Utah summers can be relentless—especially in areas like St. George, Moab, and even parts of Salt Lake City where temperatures often rise above 90°F. If your front door isn’t built to handle the heat, it can become a major source of energy loss, driving up cooling costs and letting hot air seep into your home. The good news? Today’s front doors are engineered to provide serious insulation and protection from the sun. In this guide, Epic Windows + Doors explains which front door materials insulate best during hot Utah summers—and how to choose one that keeps your home cool and stylish.
Key Takeaways
- Fiberglass and steel doors with insulated cores offer the best thermal performance in Utah’s summer heat.
- Low-E glass inserts, thermal breaks, and UV-resistant finishes help reduce solar gain and energy loss.
- Epic Windows + Doors offers premium energy-efficient front doors from top brands, customized for Utah’s climate.
1. Why Door Insulation Matters in Summer
Your front door is one of the largest unshaded surfaces on your home—and when the sun beats down, it absorbs heat and transfers it inside. Poorly insulated doors can cause indoor temperatures to rise, force your AC to work harder, and make your entryway uncomfortable.
High-performance front doors act as a thermal barrier, keeping the cool air in and blocking exterior heat. Epic Windows + Doors installs summer-ready doors built to handle Utah’s intense sun and dry climate.
2. Fiberglass Doors: Best Overall Insulation
Fiberglass doors are the top choice for hot weather insulation. They feature dense polyurethane foam cores that resist heat transfer better than solid wood or standard steel. This core is sandwiched between weather-resistant fiberglass skins that won’t warp, crack, or fade in high heat.
Fiberglass doors are also highly customizable and come in both smooth and wood-grain finishes to match any style. Epic Windows + Doors recommends fiberglass front doors from brands like Therma-Tru and Jeld-Wen for maximum summer comfort and efficiency.
3. Steel Doors: Strong, Secure, and Well-Insulated
Steel entry doors are another excellent option for hot climates. Like fiberglass models, they typically contain foam-filled cores that offer superior thermal resistance. Steel doors are also incredibly durable, making them a popular choice for added security and long-lasting performance.
While steel can heat up under direct sun, high-end models include thermal breaks and UV-resistant coatings that reduce heat transfer. Epic Windows + Doors offers energy-efficient steel doors built for Utah’s intense summer sun.
4. Glass Inserts: Choose Wisely for Heat Control
Glass adds natural light and curb appeal—but if it’s not designed for energy efficiency, it can turn your entryway into a heat trap. The solution? Choose Low-E glass with double- or triple-pane construction and argon gas fills to reflect heat while still allowing light through.
Epic Windows + Doors offers decorative and modern glass insert options that don’t compromise performance. We help you choose the right glazing for both style and solar control.
5. Avoid Solid Wood in Direct Sun
Wood doors offer beauty and craftsmanship, but they’re not the best at handling prolonged sun exposure. Wood expands, contracts, and absorbs heat—leading to warping, cracking, and fading over time.
If you love the look of wood, consider a fiberglass or steel door with a wood-look finish instead. Epic Windows + Doors carries textured fiberglass doors that deliver the charm of wood with the durability and insulation needed for hot climates.
6. Features That Boost Insulation
Beyond the door material itself, small design details can make a big impact in reducing summer heat transfer. Look for:
- Compression weather stripping around the door frame
- Insulated thresholds
- High-performance door sweeps
- Foam-filled cores with R-values of 7 or higher
Epic Windows + Doors ensures every entry system is sealed, fitted, and rated to handle Utah’s climate efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which front door material insulates best in hot weather?
Fiberglass doors with foam cores offer the best thermal performance, followed by insulated steel doors with thermal breaks.
Is glass a bad idea for front doors in the summer?
Not if you choose Low-E, double-pane, or triple-pane glass with gas fills. These options reduce solar heat gain and UV exposure.
Do steel doors get too hot to touch?
Not high-quality ones. Most modern steel doors include coatings and internal insulation that minimize exterior heat buildup.
Are wood doors a good choice for Utah summers?
Not ideal. Wood absorbs heat, can warp, and requires constant maintenance in hot, dry conditions.
Can I customize the look of an energy-efficient door?
Absolutely. Epic Windows + Doors offers customizable fiberglass and steel doors in various colors, finishes, and designs—with or without glass inserts.
Utah Cities We Serve
Epic Windows + Doors proudly serves homeowners across Utah, including:
Salt Lake City
St. George
Provo
West Valley City
Sandy
Orem
Cedar City
Layton
Draper
Logan
Contact Epic Windows + Doors Today
Ready to upgrade to a front door that keeps the heat out and your home cool? Epic Windows + Doors offers high-performance fiberglass and steel doors built for Utah summers—with expert installation and design support every step of the way. Visit epicwd.com/ to schedule your free consultation today.