Hi there,
I plan to share information about doors, hardware and related topics that I have learned over the years. I would like to read your comments should you choose to add something to this blog.
Hi there,
I plan to share information about doors, hardware and related topics that I have learned over the years. I would like to read your comments should you choose to add something to this blog.
I need some advise.
I really want a wood door but I’m going to get a fiberglass one because of they way they are reported to hold up without maintenance. I want a plank speakeasy style door and I was looking at Jeld win until I read these reviews:
( His link was to Jeld Wen on Yelp)
In your opinion who makes the best doors of this type? Marvin does not or I would probably buy a Marvin.
Your advise in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Jack
Hi Jack,
Well first I have to say that that is one big string of negative comments about Jeld Wen doors. My experience with them, while somewhat limited, is the exact opposite. I installed two prefinished double door entries on different jobs at different times and they came out exactly as ordered and were assembled very well using quality products. They both installed nicely and work well to this day. I recently had occasion to revisit one of the installations. After 4 years of direct southern exposure to rain and sun the finish held up very well. A bit of color fading but that is to be expected with any stained product. The doors themselves were in fine condition. We bought dual glazed wood windows from them about ll years ago. the seals in dual glaze failed in 3 panels a couple of years ago and they sent replacements at no cost based on my word. The 10 year warranty is now expired so I will have to pay for any more but I thought their customer service was pretty good.
Regarding your comment “hold up without maintenance”: Fiberglass doors from the main manufacturers typically come with a minimum 20 year warranty on doors. Glass panels is usually less….Maybe 10 years. Finish warranty, if prefinished is usually about two years. What that means is that while your fiberglass doors hold up extremely well, any stain and varnish finish has to be maintained to keep it looking nice. How long a clear finish will last on a door (including a wood door) depends on how well the door is protected from sun and rain.
The three fiberglass door companies that I know anything about are ThermaTru, Plastpro and Jeld-Wen. Of the three I believe that Jeld Wen is the only one that offers an prefinished product. The other two usually can be ordered prefinished but the work is done by distributors not the factory. Quality and warranties would vary. This would make Jeld Wen a good company to look at from a finishing standpoint.
The top of the line TheraTru doors (Classic craft) is very well made and looks about as much like wood as the Jeld Wen.
And finally, regarding your liking a wood door: If you have a very well protected entry way that gets limited sun and rain I would say go ahead and enjoy a wood door. If you have very much weather exposure at all I recommend a fiber glass door.
I hope that helps a bit
RC/DG
It helps a lot. Thank you.
Jack