There are few materials that have become more widespread in this modern era than fiberglass. It has been the pinnacle of design for almost every industry in some way, shape, or form. This blend of glass fibers and resin composite has been adapted and re-engineered time and time again, and it has only managed to increase in popularity. In the door industry, especially, this material has become so common that it accounts for a majority of the sales most door companies make. They have started to generate more business than any of the other options available. Yet, how can this be when 15 years ago, door companies didn’t even have a fiberglass option available? In our blog post today, we will explain how the ever-evolving fiberglass door has grown to be the quintessential door for consumers all over the country. What is it that makes them so good?

History Of Fiberglass

Originally, what we know as fiberglass was actually two very different substances mixed together. The first being the composite resin, and the other being the strands or fibers of glass. While fibers of glass have been made for thousands of years, since the early Egyptian and Phoenician eras, the composite resin was only recently created. After the fibers were discovered to be woven into a cloth or mass produced cluster in the late 1800s, they quickly became more formidable. At this point, they were only being used in small fabrics or plastics for reinforcement. By 1936, there was a creation that is known as Polyester Resin, invented by Carlton Ellis of DuPont. This composite resin was the key to the true future of fiberglass.

After it’s development, it was found that you could mix these two materials together. The result was a highly bonded blend that was strong and elastic. Depending on the thickness, it could be flexible or totally rigid. That is all dependent on the design it was commissioned for, though. Today, most families in the U.S. have fiberglass of some kind in their home. Now they are built into doors, too, and the material has more than surpassed expectations.

Why Are Fiberglass Doors So Good?

The benefits of fiberglass extend far from its flame-retardant composition. For a door, in particular, the makeup will consist of an initial, thin, outer layer of wood. Then there is a thicker fiberglass skin that is wrapped around an insulated foam core. This blend is a very intriguing mix because it provides a multitude of benefits. First and foremost, the appearance of the door can still appear as a natural wood if chosen. The aesthetic value is retained through this, and yet, at the same time, the thin layer of wood allows the insulated foam to provide another benefit. It’s energy efficient.

With the visual appeal of a wood stain door, the added value of higher energy efficiency from fiberglass doors versus wood is a great combination. This is because of the cost of those types of doors and their relative efficiency. Wood is an effective insulator but if you were to compare fiberglass to wood, you find that it is five times less energy efficient than fiberglass. The final point that has proven to be the deciding factor is the affordability of this option. So that means it can be cheap and yet provide the same support and reinforcement for your home than any of the other options might. No wonder it’s so popular! Feel free to explore our vast selection of fiberglass doors here. We will always be happy to help!