designs, including realistic wood grain options. A high quality stain kit and proper application will provide all the necessary materials to match any wood look, allowing you to avoid struggling with the warping and rotting of real wood. Keep reading to learn tips on staining techniques to create fiberglass doors that look like wood. Be sure to refer to our Knotty Alder Staining Guide and Woodgrain Fiberglass Staining Guide for detailed steps on staining with Plastpro’s fiberglass door stain kits.

 

A quick overview of how to achieve a wood look on your fiberglass door

Before beginning the staining process, ensure you carefully read through all warnings and instructions based on your specific stain kit and door manufacturer. If you are using Plastpro’s stain kits, it is recommended to stain when temperatures are between 50°F – 90°F and humidity is below 85%. Be sure not to set up your door in direct sunlight or when dew is present. Lay down towels or protective drop cloths on the floor of your work area to prevent any stain from dripping onto the floor, and rest the door on elevated planks or sawhorses. Remove any hardware such as doorknobs, hinges, or weatherstripping, and tape off non-removable areas such as glass inserts. After putting on protective gloves and placing down clean cloths, take the following steps for a clean, professional finish:

1. If your door is already stained, refer to the Stain Stripping Guide to properly remove any previous stains.
2. Soak one of the clean cloths in the low odor mineral spirits, which act as a paint thinner, and wipe the door to remove any accumulated dust and dirt. This will ensure your stain and sealer go on smoothly and adhere to the fiberglass door. Allow the door surface to dry completely before applying stain.
3. Using a stir stick, stir the pre-mixed stain until even. For woodgrain doors, apply a thin coat of the stain to the door using a 2.5-3” bristle brush. When the door is completely dry, starting with the door panels, use a rocking motion to paint long strokes up and down the door, making a woodgrain effect. Do not paint from side to side. For knotty alder doors, create realistic wood knots following our guide here.
4. Once you’ve completed the panels, work from the center of the door out to the edges.
5. After the stain is applied, it is time to perfect every detail. Using a clean, soft bristled paintbrush, feather out any streaks or patches of stain, painting in the same direction as the grain. If your door is paneled, be sure to reach every corner with a smaller paintbrush. Wipe off any excess stain as you work.
6. To give your door a stronger wood streak appearance, run a hard bristled brush lightly over the door panels to brush away some of the stain.
7. Allow the door to dry for 24 hours.
8. Apply the provided clear polyurethane sealer with UV inhibitor using a fresh brush and allow it to dry per the finishing instructions. Apply three coats of this finish, allowing at least 3 hours of drying time between each application.
9. Maintenance: Even a well-finished fiberglass door will be affected by exposure and weathering from the sun, moisture, and air pollutants. It is considered normal maintenance to re-apply the topcoat approximately every two years, and you may need to reapply as often as every 6 months if the door experiences high UV exposure.

 

Stain Kits includes everything you’ll need to achieve the appearance of wood

Create the authentic look of real wood with any of Plastpro’s Stain Kits. Each kit includes pre-mixed stain, mineral spirits, sealer, clean cloths, protective gloves, a 3” China bristle brush, two stir sticks, two skin samples and finishing instructions. All you need to do? Choose a color and kit type.

 

Plastpro’s stain kits come in various shades

Plastpro’s Pre-Finish Kits are designed to create an authentic, real-wood finish with easy-to-use materials and tools. Plastpro color offerings include Mahogany, Champagne, Blue Moon, Mink, Mocha, Dark Chocolate Truffle and Black Caviar. So, how do you choose the right fiberglass door stain color for your needs?

Consider the exterior where the door will live and if it’s better-suited to dark or light coloring. Another factor to keep in mind is the amount of sunlight exposure to the door, as UV light can fade your stained fiberglass door over time. For doors with no overhang or high sun and heat exposure, lighter tones will wear the best as they absorb less heat than darker colors. Please note: for doors that are exposed to harsh sun, constant reapplication of the top coat can help you still maintain the original color in the long run, especially for darker stains.

For those doors with low sun exposure, keep in mind the holistic home design and color palette when choosing a stain. Earth-toned homes, classic designs and modern, elegant finishes may support a darker stain, while quaint exteriors (like those of a cottage, or ranch) will benefit from a lighter hue.

Within the dark finishes, consider the Moroccan kit to add a bold accent to an otherwise neutral or Earth-toned exterior. The Mocha stain kit adds a traditional and rich appearance to any home, while the Dark Chocolate Truffle and Black Caviar stain kits exude modern luxury and vivid elegance, respectively.

