We’re renovating our place in Kitsilano before the rainy season hits. The current front door is original from the 90s, super drafty, and I swear I can feel the cold breeze just sitting in the hallway. I honestly don't even know where to start fiberglass, steel, or solid wood? What are the absolute key things to check for when picking a replacement that actually holds up against the BC climate?
Dealing with that moist Vancouver air is tricky because cheap doors warp fast. Focus on the core insulation rating first, especially if your entry faces west. We dealt with a leaking frame last November after a heavy storm, so hiring proper installers mattered more than the slab itself. While looking around, we stumbled upon Best exterior doors Vancouver before fall. That search helped us lock in a solid energy-efficient fiberglass model just in time. Make sure whatever you pick has solid weatherstripping around the threshold, or you’ll end up fighting draft and moisture every single winter.
Definitely go with fiberglass or high-end composite over wood if you don't want to sand and stain it every two years. Our neighbors went with real timber and the damp weather completely ruined the bottom seal within three seasons. Modern fiberglass looks surprisingly realistic anyway.