Friday 8 January 2010

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.

Monday 4 January 2010

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.