Unless you are in the industry yourself, know someone who is in the industry or have recently looked into purchasing a new front door or back door, it is unlikely that you will know exactly what a composite door is.
A composite door is made from several different materials, which remain separate, rather than a singular material such as wood or uPVC. The materials used are each chosen for their beneficial properties, especially when used in conjunction with one another. The ability to take the properties of several different materials and put them together results in a front door with superior functioning, durability, appearance and strength.
They not only bridge the gap in the market between wooden and uPVC, but exceed both in virtually every way.
Composite Doors vs. Other Doors
The first thing people generally consider when looking to purchase a new front or back door, is the price. People with a small budget may not be able to afford wood, which previously left them with the only choice being uPVC. Composite doors have a mid-range price, in between uPVC and wood, which is decreasing as the doors gain popularity. Due to the lifespan and quality, the mid-range price makes composite doors a more affordable choice for a range of budgets.
The next consideration is the functioning of the door. In today's world the thermal properties and energy efficiency of a door are top priorities. Although both uPVC and wooden doors have excellent insulating qualities, they suffer from heat changes and over time shrinking and warping causes gaps between the door and the frame, leading to draughts. Composite doors do not shrink or warp, since they are made with glass reinforced plastic (GRP) - a material which remains unaffected by changes in heat. They are filled with a polyurethane foam to give it superior insulating and sound-proofing qualities.
The security of your property's entrance is another important consideration. Unfortunately, this is where both uPVC and wooden doors fail. A number of different hardware options are available for each, to increase the security, but the surface of the door remains a vulnerability. Both could easily be broken in to with enough force: the wood likely to crack and the panels of the uPVC door likely to be torn off. The GRP skin of composite doors will not crack, and the strong, secure structure of the door offers the highest protection from potential break-ins. The doors feel solid in comparison to flimsy uPVC doors, but remain lightweight.
When it comes to appearance, composite doors are available in a number of styles and colours with a range of hardware options, both practical and stylish. The skin of the door mimics the warm traditional grain of wood. The advantage is that it does not require sanding or painting to maintain its good looks. It will never fade or discolour like uPVC. If the door ever needs cleaning, all you need to do is wipe it down.
Lastly, a due consideration is the durability of the door. Composite doors exceed the lifespan of both wooden and uPVC with a lifespan of 35 years. In comparison to the other options on the door market, this makes composite a worthwhile purchase.
Facts About Composite Doors
There are a lot of people who do not know much about doors. They could probably guess when it comes to wooden or uPVC doors, but the more modern composite doors leave them at a loss.
New Front Door Installation
Composite door installation should be carried out by a qualified fitter to ensure it is done correctly. The installation requires at least two people, as the weight of the front door can make it tricky to handle.
Wooden Folding Doors
Many people are choosing to enhance their homes or business properties by installing a bi-folding door. These doors are made up of glazing panels set in hinged frames that can span large entrance ways. The frames can be made from different materials, but one of the most attractive and versatile materials used is timber.
