MasterCraft By Midwest Manufacturing Prefinished Fiberglass Entry Way Door Engineered by Unskilled Fabricators Eau Claire Wisconsin

In 2004, I paid a great deal for a Prefinished Fiberglass entry door with full side lights similar to the R672 pattern from Lowes who wisely, no longer carrys any MasterCraft products. Menards instead, has picked up the gauntlet who for a fist full of dollars, would rather sell a notoriously poor product. I like Menards, but Lowes is always better because the choose only quality manufactures.

Last year, I noticed the color was fading on the exterior and took a wet towel and wiped off the exterior thinking it was dust. Much to my surprise, some of the rust color in the fiberglass transferred to my towel! The MasterCraft door has only a 1 year warranty on the finish, whereas it lasts two years at best. Do not buy this specific product!

The door pops and cracks when the temperature changes because of its poorly engineered fabrication process. The doors should have mildly flexible seals that allow for the typical expansion and contraction related to large fiberglass products, even I know that. It swells so much in the Summer, I often have issues with the door getting stuck. Now it leaks around the inset glass where the warping process has taken its toll.

I read multiple forums that lists a large array of problems with these entry doors. http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/mastercraft-Doors_and_Windows-1-F2161.html . I checked, and am well within the lifetime warranty, but have received no follow-up on form submissions. I accepted a Lowes choice installer who was versed in the installation process, whereas it was installed by a professional.

Just an overall bad experince when time proved it's fabrication quality. A home owner is better off purchasing a real wood door if they must have woodgrain, and suffer the two year resurfacing maintenance verses dropping $1,800 to $2,200 in a fibreglass door and have to replace it entirely within 3 years. Caveat emptor!

Steven
Fishers, Indiana
U.S.A.