Plastic doors have become an increasingly popular choice for both interior and exterior door applications in recent years. Made from synthetic materials like PVC and other plastics, these doors offer a range of potential benefits but also come with some drawbacks to consider. Evaluating the pros and cons of plastic doors can help determine if they are the right solution for a given home or building project. During hot summer months, a plastic entrance door https://vinyllight.ca/entrance-doors can reduce the amount of heat radiating into a building from outside.

# **Durability and Wear Resistance**

One of the biggest appeals of plastic doors is their inherent durability and resistance to wear and tear over time. The materials used to manufacture plastic doors, such as PVC, are designed to withstand exposure to weather, moisture, and daily use without showing signs of decay.

Plastic doors will not warp, crack, or splinter like wood doors sometimes do after years of swinging open and closed. The color and surface texture also tend to better maintain their aesthetic appearance compared to some other door material options. This resistance to environmental factors and physical damage makes plastic a longer-lasting door choice in many cases.

# Energy Efficiency and Thermal Insulation

In addition to physical resilience, plastic doors also provide meaningful energy efficiency and insulation benefits. PVC and other plastics are poor conductors of heat and cold relative to materials like metal or glass. This means that plastic doors minimize thermal transfer, helping regulate interior temperatures.

During hot summer months, a plastic entrance door can reduce the amount of heat radiating into a building from outside. In colder winter temperatures, heated indoor air will be retained more effectively with a plastic door. This insulation value helps reduce HVAC costs and supports more consistent, comfortable interior spaces.

# Moisture Resistance and Corrosion Protection

Plastic doors designed for exterior use are naturally waterproof and moisture resistant. They contain tight seals and will not absorb or transmit water through the door. This protects against warping or water damage over time while also preventing drafts, leaks, and increased heating/cooling loads.

Additionally, plastic doors do not corrode from exposure to moisture like metal doors sometimes do. There is no need to re-paint or continually maintain plastic doors in wet environments close to the ocean, for example. This moisture resistance makes plastic doors ideal for certain coastal climates or applications.

# Cost and Customization Options

Compared to some other door materials, plastic doors tend to be competitively priced for both consumers and contractors. Their manufacturing process also lends itself to customization flexibility not always possible with wood or metal doors. Homeowners can often choose from a wider range of color, size, and design options.

This ability to get doors matching a home’s aesthetic and molded to fit existing door frames makes plastic an appealing choice for renovations, additions, and new construction alike. Their price point also fits well into many builder and homeowner budgets.

# Long-Term Performance Questions

The lower cost and customization flexibility plastic doors offer is attractive to many homeowners. However, it does lead some to question the long-term performance and lifespan of these synthetic door products.

Plastic doors have not been on the market as long as traditional wood or metal doors, so there is less known about durability beyond 10-20 years. Additionally, plastic can become brittle and degraded by long-term UV exposure from sunlight, especially cheaper or thinner doors. Plastic also dents and scratches more easily than wood or metal.

These long-term performance questions lead some homeowners to avoid plastic doors, uncertain if they will hold up or maintain visual appeal over decades of use. Advancements in manufacturing and materials science continues to improve plastic door technology, but uncertainty persists.

# Off-Gassing Toxins

One rising concern surrounding plastic doors is the off-gassing of VOCs and other toxins during initial installation. The adhesives and plastic components in these doors have been shown to release VOCs and other potentially harmful fumes, especially when new.

Sensitive individuals have reported headaches, breathing issues, and irritated eyes. This can be particularly problematic for interior doors where these concentrations build up more. While off-gassing fumes usually decrease substantially after the first year, it remains an issue for some homeowners.

# Difficult Repairs and Refinishing

Unlike wood or metal doors which can be refinished, repainted, and thoroughly repaired onsite, plastic doors cannot be easily refurbished if damaged. Minor dents or scratches are permanent, and attempting to resurface plastic risks damaging the door further because it melts under high heat.

Replacing entire plastic door slabs is the only repair option. These replacements can be costly and time-consuming compared to simple DIY repairs for wood or steel doors. The entire door and frame usually needs replacement if severe damage occurs. This leads some homeowners to choose other materials instead.

# Not Environmentally Friendly

Lastly, while plastic as a material does tend to be highly durable and long-lasting from a usage standpoint, it faces scrutiny as an environmental choice. Plastics require significant energy, oil, and other natural resources to manufacture. The production process and eventual end-of-life disposal when doors reach the end of usable lifespan also generate greenhouse gasses.

Many consumers try to make eco-conscious building choices and view excessive plastic use as undesirable. Though various recycling initiatives help reclaim and reuse plastic from doors and other goods, it does not change inherently high environmental impact compared to wood or other greener options. This gives some homeowners pause when selecting plastic over other door materials.

# Conclusion

Plastic doors offer noteworthy advantages related to cost, customization, durability, energy efficiency, and moisture protection. However, concerns persist surrounding environmental impact, long-term performance beyond 10-20 years, off-gassing of chemicals, and ability to make repairs if damaged. Homeowners must weigh their priorities and needs to determine if plastic entrance doors and interior doors provide the right mix of pros and cons for their home. Advancements in manufacturing and materials will likely continue improving plastic doors, but each homeowner must evaluate if current technology fits their expectations.