Tempe’s desert climate (intense sun, 100°F+ heat, monsoon humidity swings) and typical home styles (mid-century ranch, 1990s-2000s stucco tract homes, some historic brick near downtown) make door replacement different than in other regions. Heat gain, UV damage, and dust sealing are the primary concerns—not rot or freezing. 1. Material Recommendations for Tempe | Material | Durability in Tempe | Energy Efficiency (Cooling) | Maintenance | Best For | |----------|--------------------|----------------------------|-------------|----------| | Fiberglass | Excellent – no warp, resists UV fading | High – can foam-filled, low thermal transfer | Very low – repaint every 5-7 years | Most homes; best overall choice | | Steel | Good – but gets extremely hot to touch; can rust if scratched | Medium – conducts heat unless thermally broken | Low – but dents possible | North-facing doors, security-focused | | Wood | Poor – swells in monsoon, cracks in dry heat, needs constant sealing | Medium – natural insulator but gaps form | High – yearly maintenance | Historic homes (e.g., Maple-Ash neighborhood) | | Aluminum/Glass | Poor for direct sun – frame gets 150°F+, seals fail | Very low – single-pane glass is terrible | Medium – cleaning glass | Covered porches or south-facing with overhang only |