When evaluating the best options for your home, steel and fiberglass are the most secure materials for front entry doors. We recommend these materials because they can meet the ANSI/ASTM F476 Grade 20 security standards required for exterior swinging doors.
- Steel: This remains the industry benchmark for security, providing a robust physical barrier at the primary entry point of your home.
- Fiberglass: This is a high-performance alternative that is particularly effective for Colorado’s climate. It resists impact, warping, and rot through our local freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, fiberglass offers superior energy efficiency with an R-value of 5 to 7, which exceeds the typical R-value of steel.
Security depends as much on installation as it does on the material itself. To ensure these doors function as a true defense, we maintain a door-to-frame clearance of no more than one-eighth of an inch to eliminate gaps.
Furthermore, if your door design includes glass, any glazing located within 40 inches of the lock must consist of safety glass or burglar-resistant materials to prevent intruders from bypassing the locking mechanism. Our design-build team manages these technical requirements—including the use of 3-inch heavy-duty fasteners to anchor the frame into the structural wall—to turn your entry point into a determined barrier.
Let us help you get your project started. Note that project outcomes and timelines may vary based on site conditions, permitting, and material availability. Estimates are preliminary and subject to change after a site inspection and a full scope review.
Related FAQs
-
What are the Main Differences between Fibrex Composite and Vinyl Windows for Colorado Climates?
Read More »: What are the Main Differences between Fibrex Composite and Vinyl Windows for Colorado Climates?When comparing Fibrex and vinyl windows for Colorado’s unique climate, the primary differences lie in material composition, thermal stability, and long-term durability. While both are low-maintenance options, they perform differently under the state’s extreme temperature swings and high-altitude conditions. Material…
-
How do Fibrex and Vinyl Windows Compare in Terms of Long-term Maintenance and Durability?
Read More »: How do Fibrex and Vinyl Windows Compare in Terms of Long-term Maintenance and Durability?When comparing Fibrex and vinyl windows, both materials are considered low-maintenance, but they differ significantly in their long-term durability and structural stability, particularly in Colorado’s climate. Maintenance Requirements Both materials require minimal upkeep, typically consisting of an annual cleaning with…
-
Is the Higher Upfront Cost of Fibrex Windows Worth the Investment Compared to Vinyl?
Read More »: Is the Higher Upfront Cost of Fibrex Windows Worth the Investment Compared to Vinyl?Whether the higher upfront cost of Fibrex windows is worth the investment depends on your long-term goals for durability, performance, and home value. While vinyl windows require a lower initial investment, Fibrex offers several advantages that can justify the extra…
-
Does Thermal Expansion in Vinyl Windows Significantly Affect their Performance in High-altitude Environments?
Read More »: Does Thermal Expansion in Vinyl Windows Significantly Affect their Performance in High-altitude Environments?Yes, thermal expansion significantly impacts the performance of vinyl windows, particularly in high-altitude environments like Colorado. Because vinyl is composed of pure PVC resin, it experiences significant expansion and contraction during the extreme temperature shifts common at high altitudes. This…
-
Which Material, Fibrex or Vinyl, is More Resistant to Colorado’s Extreme Temperature Swings?
Read More »: Which Material, Fibrex or Vinyl, is More Resistant to Colorado’s Extreme Temperature Swings?Between the two materials, Fibrex is significantly more resistant to Colorado’s extreme temperature swings than vinyl. According to the provided content, the primary reasons for Fibrex’s superior performance in the Colorado climate include: Related FAQs
