When it comes to choosing the perfect front door for your home, there are endless choices. From material and style to colour and accessories, shortlisting your options can take time and consideration. To help you begin narrowing down your favourites, we’re going to shine the spotlight on a keen favourite amongst our clients – the composite door. But what is a composite door? And is it right for your home? Let’s take a closer look!
What Is A Composite Door? Your Questions Answered
For more than 20 years, we have been installing front doors in Aylesbury and the surrounding areas and have had the pleasure of working closely with thousands of clients to upgrade their homes. By far, one of the most popular choices in terms of style and functionality is composite doors. Promising strength, durability and enhanced insulation, there is no surprise that composite doors come up on top time after time again.
- What Are Composite Doors?
- What Are Composite Doors Made Of?
- What Are The Benefits Of Composite Doors?
- What Is The Difference Between UPVC And Composite Doors?
- How Much Are Composite Doors?
- Can Composite Doors Be Painted?
- How To Clean Composite Doors
What Are Composite Doors?
Most commonly used at the front of your home, composite doors combine more than one material to create a more robust, secure solution. Specifically taking into consideration the flaws of using a single material, composite doors are designed to take advantage of the most desirable traits of each. Pressed and then glued together during a high-pressure manufacturing process, when combined, these materials offer one of the toughest door options on the market.
What Are Composite Doors Made Of?
As mentioned above, composite doors combine the best characteristics of several materials; these are the following:
- Core: Almost all composite doors are designed with a timber core to not only provide strength but also insulation. Any remaining internal space is then filled with polyurethane foam, making the door even more energy-efficient.
- Inner Frame: The inner frame combines several materials, beginning with hardwood and then layered with UPVC and GRP panels. These add extra stability while also preventing the timber underneath from rotting, warping or cracking over time.
- Exterior: On the outside of a composite door is a sturdy UPVC frame complete with steel reinforcement. Due to the versatility of UPVC, composite doors are typically designed to replicate the appearance of wood and can be finished in the colour of your choice.
What Are The Benefits Of Composite Doors?
When deciding whether a composite door is the best choice for you, it is important to delve into the benefits and how it compares to other options. With this in mind, just some of the reasons our clients continue to choose composite doors for their homes include:
Low Maintenance
Although composite doors have a wood grain finish, they do not require the regular upkeep that a timber door would demand. There will be no need to paint, varnish or stain periodically; simply washing the door when it begins to look grubby will be enough to keep its appearance pristine.
Thermal Efficiency
As mentioned previously, the thermal efficiency of composite doors cannot be beaten. Each of the materials used, from the polyurethane core to the GRP panels, offers excellent insulative benefits, helping to retain heat, reduce heat loss and, therefore, make your home more energy efficient. For more helpful tips on how to save energy, take a look at our previous article!
Noise Reduction
Along with retaining heat, composite doors also offer sound insulation, whether it be reducing noise from inside or outside your home. This makes composite doors particularly popular amongst those with a property on a main road or in a busy area.
Customisable Appearance
Composite doors are available in a wide range of modern, contemporary and traditional styles, meaning it couldn’t be easier to customise their appearance to your home. From the colour of the door to the handles, glass panes and lock, composite doors are custom-made to suit your vision and slot seamlessly into your property.
Weather Resistant
Unlike standard doors, composite doors will not be impacted by changes in temperature or adverse weather conditions. They will not warp, rot or rust in the heat, and you won’t have to worry about them swelling when it rains, making them a long-lasting solution. In fact, we are so confident in the longevity of composite doors that we offer a 10-year warranty as standard!
Enhanced Safety
Everyone wants to feel safe in the comfort of their own home, and with composite doors, you can be sure that you will be protected. The use of GRP combined with steel reinforcement means that this door style can withstand a far heavier impact than its counterparts. Using multiple materials also makes the overall structure far thicker, further improving security.
What Is The Difference Between UPVC And Composite Doors?
When choosing the right door for your home, we can be almost certain that there are two options which will strike your interest: UPVC and composite. But what is the difference? And more importantly, which is best?
In short, UPVC doors are made from one material only (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, a hardened version of PVC), whereas composite doors feature UPVC amongst other materials. The best way to compare them is by taking a closer look at their key characteristics:
- Strength & Security: UPVC doors are designed with reinforced panels and feature multi-point locking systems, making them far stronger than alternatives such as timber. Composite doors, on the other hand, have the same features but are also around twice the thickness of UPVC doors.
- Customisation: UPVC and composite doors are similar in terms of customisation. It is possible to personalise both to suit your aesthetics, whether you like a modern or traditional style. They can also be complete with custom glazing to add a unique touch to your door design.
- Cost: UPVC doors are known for being a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise quality, so it is fair to say that if you opt for composite, your investment will be more expensive.
- Energy Efficiency: UPVC and composite doors are both great for improving the energy efficiency of your home; however, you will likely find that composite can retain heat slightly better due to the multiple layers.
When choosing Crown Windows for your doors in Aylesbury or any of the surrounding areas, we will always spend time understanding your key requirements. From here, we will recommend which door material best suits your needs, style and budget. Feel free to contact us to book your free design consultation.
How Much Are Composite Doors?
As with any home upgrade, the cost of installing a composite door differs based on style, size and feature specifications. You will likely see the price range anywhere from £550 to £2,500 for the door, not including labour costs. To ensure that your investment fits within your budget, we provide all clients with a free quote for their chosen door type and will happily recommend how you can achieve the look you have in mind without going over budget.
Can Composite Doors Be Painted?
Although it is possible to paint a composite door, it is important to keep a few considerations in mind before going ahead.
The first is that, during the manufacturing process, composite doors are complete with a protective layer, and the colour of your door is incorporated into this. It is specifically designed not to flake, chip or crack, so if you were to paint over it, you risk being exposed to wear and tear.
The second factor is your warranty. In many cases, painting or modifying your door can void your warranty, as it will only cover the original condition of the door.
If you have weighed up your options and decided that you would still like to paint your composite door, we recommend taking a look at Clydebuilt Home Improvements for a helpful how-to guide.
How To Clean Composite Doors
As mentioned when discussing the benefits of composite doors, one of the most desirable traits of this style is its low maintenance. To keep your composite door looking its best, you will simply need to keep it clean – and here’s how!
First and foremost, it is vital to avoid using rough or abrasive materials, along with harsh chemicals and solvents, as this can damage the door – there is also no need to scrub. Instead, use a soft sponge soaked in warm, soapy water to gently remove dust, dirt and grime from the surface. Once clean, dry with a soft cloth. It really is as easy as that!
Is A Composite Door The Right Choice For You?
From security to aesthetics, composite doors promise a wealth of benefits, making them a superior choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home. If you would like to discuss your project in more detail or see real examples of composite door options, why not visit our showroom? Having spent more than 20 years specialising in windows, doors and double glazing in Aylesbury and the surrounding areas, our team are always on hand to advise and would happily put together your ideas using our 3D design technology.
