When you are installing composite doors it is imperative to get the right type for your needs, but the best type of front door is different to different people. You might focus on looks, you might focus on functionality or you might have some other unique requirement.
Composite doors are composed of a diverse range of materials (hence their name) to form a sturdy, lightweight, cost-effective and highly functional door. Most commonly people tend to want the following features from their composite doors:
- Best value
- Best quality
- Best security
- Best energy performance
- Best appearance
- Best noise insulation
The reality is that there are so many different permutations and configurations for composite doors, from the materials you choose for the core of the door frame to the types of glazing and locks. You will see some of the many potential composite door designs that are available when you use our handy door designer, which can help to narrow down your options.
It can be difficult to choose the best composite door for your needs. This is why we help to guide our customers through their product selections and every other aspect of their composite door installations. If you have a home improvement project to complete in the south coast region of the UK, please feel free to get in touch.
How Do I Select the Best Composite Doors?
We can provide a range of composite doors in almost any style, but there are key things to look out for – depending on what you want. Here we will explain the signs of high-quality composite door styles and how to navigate the expansive range of composite doors on offer.
The following are some common types of doors and how to find a particularly good one:
How to Find the Best Value Composite Doors
Composite door prices will vary substantially, so if you are looking for the best value then the door, frame, glazing and finishes need careful consideration. Composite front doors are often made of UPVC materials, which is a key to getting the best value.
When seeking the best value from your investment, UPVC is a good option because it is relatively cheap but also durable. You should avoid composite doors containing timber if you want the best value – as timber doors, although very sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, are quite expensive.
How to Find the Best Quality Composite Doors
If the value for money you are getting is less of a consideration than the overall quality of the door, you can focus on the performance features of the door. A key to good quality is selecting a sturdy mix of materials, which will all perform differently but come together to deliver a good level of overall quality.
The fact that timber is expensive can be off-putting, but it is also a sign of quality in a composite door. However, if you look for a door design that uses a timber core alongside other materials you can find a happy balance of both quality and costs.
How to Find the Best Composite Doors for Security
Whether you are using french doors, patio doors or standard front door designs, security is always paramount. The key thing here is looking for a composite door that includes a heavy-duty locking mechanism, ideally with multiple bolts.
In the UK, the best tip here is to look for doors that are certified to BS PAS 23/24, which is a security standard that has been developed to comply with the ‘Secured by Design’ initiative of the UK police service – intended to deter burglaries and trespass.
How to Find the Best Composite Doors for Energy Performance
Thermally efficient doors make your home more comfortable to live in, and being energy efficient will help to reduce your fuel bills too. A key here is finding a reliable installer, as even the best performing doors will not work as well with poor installation.
By using triple glazing in a composite door and UPVC frames, you will get a very good energy performance, as well as a reasonable price. Remember, the more triple glazing you require in your composite door design – the higher the overall price will become.
How to Find the Best Composite Doors for Appearance
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so it can be tricky to recommend a door based on its appearance alone. The good thing, in this case, is that there are many options for customisation – as composite doors have so many permutations of visual options when built.
UPVC is very versatile, available in many different colours and finishes – including woodgrain. So, if you are matching composite doors to the appearance of a building or other existing doors, or you are simply a stickler for aesthetics, then getting a UPVC composite door may be a good option.
How to Find the Best Composite Doors for Noise Insulation
Blocking unwanted sounds from entering the home is best achieved by focussing on the materials of the door. Foam-filled composite door designs with a timber core can provide a good balance of energy and noise efficiency, with nice aesthetics too.
If noise insulation is a significant issue, such as when you live in a high traffic area, then minimising the amount of glass in your composite door may result in a better performance – so consider a more solid door with minimal glazing.
Finding the Best Composite Doors
The best door is the one that best suits your needs, which can vary substantially and will affect the process of selecting a door. However, we are confident that by using the above information you can more easily navigate the range of composite doors that are available on the market.
We supply some of the most exceptional composite doors in the UK, with reliable installation techniques and over 40 years of experience in delivering a wide variety of home improvements across the south coast region. Please feel free to get in touch with us for a free quote on composite front doors or if you have any other questions.
