Composite doors: your 10 questions answered

When it comes to choosing a new front door for your home there are always going to be questions that come up during your research process.

Your front door is the perfect opportunity to reflect your home style and personality. Providing both a warm welcome to your guests, whilst offering robust security is as important factor to consider.

1. Which is better a uPVC door or composite door?

There are pros and cons to both options to consider, the decision comes down to which option is right for your home and budget. A uPVC door is generally the cheaper option; however, this doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on style. There’s a wide choice of door designs and colours to choose from to suit your style.

Composite doors have a much wider choice of colours and hardware options, so you can make a more bespoke design for your home. A slightly higher price tag for composite doors comes with improved security features, greater durability and insulation properties.

2. Are all front doors the same size?

In short. No. Houses, bungalows and flats are all unique and there can often be a difference in the openings for your doors.  If the size if not considered beforehand, it could leave you with a gap between the door and frame, affecting the security and energy efficiency of your entrance. It’s always best to speak to an expert to ensure that the size has been measured correctly.

3. Can you fit a new composite door into an existing frame?

Although not compulsory, it’s advisable to replace the frame at the same time as the door so that they have the same lifespan. It may cost you more in the long term if you need to replace the door or frame at separate points, risking damage to both parts. Modern composite doors also have updated locking systems that are continually improving. Changing the frame and door at once ensure that this will all align and work correctly.

4. Are Composite doors hard to break into?

Composite doors are designed with security in mind and are manufactured by fusing together multiple materials under high pressure, producing a door that is both durable and secure (meaning that you get the twin benefits of a door that will last and deter intruders).

5. Do composite doors warp in the heat?

Composite doors should not warp in the sun or heat. They are made up of layers of timber, laminate, uPVC and fibreglass providing a preventative measure against the issue of warping due to exposure to heat.

6. Are composite doors worth the extra money?

In the long term a composite door might actually save you money. A composite door is incredibly energy efficient and will help insulate your property. By keeping in the warmth and keeping out the cold draughts, these doors will help reduce your energy bills.

7. Are composite doors maintenance-free?

Composite doors only need minimal maintenance to ensure they stay looking as good as new.

Maintaining a composite door and frame simply requires regular cleaning with a soft cloth or sponge and warm soapy water and then dried off with a separate clean cloth. There are no specialist cleaning materials required that will cost you extra money.

Taking care of the hinges and mechanics of the door is also a simple process – keep them clean from any excess grime and dirt with warm soapy water (use a separate cloth from the door). Once every six months take a 3 in 1 oil or silicon spray to the hinges and locking system to ensure it’s working correctly with no catching (it is not advised to use WD-40 for this).

8. Can you drill, screw or hammer a nail into a composite door?

It is not advised to hammer a nail into a composite door (which is often a method used to hang a wreath on the front door. This will perforate the outer skin of the door and provide an access point for moisture and wet weather to enter the timber inside the door, causing unwanted damage.

It is possible to drill and screw into a composite door – when attaching door furniture such as spyholes, knockers numbers and letterboxes. However, it’s vital that you have the correct tools at hand so you don’t cause damage internally or externally. Use a drill with the correct bit and carefully measure where you want the door furniture to be, following the instructions and taking care when attaching to the door.

9. How long does it take to fit a new composite door?

Whilst every home is different and can have its own set of challenges, the average installation time is between 3 and 4 hours.

10. What is the most popular colour for composite front doors?

Composite doors are available in a wide variety of colours and styles. The most popular colour for composite doors is grey, followed by white, oak, black, and blue. A key factor to consider is the lifespan of the door versus what’s currently in style.

Consider your local area and the surrounding buildings, if you want to complement the age of your house then choose something in keeping with this. It’s your home, so don’t be afraid to choose something that’s personal to your individual taste and style.

Colours such as grey, black, white and a wood grain effect are a timeless choice, complimenting any colour scheme and style that you may choose in the future.If bright colours are more your style, don’t be afraid to go vibrant! Whether you want a pop of yellow or a muted purple, there are plenty of colours to choose from to suit your personality.

Colour is a personal choice and ultimately whichever option you decide on has to work for your own style and property. When considering a new composite door, you’ll want to ensure want to ensure that you’re investing your time and money into an entrance that suits your needs perfectly.

From security options to ease of use, it’s important to spend time researching and understanding the pros and cons of choosing a composite door.

If you need any questions answered, or are all ready to start your journey of designing your new front door, browse composite doors here or get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help turn your dream door into a reality.