Tuesday 29 December 2009

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.

Friday 18 December 2009

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

Wednesday 16 December 2009

Composite Door Style

Composite doors come in seven designs. Almost all of these designs have several variations of glazing and panels, for you to choose the level of privacy and light allowance that suits you and your home. Further customizations can be made by choosing from a large range of door glass designs. These glasses come in simple designs or more intricate stylish designs. If you choose a door with a large central window, you may prefer to choose a backing of obscure glass to give you more privacy. Again, there are a number of options to choose from - each one providing a different look and a different level of privacy.

Make sure you choose a door shop that offers you a full range of options, so you can get the door that suits your needs perfectly.

What are composite doors?
Composite door security

Tuesday 1 December 2009

Composite uPVC Door - Modern Perfection

A composite uPVC door is the perfect addition to your home. The door was designed in recent years, taking advantage of modern technology to phase out any potential flaws. If you've ever seen a composite front door, then you'll know that it was designed with function in mind, not just cost and appearance.

Each composite uPVC door is made to order. Don't just go to your local DIY warehouse to pick up a standard front door which may or may not fit perfectly. This results in gaps, drafts, doors which get stuck in the winter and summer and poorly secured locks. Instead, measure your front door and get your new door made to fit.

What are Composite Front Doors?
Front Door History
Composite Front Door Security

Saturday 21 November 2009

Composite Front Doors & Security

Around two thirds of burglars gain access to a property through a door. With this in mind, it is important for you to consider how secure one of the most vulnerable points of your home is. Not only would a secure front door offer you piece of mind, but it would benefit your insurance coverage and add value to your property.

Wooden and uPVC doors are known for their weaknesses. uPVC doors are often so flimsy that they can easily be kicked in, either ripping from the frame or panels becoming loose. Wooden doors aren't much better, with enough force the entire door can easily crack. They mostly rely on the hardware used, the hinges and the locks, to keep the property relatively secure.
Because composite doors are comprised of several materials, which have each been chosen for their beneficial properties, they do not crack or break up. The hardware used by most composite door manufacturers is of the highest quality, to compliment the superb door. High security hinges, multi-point locks and laminated glass all offer protection whilst you are away from your home and spy holes and security chains reduce the risk of potential intruders taking advantage of you opening your door to the unknown.

If you're in the UK, make sure you get the highest level of security by looking out for the Secured by Design logo. Secured by Design is a UK police initiative which tests security products such as doors, windows, locks and more. The products tested are subjected to a higher level of attack than standard security tests, so you know that if you get a Secured by Design approved product, you are getting the best security possible.

What are Composite Doors?

Friday 13 November 2009

What are Composite Doors?

For those of you not in the industry, the key question you probably have whenever you see or hear a composite door mentioned is what actually is a composite door?

Basically, a composite door is a door made from a combination of different materials instead of a singular material, such as wood or uPVC. The materials remain separate in the finished door and are chosen for their qualities. Being able to combine several different materials with beneficial properties results in the ability to create a door superior to doors of the past. The flaws of wooden and uPVC doors are taken in to consideration and improved upon in this modern door.

Composite doors are used in entrances of homes, both as front doors and back doors.