12  |  SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE  |  FALL 2026
supports these requirements. The internal 
structure allows reinforcement for any 
hardware configuration; mechanical or 
electronic, and the lighter weight design 
reduces stress on components over years 
of heavy use.
Appearance Matters
Entrances set the tone for a building. 
FRP face sheets are available in multiple 
textures, colors, and finishes, from pebble 
and sandstone to woodgrain options 
suitable for historic properties or areas 
where the look of wood is desired without 
the high maintenance.
Where Hybrid FRP Makes Sense — 
And Where It Doesn’t
The primary drawback is cost. Hybrid 
FRP doors carry a higher upfront 
price than standard hollow metal. For 
lowtraffic mechanical rooms or storage 
closets, that premium may not make 
sense. But for the openings that take 
the most abuse: main entrances, gyms, 
Hybrid FRP Doors, continued
cafeterias, exterior 
doors, and any location 
with moisture and heavy 
traffic, hybrid FRP is 
worth considering. The 
longterm savings from 
eliminating repainting, 
reducing hardware failures, 
and avoiding premature door 
replacement often outweigh 
the initial investment.
Facility managers don’t get 
many chances to eliminate 
a recurring maintenance 
headache permanently. 
Door selection during 
design or renovation is one 
of those opportunities. It’s worth a 
conversation with your architect or door 
supplier before the next round of exterior 
doors is specified.
Hybrid FRP Door Construction
Author: Casey Cohorst, CSI, CDT — Founder of 810 Resource, a manufacturers’ representative for SpecialLite FRP 
doors and other innovative door/hardware brands. Casey has written door and hardware specifications for KS and 
MO schools for more than 15 years.
DESIGN/BUILD,  
CONSTRUCTION  
MANAGEMENT AT RISK,  
& ENERGY PERFORMANCE 
CONTRACTING  
FOR K-12 SCHOOLS
Ameresco can assist you and your district in identifying 
the best solution to fit your needs. For more information 
about Ameresco and our full portfolio of solutions, 
please call (314) 325-6048 or visit ameresco.com.
K-12 PROCUREMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE  
AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS 
We are known for  
being the Easy Button.
With over $450M in delivered services in the state 
of Missouri ranging from bond infrastructure 
improvements to enterprise asset management 
to budget-neutral upgrades to renewable energy, 
Ameresco delivers excellence and will make this 
process easy for you, your team and your district. 

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