Metal definitely has its perks, especially durability-wise, but I gotta say I'm still partial to wood or fiberglass for older homes. We ended up going fiberglass after some debate—it has that classic wood look without the upkeep headaches and is pretty storm-resistant too. Plus, from an eco-friendly angle, fiberglass usually has better insulation values, which means lower energy bills and a smaller footprint overall. Just something else to consider if you're still weighing options...
Fiberglass doors are definitely a solid choice, especially for insulation and aesthetics. One thing I'd wonder about though is security—did you look into reinforcement options or special locking mechanisms when you installed yours? Curious how fiberglass stacks up there compared to metal...
Fiberglass doors are pretty solid overall, but security-wise, they're not automatically bulletproof (figuratively speaking, of course...). I've installed quite a few over the years, and honestly, the security factor mostly comes down to the frame and locking mechanisms rather than just the door material itself.
Metal doors do have that reputation for toughness, but fiberglass can hold its own if you set it up right. The key is reinforcing the strike plate area and hinges—most break-ins happen from forced entry at those points rather than someone busting straight through the door panel. I've seen fiberglass doors paired with reinforced steel frames and longer screws in the hinges and strike plates, and that combo is pretty tough to beat.
Also, don't underestimate the value of a good deadbolt. A quality deadbolt lock with a reinforced strike plate makes a huge difference. I've had clients who went all out with multi-point locking systems too—those are great, but honestly, they can be a bit overkill (and pricey). Still, if peace of mind is your thing, they're worth considering.
Funny story though—had a homeowner once who locked himself out after installing one of those fancy multi-point locks. He was so proud of his new "super secure" door until he realized he'd left his keys inside. Took us forever to get him back in without damaging anything. Moral of the story: security is great, but always have a backup plan (or at least a spare key hidden somewhere clever).
Bottom line, fiberglass doors can definitely stack up against metal if you reinforce them properly and invest in decent hardware. Just don't go locking yourself out in the process...
Totally agree about reinforcing the strike plates and hinges—seen plenty of doors kicked in because someone skimped on hardware. Another thing I'd add is considering a smart lock or keypad entry. Had a client who kept locking herself out, so we installed a keypad deadbolt. No more frantic calls at midnight... just make sure you change the batteries regularly or you'll be back to square one.
"just make sure you change the batteries regularly or you'll be back to square one."
Hah, learned that lesson the hard way myself. Another tip I'd add: if you're going keypad or smart lock, hide a manual backup key somewhere safe outside (not under the mat!). I've seen folks locked out because of dead batteries or malfunctioning electronics, and having a hidden backup can save you from calling a locksmith at 2 AM. Better safe than sorry...