I'm planning to replace the exterior steel-core door (wood exterior) to my backyard and I'm located in Phoenix. I prefer a steel door and would appreciate any advice on what to look for in terms of gauge, insulation, and other features. Are there any specific brands you would recommend? I'd like to find a well-insulated steel door if possible.
Exterior Door For Garage
- Thread starter BrandonV
- Start date
csp
Well-known member
What's your budget? Exterior doors can run from budget friendly to very expensive. Therma-tru is a brand I've had good luck with.
What size? I got to replace my 16 x 8 and 8 x 7 this past year due to hail. Went with Raynor as that was who the dealer/installer preferred for the design the wife wanted. Upgraded the insulation to R18, no glass, white as we painted ourselves, installed the pair was 5,700 I think.
^^^ I think he's referring to a man door
Oh not a garage door... I should have clarified. Like a regular exterior door.
bluedog225
Well-known member
I got three of the Armor Doors from Home Depot. They are ok. I don’t recall an insulated versions. Wish I had. Funds were tight.
I’m not super impressed with the gauge of the metal. I ended up having some 18 gauge metal cut and faced one door with it to beef it up a bit.
Overall a B-. About $750.
I’m not super impressed with the gauge of the metal. I ended up having some 18 gauge metal cut and faced one door with it to beef it up a bit.
Overall a B-. About $750.
Ahhh my mistake on the assumption
What matters more...looks or security?
For looks: your basic steel or fiberglass door at the lumberyard are all fairly similar. Steel will have fewer options but be more resistant to panel dings and dents. Both can be kicked thru easily at the jamb unless you reinforce it.
If security is more important and ok with a bit more work, a solid core or steel fire door from an architectural salvage place is hard to beat.
Thanks, everyone. I'll likely check out the insulated steel doors available.
Fiberglass could be an option, but I'm concerned about potential warping in Phoenix climate. The old door was installed shortly after the house was completed in 1993 and has lasted a long time—it's a steel-core door with wood surrounding it? (not sure the benefit). However, after over 30 years, the wood on the brick molding and the bottom of the door is rotting.
Not sure if we installed it wrong after the house was built but I guess 30+ years is not bad for a door that isn't shielded at all from rain. Considering I just got the highest insulated garage doors on the market... this is probably the next biggest air leaker too.
Fiberglass could be an option, but I'm concerned about potential warping in Phoenix climate. The old door was installed shortly after the house was completed in 1993 and has lasted a long time—it's a steel-core door with wood surrounding it? (not sure the benefit). However, after over 30 years, the wood on the brick molding and the bottom of the door is rotting.
Not sure if we installed it wrong after the house was built but I guess 30+ years is not bad for a door that isn't shielded at all from rain. Considering I just got the highest insulated garage doors on the market... this is probably the next biggest air leaker too.
CraigStu
Well-known member
I was looking for a more secure front door. L could order a steel door prehung in a steel frame. Standard 6 panel look that I could paint any color. It was about $2000 so I haven't done anything on that project yet.
bluedog225
Well-known member
This showed up in my feed. Looks decent. Have to use their hardware it looks like. Reviews are not great.
probably was a commercial hollow metal door & frame
Colin Len
Well-known member
Subscribing as I will be replacing my man door this year as well and no idea where to start...
CJ7VFR
Well-known member
Can you post a picture of this? Normally a steel door has a wooden core inside. It would be interesting to see yours and compare it to other steel doors.
Jim
So you're right... must be dyslexia.