In this article, we will cover front doors. As the main entranceway to your home, choosing a replacement front door is a big decision; one that must consider security, durability, and ease of access, as well as aesthetic appearance. Of all the options available, composite doors and UPVC doors are the most versatile, long lasting, and cost-effective – with pure timber doors rarely used these days. Let’s start by explaining what each type of door is, before looking at the pros and cons of each.
Composite doors
Composite front doors are made from a thermally efficient and secure high density foam core, coated with a thick layer of waterproof glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). This gives composite doors the look and feel of wooden doors, but with added durability and heat retention characteristics – as well as a longer service life. The materials are joined together under high pressure to form an extremely strong door, and there are many different styles available to suit different properties and tastes, from the ultra-traditional to sleek, modern designs.
Advantages
- Stronger than both pure timber doors and UPVC doors – composite doors provide a strong deterrent to thieves, and offer the best level of security.
- Your door can be personalised with custom accessories, glazing styles, and a variety of natural wood finishes or colours to suit your personal tastes.
- Composite doors have the beauty and class of traditional wooden doors, but retain their appearance for far longer.
- A wide range of colours and glazing options available.
- Better heat retention than timber doors, leading to lower heating bills.
- The anticipated lifespan of these doors is at least 25 years
Disadvantages
- Composite doors are more expensive than their UPVC equivalents.
- As partially wooden structures, some composite doors have a lower fire safety rating than fully plastic UPVC doors.
UPVC doors
Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) doors are moulded from a tough, durable polymer/plastic material into a variety of colours and styles. UPVC doors are cheap to produce and provide excellent long-term value for money, being resistant to the elements and changes in temperature. As front doors, they offer a decent level of security and privacy, and can be supplemented with a range of glazing options.
Advantages
- Fully customisable – ‘traditional’ UPVC doors usually came in white, but modern fabrication methods allow a better selection of colours, styles and imitation finishes, including various realistic wood grains.
- UPVC doors consist of a tough shell with a foam filled interior reinforced with a 4mm core of MDF, and double-glazed panes, providing an excellent level of insulation at the entrance to the home. UPVC itself is a poor conductor of heat, which minimises internal heat loss in winter and helps keep the house cool in summer.
- Exceptionally low maintenance compared with traditional wooden doors – no repainting, varnishing, or finishing required. UPVC doors display little to no sign of weathering, and just need an occasional clean.
- Sustainable investment – a UPVC front door and window could last 40 years or more and is recyclable at end of life.
- UPVC doors have a good soundproofing rating, reducing external noise by up to 50%.
- Cheaper than composite doors.
Disadvantages
- Some UPVC door designs have a cheap ‘plastic’ appearance.
- UPVC doors do not have the same level of security and strength as composite doors, and are unlikely to resist a determined break in.
Attractive and durable front doors from Harvey’s Windows
At Harvey’s Windows, we offer customers a range of UPVC double glazed composite doors to suit every budget, personal taste, and security requirement. Overall, composite doors – although more expensive – provide better long-term value for money, greater security, and better energy efficiency than most standard UPVC front doors. However, if you are unsure of the door you require, or would like to discuss your options with one of our team, please give us a call today.
Image Source: Unsplash