It is no longer uncommon to find home builders and owners replacing older wood doors with newer fiberglass doors, and with good reason. Wood, which had been the default surface material for doors, is given to rotting, warping and splitting. This may not be hard to miss around the house but you need only take a long hard look at your exterior doors. They have suffered the most through erratic outdoor conditions and extreme wear. Fiberglass, the alternative to wood, endures those conditions and is cost-efficient because it wears better and lasts longer. Benchmark fiberglass entry doors are among popular choices of exterior doors, especially since they are carried exclusively by Lowe's stores and made by a fiberglass door pioneer, Therma-Tru. Is a Benchmark door right for your house in terms of purpose and aesthetic? Will it perform on a level that you expect from door products? Can it endure the way of life in your household?
1. Mind the details. Benchmark fiberglass entry doors come with features focused on energy efficiency, longevity and home security. Their "leak protection pad" is situated in a known target area of air and moisture infiltration, where it acts like a sort of corner pocket preventing air and moisture from creeping through. Their heavy-duty door bottom sweep constitutes double bulbs and dual fins that block air and water even further. Fiberglass itself is closely identified with energy saving because it insulates three to five times better than wood and allows natural sunlight into homes. The sill cap is made from composite material, which means it is resistant to rotting unlike wood, and its adjustable parts are made from corrosion-resistant steel. The optional jamb, primed and ready to be painted on, adds resistance to rotting and insect damage. The optional three-point locking system is also made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Needless to say, this feature increases security and peace of mind.
2. You get what you pay for. The most apparent quality of Benchmark doors is the always irresistible combination of attractiveness and affordability. Their contemporary designs are a departure from old wooden doors, an exciting prospect for homeowners who see beyond the familiar rustic house and can appreciate metal or iron décor. Their glass styles are intended to complement chic house features like an interior sliding door or a wall-wide mirror. Certainly, their friendly prices rival that of traditional hardwood doors like mahogany and oak, which usually exhibit elegant handcrafting rather than sleek lines. While price tends to be the most influencing factor when shopping, it would be prudent to consider wear and tear. Since exterior doors are highly exposed, you may want to spend more and get top-of-the-line products, especially if your location is subject to harsh climate conditions. Good-looking mid-priced products would be a smart choice for interior doors.
3. Go to a professional. Benchmark by Therma-Tru is a brand of Therma-Tru Doors, which developed the first fiberglass entry door over 25 years ago. The company's specialization are doors made from fiberglass, especially, pre-hung entry doors, and not necessarily steel, composite material or wood. Whether or not its expertise in other aspects of door production is comparable to that of a long-established manufacturer like Masonite, Feather River or Milgard should be taken into account. Benchmark fiberglass entry doors are pre-hung, which gives you the option to do the installation yourself or have it done by professionals. Do-it-yourself installation is almost always a problematic task. Benchmark doors can be installed by Lowe's, the brand's exclusive distributors. However, if your house lends itself to difficulties in design, architecture, age or location, it would be wisest to seek your own professional installation service.
Ward Eichelberger reviews how to get the best from Benchmark Fiberglass Entry Doors. Please visit his Fiberglass Entry Doors site for latest news.
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