Light finishes like the Champagne stain kit are timeless and utilize beige color and gold tones to blend with various color palettes and complement nearly any home. The Mink stain kit enhances a fiberglass door’s wood texture and emphasizes the woodgrain’s organic beauty. For a more eccentric look, the Blue Moon kit mixes blue and green notes with an overall tan shade to give an aging wood appearance without sacrificing a pop of color.

 

Where to purchase a fiberglass door stain kit

Visit Plastpro’s Fiberglass Door Stain Kits to pick the right kit for your door.

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

 

Disclaimer:

Due to the variability in finishing materials, application conditions, and techniques, all of which are beyond the control of Plastpro, Plastpro cannot be responsible for the performance of field applied finishes or individual application techniques.

Staining instructions are for Oil-Based, Premium Quality Wood Stains, or similar products designed for use on a fiberglass surface. Please note the instructions indicated are specific to the Zar brand stain included in our stain kit. Please reference the stain manufacturer’s instructions before applying any stain.

 

 

Whether you’ve chosen to change your exterior aesthetic or are just looking to cover up a little wear-and-tear, restaining a fiberglass exterior door is a simple solution to revamping a house’s exterior. Fiberglass door stain kits help prevent the process from becoming overwhelming by providing the materials you’ll need to restain and achieve the desired visual outcome. Keep reading to learn how to restain a fiberglass exterior door. For step-by-step guides treating Plastpro’s fiberglass door series, see our Knotty Alder, woodgrain, and PF Frame staining guides or our how-to video.

Preparation for restaining a fiberglass door

When it comes to restaining a fiberglass exterior door, the prep work is crucial. Prep both your staining environment and the door itself to ensure all goes according to plan. Before you begin, thoroughly read through the door manufacturer’s instructions and product warranty for specific precautions.

1. Start in a dust-free environment with proper lighting and ventilation, and read all product cautions carefully, as you’ll be working with chemicals.
2. Remove the door from the hinges by using a hinge pin removal tool or, if necessary, tap the hinge pins loose with a hammer and nail.
3. Place your door on supports (flat padded sawhorses are preferable) and remove all the hardware, including the locks, doorknobs, and the fiberglass door’s weatherstripping.
4. Prep the surface of the fiberglass door by covering or masking off any glass/windows and any weather stripping that wasn’t removable in addition to the door jamb.
5. Before you begin the staining process, ensure you thoroughly read all instructions based on your stain kit. Each stain kit will have set up guidelines specific to the manufacturer. If you are using Plastpro’s stain kits, it is recommended to stain when temperatures are between 50°F – 90°F and humidity is below 85%. Be sure not to set up your door in direct sunlight or when dew is present.

 

How to strip the door

In order to properly restain your fiberglass exterior door, you’ll want to make sure you follow all the correct steps for stripping the door. To strip Plastpro doors, refer to the Stain Stripping Guide.

1. Begin removing the old finish by applying a thin, even layer of non-methylene chloride stripper —you can use the same ones you would as if the door was made of actual wood.
2. For most strippers it is recommended to leave the product on for around an hour, but be sure to reference the fiberglass door company and stripper manufacturer’s instructions for the most accurate time frame. Watch for when the paint begins to soften—if you leave it on for too long, it can damage the fiberglass.
3. Once the stain starts loosening, scrape it off with a putty knife. Lightly scrape the coating off in the direction of the wood grain without denting the surface. You may need to apply additional layers of product to fully strip the stain.
4. Once you’ve removed the various layers, make sure the door is dust-free and sand it down with 120-grit paper for a smooth finish.
5. Finish the stripping process by neutralizing the stripper—just wipe the entire surface with a rag saturated with Low Odor Mineral Spirits or denatured alcohol. Repeat this cleaning process until you can wipe a dry rag across the surface without picking up any leftover residue. Allow the door to dry completely.

 

Stain kits make the process a breeze

Apply your selected stain to achieve the perfect finish. Plastpro’s all-inclusive Pre-Finish Stain Kits contain everything you’ll need to stain your fiberglass exterior door.

Note: Staining instructions are for Oil-Based, Premium Quality Wood Stains, or similar products designed for use on a fiberglass surface. Please note the instructions indicated are specific to the Zar brand stain included in our stain kit. Please reference the stain manufacturer’s instructions before applying any stain.

