Entry Door Manufacturers & Care Tips
Summary: The entry door manufacturers that follow make steel entry doors, wood entry doors and fiberglass entry doors. There are over 100 entry door manufacturers, and plenty of selection. Read the care tips for your entry doors to keep them beautiful and functional longer.
Related Articles: entry door variety, entry doors, installation tips
Manufacturers of Steel, Fiberglass, Composite & Wood Entry Doors
The following is just a partial listing of entry door manufacturers. There are well over 100 that I could have listed! If a door company you are considering is not on the following list do not be discouraged.
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Door Care Tips/Literature
The newer doors often have very specific care instructions. There is not a catch-all program that will work for all doors. Because these doors represent a major investment in most cases, take the time to read the care instructions that come with the door.
This is very important with respect to finishing the doors. Some of the newer doors, such as the fiberglass doors, require very specific stains to achieve the best results. These stains are almost always available from the door manufacturer. If your contractor looks puzzled when you bring this to his/her attention, continue to probe.
The care of the newer steel doors that have vinyl finishes is important. The method of cleaning the door is important, as you might harm the vinyl if not careful. Once again, the doors come with specific care instructions, be sure to save this literature and read it.
After deciding upon which door you will choose, ask the supplier for specific care and installation instructions at that time. Read these things before talking to contractors. When interviewing contractors, ask questions to see how familiar they are with that particular door. See if they intend to do some (all) of the things that are required by the manufacturer. If you take the time to do this simple thing, I know you will rapidly find out who not to hire for your door job. I wish you good luck on your entry door project!
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Comments:
Sharon 04 Feb 2008, 16:17
We purchased a Southern Millwork Designer Classics fiberglass door six
years ago. We are very pleased with it, however the sealer on the bottom
portion which gets most of the summer sun has started peel. We did not
receive care instructions with our door and cannot find them on line. Can
you give me any tips on what to use to reseal our door?
AsktheBuilder 04 Feb 2008, 16:19
Sharon,
I would visit a Therma-Tru distributor and see if they have a restoration kit.
Julie 10 Apr 2008, 16:13
I also purchased a Southern Millwork Masterpiece Collection door about 5
years ago and the seal on the bottom of the door is torn. Where can I
purchase a new one and am I able to install it without taking the door off?
AsktheBuilder 13 Apr 2008, 09:06
Julie,
Just do a search on Google. The door must come off the hinges.
Gordie 01 May 2008, 20:32
Do you know anything about FIBERTEC Window and Door Mfg. out of Canada?
Thanks,
Gordie
John 05 May 2008, 12:01
I purchased a Southern Millwork Masterpiece door about 4 years ago. It has
the sidelight windows on right and left.
I am experiencing the same as the others, but also the vinyl trim moldings around exterior windows are cracking quite wide. Any Idea what I should do? The cost to take the door out and reframe is too much! It is in the sun, but for 2,000 dollars I would think it should not do this. Home Depot told me to contact Southern Millworks Company in TX and no one answers. There is another Southern Millwork in OK, but that is a different company.
Patti 14 May 2008, 16:50
We have a Simpson single French Door with sidelights.
We purchaed a retractable screen 2-3 years ago and now hoping to get a custom wood screen door in its place. Due to the sidelights there is not a specific door jam for hinging. Two wooden strips on either side of the french door. Is it possible to have a door made and hinged in this space? If so what should I look for. Thank you.
Bob 16 Jun 2008, 18:55
I also have a Southern Millworks Fiberglass entry door. The finish was
destroyed by the u v rays of the sun in 2 years.I could not locate the
company as well, Home depot did'nt carrie them anymore and was no help.
Anyway..You will need to clean up the door steel wool works the best,start with 0 then finish up with a 0000 to get it nice and smooth.If you use sandpaper be CAREFUL,use a fine paper if you sand too hard you will take down the fiberglass grain in the door and have flat spots through out the door.When door is free of all loose finish wipe clean with a lint free rag and mineral sprits. NOW you need to get some GEL stain, get the nearest match to your door color light oak,cherry etc.with a cloth or brush put the gel stain on the door,let set a couple mins.then wipe excess off.DO NOT APPLY THE GEL STAIN IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT.Follow directions on can as to 2nd coat. Finish up with a good polyurethane 2-3 coats to protect the finish from the suns U V rays.. which is what caused the problem in the first place.It sounds like none of us were given these directions on how to care for our VERY EXSPENSIVE doors. Maybe thats one reason we ca'nt find southern millworks doors!! Hope this was helpful and excuse my spelling if any errors.
paul 09 Jul 2008, 23:24
I have a Stanley exterior, metal door
with a window that has a plastic fram which has warped out of shape and I have been trying to find a replacement fram. Can you help? thanks
Karla 15 Jan 2009, 12:23
We purchased 2 Southern Millwork Fiberglass doors with the Texas Star
stained glass that covers most of the door five years ago. On both doors
the stained glass portions are slipping down inside the doors. I too have
had no luck with Home Depot or contacting the manufacturer. What can we do?
They are beautiful doors. I would hate to see $2000 go to waste.
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