RELIABILT Front Doors
RELIABILT front doors are steel and fiberglass entry doors sold exclusively at Lowe's. Available in single-door, double-door, and sidelight configurations.
RELIABILT front doors start at $150 for a basic steel entry door and go up to $500+ for fiberglass doors with decorative glass inserts. Manufactured primarily by JELD-WEN, these doors come prehung with weatherstripping, threshold, and hinges included. Most models are Energy Star certified. Steel doors offer the best value and security, while fiberglass resists denting and can be stained to look like real wood.
Steel vs Fiberglass Front Doors
| Feature | Steel | Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $150 - $350 | $250 - $500+ |
| Dent Resistance | Can dent on impact | Dent-proof |
| Paintable | Yes, any exterior paint | Yes, and can be stained |
| Insulation | Polyurethane foam core | Polyurethane foam core |
| Security | Strongest option | Good, lighter than steel |
| Best For | Budget, security priority | Curb appeal, wood look |
What's Included
RELIABILT prehung front doors come with the door slab, frame, hinges (typically 3), weatherstripping on all four sides, an adjustable threshold, and a bore hole for a standard deadbolt and knob. You supply the knobs and deadbolts separately. Glass insert models include the glass panel factory-installed with a limited lifetime seal warranty.
How to Choose a RELIABILT Front Door
Measure your rough opening before ordering. Standard RELIABILT front doors fit 36" x 80" rough openings (37.5" x 82" framed). If your opening is wider than 36", look at double-door or sidelight configurations instead of forcing a single door into a non-standard frame.
Pick steel if security or budget is the priority. A 20-gauge galvanized steel skin resists forced entry better than fiberglass. Choose fiberglass if your door faces direct sun for more than 4 hours per day, since steel conducts heat and can warp over time in extreme exposure.
Glass inserts add curb appeal but reduce insulation. Half-lite doors (upper half glass) still provide decent energy efficiency. Full-lite doors lose more heat in winter. If you live in Climate Zone 5 or higher, stick with solid or half-lite panels. Decorative glass (textured, frosted) provides privacy while still transmitting natural light.
Single door, double door, or sidelight configuration: A single 36" door is the standard choice for most homes. Double doors (two 30" panels) suit wider openings of 60" or more and create a grand entrance. Sidelight configurations add narrow fixed glass panels beside the door for extra light without the cost of a full double door setup.
Consider pairing your front door with a screen or storm door for added weather protection and ventilation during mild seasons. If you need a secondary entry point, see back doors for simpler, lower-cost options.
Front Door Installation Tips
Remove the old door and frame completely. Prehung front doors include their own frame, so the old frame must come out. Pry off the interior casing trim first, then cut through the shims and nails holding the old frame to the rough opening. Save the trim if it is in good condition for reinstallation.
Dry-fit the new door before applying caulk. Set the prehung unit into the rough opening without fasteners to check the fit. Verify clearance on all sides and ensure the threshold sits level on the subfloor. Adjust with shims as needed before committing.
Apply a continuous bead of exterior caulk to the back of the brick mold (exterior trim) before pressing the door into the opening. This seals the joint between the door frame and the house sheathing to prevent water infiltration. Use polyurethane caulk for the best adhesion and flexibility.
Shim behind every hinge and behind the strike plate. Place shims at the three hinge locations and the deadbolt strike plate. Drive 3" screws through the hinge into the stud for structural support. Check that the door swings freely and the deadbolt engages after each shim adjustment.
Common Front Door Problems and Fixes
Drafts around the edges: Weatherstripping compresses over time. Replace the foam or rubber seal by peeling off the old strip and pressing new adhesive-backed weatherstripping into the channel. Replacement kits cost $10-20 at Lowe's.
Door sticking or hard to close: Steel doors expand slightly in summer heat. First check that the hinges are tight (tighten screws). If the door still sticks, use a block plane to shave 1/16" off the latch side. On fiberglass doors, check the threshold adjustment screws on the sill plate.
Rust spots on steel doors: Sand the rusted area with 120-grit sandpaper, apply a rust-inhibiting primer, then repaint with exterior-grade paint. Catch rust early to prevent it from spreading beneath the paint film.
Deadbolt misalignment: If the deadbolt does not engage the strike plate cleanly, remove the strike plate and enlarge the mortise with a chisel. Reinstall with 3" screws that reach the wall stud for added security.
Glass insert fogging (condensation between panes): This indicates a failed seal in the insulated glass unit. The glass panel must be replaced, not repaired. Check your RELIABILT warranty coverage, as sealed glass units typically carry a 10-year or lifetime seal warranty depending on the model.
How to Maintain Your Front Door
Clean twice a year with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners on both steel and fiberglass finishes. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Repaint steel doors every 3-5 years or sooner if you notice chalking, fading, or exposed primer. Use a 100% acrylic latex exterior paint. Fiberglass doors hold color longer and typically need repainting every 7-10 years.
Replace weatherstripping every 5-7 years or when you can feel air leaking with the door closed. Test by holding a lit lighter near the edges on a windy day. If the flame flickers, the seal has failed.
Lubricate hinges annually with silicone spray or white lithium grease. This prevents squeaking and reduces wear on the hinge pins. Check that all hinge screws are snug at the same time.
Inspect the threshold and sill pan every fall before the wet season. Water that pools at the threshold can wick under the door frame and cause subfloor rot. Adjust the threshold height to maintain a tight seal against the door bottom, and recaulk the exterior where the frame meets the siding.
Touch up the door bottom edge annually. The bottom edge of steel and fiberglass doors is the most vulnerable to moisture. If the factory finish is worn, apply a bead of exterior sealant or paint to prevent water from penetrating the core material.
Front Door Questions
Are RELIABILT front doors Energy Star certified?
Most RELIABILT steel and fiberglass front doors with polyurethane foam cores meet Energy Star requirements for all U.S. climate zones. Check the product listing at Lowe's for the Energy Star label on your specific model, as some glass-heavy configurations may not qualify in northern zones.
Can I install a RELIABILT front door myself?
Yes. Prehung front doors are designed for DIY installation and take 2-4 hours with basic tools (level, drill, shims, screws). The frame comes pre-assembled, so you set it into the rough opening, shim it plumb and level, then secure with screws. Lowe's also offers professional installation starting around $250 if you prefer.
Do RELIABILT front doors come with a warranty?
RELIABILT front doors carry a limited lifetime warranty on the door slab and a limited warranty on the finish, typically 3-5 years depending on the model. Glass inserts have a separate seal warranty. Keep your Lowe's receipt as proof of purchase for all warranty claims.
Pair your new front door with a matching handleset and deadbolt. For storm protection, add a RELIABILT screen door in front. See customer reviews for durability feedback, and check warranty coverage before purchasing.