Door | Replacement Tempe

Replacing a door in Tempe isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about combating the Sonoran Desert climate . With summer highs over 110°F, intense UV exposure, and monsoon storms, the wrong door can warp, leak cool air, or fail within a few years. A well-chosen replacement improves energy efficiency, security, and curb appeal . Key Local Factors for Tempe Homeowners | Factor | Impact on Door Replacement | |--------|----------------------------| | Extreme heat | Metal doors can become too hot to touch; vinyl can warp. Fiberglass or steel with thermal break is best. | | UV degradation | Paint fades, wood cracks, and composites yellow. UV-rated finishes are essential. | | Monsoon winds/rain | Doors need robust weatherstripping and proper flashing to prevent water intrusion. | | Termites | Wood doors (even steel-clad with wood cores) can attract drywood termites common in Tempe. | | Energy codes | Arizona Title 20 requires doors to meet specific U-factor and solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC). | Best Door Materials for Tempe | Material | Pros | Cons | Tempe Suitability | |----------|------|------|-------------------| | Fiberglass | Resists heat/UV, no warping, low maintenance, energy-efficient (insulated cores) | Higher upfront cost, limited custom shapes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best overall | | Steel | Strong, secure, affordable | Gets extremely hot, dents, can rust if scratched | ⭐⭐⭐ Good with thermal break | | Wood | Beautiful, natural insulator | Needs constant maintenance, termite risk, warps | ⭐⭐ Not recommended | | Aluminum/Glass | Modern look, natural light | Poor insulator (single-pane), conducts heat | ⭐ Only for shaded/covered entries | Recommendation : Fiberglass entry doors with low-E glass and foam insulation. Estimated Costs in Tempe (2025 prices) Includes door, labor, hardware, and old door removal. Permits not included.