Energy Efficient Doors
Therma-Tru Exterior Door
The issue of entry doors is another case where I find I’ve been “green” for years without calling it such. The typical wood entry doors used in many homes have always caused me some concern. Even when installed in complete compliance with the manufacturers’ recommendations, there is always the likelihood of swelling, shrinking and warping. They can be a maintenance nightmare for the homeowner. I’ve also noticed that often times the glass in any lites on these doors is single pane. Add to this the fact that wood only has an R-value of 1.25 per inch and you have a very inefficient, costly maintenance problem.
But they look so nice.
For the past several years I have been recommending foam core fiberglass to clients wanting stain grade exterior doors. My favored brand has been Therma Tru, which comes with its own gel stain finishing system. Properly finished, they are virtually indistinguishable from a comparable wood door, and the cost is also comparable. The similarities end there. The R-value for a 1-3/4” foam core is 8.33 versus 2.2 for a wood door. Insulated glass is standard. The dimensional stability (resistance to swell, shrink and warp) is fantastic. I’ve yet to have a call back with a fiberglass door.
I like the idea that all these benefits have been achieved, and we also may have well saved an old growth Mahogany in


Henry is absolutely correct about Therma Tru Doors. We have Therma Tru exterior double French doors in our home, and they look fantastic. The finish is the key to a look that is nearly indistinguishable from wood. Yet they perform just like a metal door, with all of the insulating value and stability. If Henry is suggesting these doors for your construction, I highly recommend you consider them. They have added a beautiful and “green” first impression to our new home.
Reply to this
I recently had my house built and I wanted it to be environmentally conscious. For the doors, I decided to go with the ProVia energy efficient doors. I highly recommend them - they not only look beautiful, but they save energy and money!
Reply to this