1. Stir the stain delicately to avoid creating any bubbles. Do not shake the stain container.
2. Apply stain onto each door section with a clean, dry, 2” soft bristle brush. Let the stain dry for 10-15 minutes and then use a cloth to rub the stain off to achieve the desired shade and full, seamless coverage. Clean the perimeter of the door as needed with a rag.
3. Once you’ve fully stained your door, clean any excess or drips while the stain is still wet. Let the first stain dry thoroughly per the stain manufacturer’s recommendation before applying the second coat of stain. Temperature and conditions will affect dry time. If you want a darker appearance, wait until the stain is fully dry on both sides before applying subsequent coats. Do not sand or prime between coats.
   
4. Once all coats have fully dried (per stain manufacturer’s directions), finish with a polyurethane top coat with UV inhibitors like ZAR™ Exterior Polyurethane, Wood Kote® Flagship UV, or Minwax® Fast Drying Polyurethane for exterior applications to seal the stain and protect the door from weather impact. Mix the top coat well and apply evenly, using a clean, dry, 2” foam brush. Be sure to stop when the grain changes direction.
5. Apply three coats of finish, allowing at least 3 hours of drying time between each application.

 

Maintenance and Care

Even a well-finished fiberglass door will be affected by exposure and weathering from the sun, moisture, and air pollutants. It is considered normal maintenance to re-apply the topcoat approximately every two years. If the door is exposed to heavy amounts of direct sunlight throughout the day, it is recommended to reapply a top coat every 6 to 12 months.

Check out Plastpro’s Where to Buy page to find the closest distributor for fiberglass doors, fiberglass door pricing, and fiberglass door stain kits. For staining Plastpro’s fiberglass door types see the How to Stain Knotty Alder, How to Stain Woodgrain, How to Stain PF Frames, and How to Strip Stain guides.

Note: Due to the variability in finishing materials, application conditions, and techniques, all of which are beyond the control of Plastpro, Plastpro cannot be responsible for the performance of field applied finishes or individual application techniques.

 

 

Ordering materials will look a little different for homebuilders in the large multifamily niche. These projects are built to commercial specs, which means stricter standards and less flexibility for choosing materials and products.

Doors are a good example of this difference according to Joe Williams, owner of Atlanta-area Williams Building Products.

Williams has been in the building products business for 40 years as a distributor. He supplies windows and exterior doors to for-rent multifamily projects in the Southeast—apartments, assisted living centers and student housing. (Williams gets his doors from Tucker Door and Trim in Monroe, Georgia.)

Most of the projects he supplies have hinged patio doors rather than sliders. How are these different from typical residential patio doors? The most meaningful differences have to do with performance and code.

Performance Is Huge

All multifamily projects include detailed material specs supplied by the architect. Door specs include a minimum design pressure rating—a measure of how much wind pressure the unit can endure. Ratings vary by wind zone and by location on the building. (Wind pressures on upper floors and at building corners tend to be higher).

Weatherproofing is one benefit to choosing Plastpro. One reason Williams prefers Plastpro fiberglass doors with flush glass is that they offer protection against wind-driven rain. “The glass is set into the door itself,” he says. “It won’t leak in even the strongest downpour.” Flush glazing also provides more glass area than pre-glazed inserts. And because it’s more airtight it offers better energy ratings.

Door flashing is another detail that gets more scrutiny in a multifamily project than in a single-family home. A leak around a third-story balcony door that finds its way into walls and ceilings below is a huge liability for damage as well as for mold and mildew. That’s why multifamily projects include a third-party waterproofing consultant who makes sure these are done right.

Another big issue in multifamily work is soundproofing. Although the most obvious concern is sound transmission between apartments, exterior noise can also make for unhappy tenants. “This is are getting more important because a lot of these projects are being built in high-density, high-traffic areas,” says Williams.

He says that most architects specify a minimum Sound Transmission Class, or STC, rating for exterior doors. This number measures how well the door blocks airborne sound. Distributors may post these results on their website for your convenience. For example, STC ratings and other test results are available for Plastpro doors here.

Codes are Tougher

Another big way that multifamily buildings differ from single-family homes is the building code requirements they have to meet. These include code requirements for fire resistance and accessibility. Some of these differ according to door type and location, while others are the same for all doors.

Fire ratings. Balcony doors don’t need to be fire-rated but unit entry doors do. Codes specify 20, 45, 60, or 90-minute ratings, depending on location in the building.

Accessibility. All doors need ADA rated sills to accommodate wheelchair users. The contractor has to set the door sill high enough above the subfloor that it will meet this requirement after gypcrete floor underlayment has been poured.

