Composite Front Doors - Glass Reinforced Plastic

As the name suggests, composite doors are made from a variety of materials. uPVC and wooden frames are skinned with a composite material known as glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and then filled with a strong, thermal core.
GRP is a plastic which has been bonded with fibres of glass to create a composite material that is strong and durable but also lightweight. The addition of glass phases out the usual issues that occur when using plastic.
You may have noticed that cheap uPVC doors are prone to discolouring over time. Coloured uPVC doors will also fade if they are in an area where they are exposed to high levels of UV light. They are difficult to clean, sometimes requiring special chemical cleaners to remove stains, most of which will usually be too ingrained to remove in any way. These problems are not applicable to composite doors, due to the GRP skin. They are protected from UV light, so they won't fade or discolour. The finish is long-lasting and low-maintenance, so you won't have to worry about it. The front door is so easy to clean that you can just use a cloth to wipe it down if it shows any sign of dirt. Because the wooden frame is encased within the door, the door will not rot as doors made entirely from wood would.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits of glass reinforced plastic, the strength also means a very good level of security. Composite doors have been tested over and over and it has been found that they provide a much, much higher level of security than any of the standard doors on the market. If you dislike the appearance of metal-enforced doors but need the protection, consider buying a composite door. It has been known that persistent burglars are more likely to give up than gain access to a composite door.

The Importance of a Good Entrance

Front doors are important. They are the first impression of your home. They are used daily, several times a day even. They protect your home from weather vulnerabilities. They protect your home from potential criminal attacks. Yet, despite their importance, not many people consider them enough. As long as the door grants access, keeps the wind out and locks, people are quite happy just to make do. That is, until something happens and it becomes obvious that the front door is not meeting it's requirements.
To ensure you make the right choice when buying a new front door, check out this little guide on buying a new door, complete with checklist.

New Front Door Styles

Choosing a new front door can be very stressful. There is so much to consider: the function of the door, the security of the door, the safety of the door, the size of the door, the energy efficiency of the door, the cost of the door, the longevity of the door, the maintenance required by the door, the colour of the door and the overall look of your entrance.

So you've found a door that meets your practical and security needs, but then you discover it only comes in 2 styles - both of which you dislike, and the colour choice is even worse. To avoid reaching this point, I suggest starting your front door search by looking at composite doors. Likely to meet your every need in security, practicality and cost, the door comes in a total of 14 designs and 7 colours. With this range of choice, you may find you don't need to look any further!

The 14 different designs are split amongst 7 different styles: Westminster, Kensignton, Chigwell, Dalston, Mayfair, Trafalgar and Finsbury. The styles range from simple and classic to more intricate and modern designs. If you prefer the minimalistic and traditional look then the Kensington would be suited for you. The four-panel design comes with or without glazing. The Westminster is a smart and elegant 6 panel door, available in 2 different glazing options or solid. The Chigwell and Dalston are fancier variations of the four panel Kensington. The Trafalgar has a large window, ideal as a back door or for where the hallway is dark. The Finsbury composite door is very similar to the Trafalgar, with one large window that is rounded. Lastly, the Mayfair is an exquisite design offering 3 different glazing designs.

Each glazing design comes with a number of glass patterns, as well as privacy and security options.

For more information on front door security, I highly recommend checking out the Front Door Blog's Security Series - covering doors, hinges, glasses, hardware and more.

Composite Front Doors - The Energy Efficient Choice

For many people, the level of insulation in their home is a top priority. Having a well-insulated home reduces the cost of energy bills and can help to reduce you carbon footprint.

The first consideration is usually loft insulation. It is relatively cheap, and since heat rises, it is often the one to have the most impact on the overall warmth of your home. If your loft already has the required amount of insulation, the next consideration is energy efficient windows. Single pane windows and old, poorly glazed windows leak heat and allow draughts. Replacing the windows with A-rated energy efficient windows from a reputable company will insulate your home the best. After considering windows, it is vital to consider doors - old doors will have often changed shape with weathering over the years and the poorly fitted door will allow draughts in. Composite doors are a modern door made from several different materials that has the best insulation properties. Not only do the doors not bend or warp due to reinforcement, thus never causing draughts from gaps, but they are injected with a thermal foam, giving the door six times the level of insulation that a wooden door would provide.

Front Door Security
Hinges