What is a Composite Door?
Composite doors are an excellent option for homeowners who want their doors to both look great and also deliver high performance. A composite door is made from a combination of materials, which combine to produce a stronger material than the individual components that have been used. These materials typically include wood, PVC, insulating foam core, and glass-reinforced plastic.
This door type has boomed in popularity due to its elegant finish and longevity – lasting 30+ years in most cases. Composite doors offer a stronger, more durable product that offers superior performance when compared to traditional door materials.
Its unique construction gives it a stylish, wood-grain finish while also maintaining the core practical benefits you want from a door. With composite doors, you can rest easy knowing that you will be protected from harsh weather conditions.
Durable and Low Maintenance
Composite doors are incredibly durable, perfect for harsh British weather conditions. Resistant to warping, rotting, and fading, composite doors possess a long lifespan and require very little maintenance. This makes them a cost-effective and practical choice for homeowners, saving you significant amounts of money in the long run.
Strong and Secure
If you’re a cautious homeowner when it comes to security, then composite doors will give you added peace of mind. Security features include their robust construction and multi-point locking systems, which combine to protect your home against intruders. A worthwhile consideration for homeowners who are vulnerable or who have young family members.
Easy on the eye
Not only are the practical benefits of a door important, but a door’s design must also be visually appealing and eye-catching. Composite doors have excellent aesthetic appeal, thanks to the wide range of styles, colours, and finishes on offer. This means they suit the architectural design of any property and match the personal tastes of all homeowners. First impressions matter!
What is the difference between a uPVC door and a composite door?
There are several key differences between a uPVC door and a composite door. Here, we put the two different door types head-to-head to see how they match up.
Material composition
- uPVC doors: Made entirely of plastic, typically with a reinforced steel frame. They are lightweight and have a smooth, plastic-like appearance.
- Composite doors: Made from a combination of materials, such as wood, PVC, insulating foam core, and glass-reinforced plastic. They have a solid and sturdy construction, resembling the appearance of timber doors
Insulation and energy efficiency
- uPVC doors: Provide decent insulation.
- Composite doors: Offer excellent insulation due to their multi-layered construction and insulating foam core. They help to keep homes warm in winter and cooler in summer, leading to potential energy savings and increased comfort.
Appearance and aesthetic options
- uPVC doors: Available in a limited range of colours and finishes.
- Composite doors: Come in a wide variety of styles, colours, and finishes to suit any home's aesthetic preferences. They can mimic the appearance of timber doors while offering the benefits of modern materials.
Maintenance requirements
- uPVC doors: Require minimal maintenance and can be cleaned with soap and water.
- Composite doors: Also require minimal maintenance.
Cost considerations
- uPVC doors: Generally more affordable than composite doors, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners.
- Composite doors: Tend to be more expensive upfront due to their material make-up and construction. However, they offer better long-term value and durability, making them a great investment in the long run.
Do composite doors fade?
Trying to keep your doors looking brand new and full of life isn’t easy, especially in the UK where we are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Fortunately, composite doors are designed to be highly resistant to fading, so your door can maintain its original colour for longer.
However, like any material exposed to weathering, even composite doors will experience some degree of fading over time, but this will be minimal in comparison to other materials.
How Long Will Composite Doors Last?
The lifespan of your door is very important. Not only do you want it to maintain its sleek appearance for a long time, but you also don’t want to constantly fork out for replacements.
Composite doors are built to last. However, their lifespan will depend on factors such as the quality of materials used, the manufacturing process, and the level of maintenance they receive. If you buy a composite door from a reputable supplier, such as Safestyle, you can expect it to last for 30+ years on average.
Summary
So, there you have it, hopefully, you now know what a composite door is and have enough information to make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your home.
If you want a door that provides superior strength, requires little maintenance, and has a long lifespan, then composite doors could be the solution to your front and back door woes.
To ensure you choose a composite door that delivers on quality and performance, make sure you pick a reputable supplier. At Safestyle, we’ve got over 30 years of experience fitting doors and windows. Get in touch with a member of our customer service team today for more information.