Glass and other panels in a hinged door have to be at least 10 in. off the floor so that a wheelchair can’t hit the glass. This doesn’t apply to sliders, but it does to the hinged balcony doors Williams sells.

In addition, two percent of the units in every project typically need to be ANSI rated for accessibility. That includes curbless showers, toilet grab bars and the like, but it also includes a requirement that window locks and door peepholes are easily accessible to someone in a wheelchair.

The bottom line is that while doors in multifamily projects may look the same as those in a single-family home, they’re held to a higher standard. A good commercial door supplier can help the builder make the best choices for each project. Williams sells a lot of Plastpro doors because they tick all the boxes. “They have a good selection of door styles and meet all the specs required by these projects.”

 

 

Originally Published by Builder Magazine:

https://www.builderonline.com/products/doors/are-you-ready-for-a-big-multifamily-project

 

 

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a fiberglass door stain kit, including the type of kit and desired fiberglass door stain color, all in an effort to achieve an appealing finish. Plastpro’s below tips will help you choose the right fiberglass door stain kit for your aesthetic requirements.

Gel Staining Kits

Gel-based stain application requires detail-orientation and careful attention to instructions. Gel stains are moisture-filled, and fiberglass isn’t designed to accept an influx of moisture, so use gel stains on a case-by-case basis. Gel stains differ based on manufacturer, and it’s important to treat each individually and follow the instructions to elicit optimal results.

Gel stains mimic authentic wood door appearance without the risk of chipping and easy damage that wood doors can fall victim to. And while a gel stain and fiberglass door may cost more up front than a wood door, they’re more durable, energy efficient and weatherproof—reducing your overall cost of upkeep or the need for an additional storm door.

Oil Staining Kits

Oil staining kits require a selective eye as well, but when purchased and used properly, are better-suited to fiberglass doors than gel kits. Ensure you have a high-quality, opaque product that is heavily pigmented so it can grip to fiberglass. It’s important to select an opaque stain, as transparent or semi-transparent stains aren’t recommended for fiberglass doors unless the fiberglass has texture (think wood grain or porous texture) to absorb the stain, whereas oil stains are meant to add the appearance of this texture.

To maximize the appearance of fiberglass doors with oil stains, seal the stain with a layer of oil-based polyurethane. This forms a cured film that helps set the stain. Consider the UV rating on the polyurethane (you want UV inhibitors) since UV rays will fade the fiberglass door stain over time.

Choosing from the Fiberglass Door Stain Colors

Platpro’s Pre-Finish Fiberglass Door Stain Kits are designed to create an authentic, real-wood finish with easy-to-use materials and tools. Plastpro’s fiberglass door stain color offerings include Mahogany, Champagne, Blue Moon, Mink, Mocha, Dark Chocolate Truffle and Black Caviar. So, how do you choose the color right for your needs?

Consider the exterior where the door will live and if it’s better-suited to dark or light coloring. Earth-toned homes, classic designs and modern, elegant finishes will support a darker stain, while quaint exteriors (like those of a cottage or ranch) will benefit from a lighter hue.

     Fiberglass Door Stain Colors: Moroccan Red, Mocha, Dark Chocolate Truffle

Within the dark fiberglass door stain colors, consider the Moroccan stain kit to add a bold accent to an otherwise neutral or Earth-toned exterior. The Mocha stain kit adds a traditional and rich appearance to any home, while the Dark Chocolate Truffle and Black Caviar stain kits exude modern luxury and vivid elegance, respectively.

     Fiberglass Door Stain Colors: Champagne, Mink, Blue Moon

Light fiberglass door stain colors like the Champagne stain kit are timeless and utilize beige color and gold tones to blend with various color palettes and complement nearly any home. The Mink stain kit (previously referred to as the Early American) enhances a fiberglass door’s wood texture and emphasizes the woodgrain’s organic beauty. For a more eccentric look, the Blue Moon kit mixes blue and green notes with an overall tan shade to give an aging wood appearance without sacrificing a pop of color.

Pre-Staining Kits Make the Process a Breeze

Create the authentic look of real wood with any of our Pre-Finish Fiberglass Door Stain Kits.

Each kit includes the following:

• pre-mixed stain
• mineral spirits
• sealer
• clean cloths
• protective gloves
• a 3” China bristle brush
• two stir sticks
• two skin samples
• finishing instructions

For step-by-step staining instructions and video guidance, see our How-to-guides. Check out Plastpro’s Where to Buy page to find the closest distributor for top-quality stain kits, fiberglass doors, and more.