Understanding Composite Doors
When it comes to choosing the right door for your home, you're presented with a myriad of options. One type that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the composite door. But what exactly is a composite door, and why should you consider it for your home?
In this article, we'll delve into the details of new composite doors, exploring their construction, benefits, and why they stand out in the world of doors.
What is a Composite Door?
A composite door is a type of entrance door that is constructed using a combination of various materials.
Unlike traditional solid wood or uPVC doors, composite doors are engineered to provide enhanced durability, security, and energy efficiency.
The Components of a Composite Door
GRP Glass Fibre Reinforcement
This is essecnitally what makes a composite door a composite door!
At the core of a composite door lies a strong fibre material, often made of high-density polyurethane foam or a wood composite. This provides the door with structural stability.
Outer Frame
The outer frame of a composite door is typically made of uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), a material known for its resilience against weathering.
Double Glazing
Some composite doors come with glass panels for added aesthetics and natural light. These glass sections are reinforced to maintain the door's security features.
Decorative Finish
The outer surface of a composite door is finished with a high-quality, weather-resistant skin that mimics the appearance of natural wood. This finish is not only visually appealing but also protects the door from the elements.
Advantages of Choosing a Composite Door
When it comes to getting a brand-new composite door fitted in your home, many homeowners will want to know the many benefits they can bring. Here are some of the short-term and long-term advantages of composite doors.
Durability and Longevity
Composite doors are designed to withstand the harshest of weather conditions. They do not warp, crack, or fade over time, ensuring that your door remains in top-notch condition for years to come.
This makes them an extremely worthwhile investment, as they will be a mainstay in your home for many years to come. Composite doors are far better than uPVC and wooden doors in this department due to their ability to withstand various temperatures and conditions.
Timber and uPVC will often break and warp in harsher weather, meaning they must be repaired or replaced, costing you even more money.
Enhanced Security
With their robust construction and advanced locking systems, composite doors provide a higher level of security compared to many other door types. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners prioritising safety.
The layers of different materials used when constructing composite front doors mean they reap the benefits of each material, making them extremely strong and very difficult to damage or break through.
On top of this, composite doors are fitted with 3-star anti-snap locking systems, elevating the level of security they offer even higher.
Energy Efficiency
The insulation properties of composite doors are superior to those of traditional wooden doors. This means that your home will be better protected against drafts, leading to potential energy savings.
This is due to composite doors having more resistance to warping compared to other materials, as a warped door means they will have changed shape and be less likely to be weatherproof due to potential gaps in the door.
You can make your front composite door even more energy-efficient with double and triple glazing, which improves the insulation and retains heat to a much better standard.
Low Maintenance
Unlike natural wood doors that require regular sanding, painting, and varnishing, composite doors are virtually maintenance-free. A simple wipe-down with a mild detergent is all that's needed to keep them looking brand new.
Aesthetic Versatility
Composite doors come in a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes, allowing you to choose a door that complements the aesthetic of your home.
Head over to Larnec Doors if you are interested in industrial doors.
Disadvantages of Composite Doors
Despite the many benefits of composite doors installed in a property, there may be some other details to examine before making a decision on them. Whilst composite doors are majorly valuable to any home, there are some possible disadvantages that come with them.
Higher New Door Cost
The initial cost of composite doors is usually quite expensive, especially when compared to cheaper uPVC doors.
For those who are operating on a smaller budget, a composite door may be more difficult to buy and get installed, although many installers, like Value Doors in the UK for example, offer finance options to make this much easier.
Although the initial price of the new doors fitted might be a bit more on the expensive side, they can actually end up saving you money long-term compared to uPVC doors.
Due to their low maintenance, energy efficiency and ability to withstand higher temperatures without warping, they are often cheaper than other door materials. uPVC doors are considerably weaker than composite doors and usually need to be repaired or replaced a lot more often than composite front doors do.
Creaking Problems
Over time, a front composite door can creak more often as it is opened and closed, which isn’t a major issue but can be quite annoying for people.
This problem isn’t exclusive to composite doors and usually happens with all types of front doors. Doors creaking is commonly caused by the door hinges rubbing against each other, which can be easily fixed by lubricating them with silicone spray.
Another way creaking is caused is by the plastic inside the composite door expanding and contracting during hotter weather, although this is much less common in composite doors compared to uPVC doors and timber doors.
Is a Composite Door Right for You?
Factors to Consider
Budget
While composite doors may have a higher upfront cost compared to some other options, their long-term durability and energy-saving properties can make them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Climate
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, a composite door's ability to withstand such conditions may make it the ideal choice for your home.
Aesthetics
Consider the architectural style and colour scheme of your home when selecting a composite door. With the wide range of options available, you will surely find one that complements your property.
Composite Doors - Our Verdict
In summary, a composite door is a high-quality entrance solution that offers durability, security, energy efficiency, and aesthetic versatility. Its innovative construction, combining various materials, sets it apart from traditional door options.
While the initial investment may be slightly higher, the long-term benefits more than justify the cost. So, if you're looking for a door that combines style with substance, a composite door might be the perfect choice for you and your home.
