The True Cost of Front Doors

Composite doors are not the cheapest doors on the market. They are often marketed as being the best value for money, this is not a lie however. When you are making any large purchase, you should consider the real value of what you are buying. You may have heard of the term 'false economy'. This is a common occurrence - you buy something that is cheap and it lasts barely any time at all or has significant faults, making it more expensive to sort out or replace than if you had just spent a bit more and gotten something of quality in the first place.
So what factors should you consider when it comes to front doors?

1. Lifespan - this is probably the most obvious consideration when it comes to deciding the true value. If the more expensive door has a considerably longer lifespan than the cheaper door, it is probably a better investment and overall better value.
2. Hardware - it is important to check the quality of the hinges, locks and other hardware components. Cheap hardware can not only lead to problems with the functioning of the door and require replacements, but if the hardware breaks it can sometimes cause damage to the door itself.
3. Energy efficiency - an external door with low energy efficiency can cause your energy bills to be significantly higher. It is important to get a front door that will not be affected by heat changes. Cheap doors will often warp, shrink or expand which cause gaps that let the heat out.
4. Maintenance - All front doors require maintaining throughout their lifespan to ensure they stay operating at their best. Some doors, like composite doors, require just an oiling to the hinges. This works out to be relatively cheap. Other doors, such as wooden doors, require the hinges to be oiled also, but for the surface to be sanded and repainted or varnished periodically. uPVC doors require a special cleaner to ensure the surface remains clean.

Composite Doors in Modern Homes

Composite doors are suitable in any home, especially modern homes and new builds. The smart, attractive appearance of the door adds warmth and elegance. There are many options to choose from with a composite door. You could choose from seven colours, a host of different designs and, if you choose a glazed door, many different attractive glass designs. With all the different style options available, you can really add personality to your entrance.

The benefits of having a composite front door go beyond appearance and style. Composite doors are renowned for their superior quality, longevity and function. The front doors have thermal cores which make them up to six times more energy efficient. To add to this efficiency, there is the fact that the doors do not shrink or expand with heat changes, so the door will remain flush inside the frame - preventing draughty gaps from forming and the door from sticking.
There are also many security benefits. The tough skin of the door is stronger than most other front doors, resisting damage and cracks. Composite doors come with multi-point locks as standard, holding the door in to the frame in multiple places, ensuring that your home remains secure.

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.

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

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

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?

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.