Replacing your front door offers several benefits. This door has a big impact on the first impression your home makes; it’s also the first line of defence against the elements and intruders, helping to keep your family safe. Nowadays, there are lots of options available for homeowners, from traditional wooden doors to modern uPVC doors, and one solution that’s become increasingly popular is composite doors.
Composite entrance doors provide an all-round solution, combining aesthetics with thermal efficiency and security, and there is a wide range of customisation options available. Whether you’re replacing a broken front door or just trying to breathe new life into your property, opting for a composite door can make a big difference. Below, we have put together some useful advice for homeowners, helping you choose the right replacement door for your home.
The Benefits of Upgrading to Composite Doors
Upgrading to a composite front door can have more of an impact than you may initially realise. These doors are constructed with Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), also known as fibreglass, which offers benefits above other common materials used on the market today. Installing modern composite doors can improve energy efficiency, reducing draughts and energy bills, and keeping your home comfortable all year round. It can also help make your living space more peaceful by providing additional soundproofing.
Composite doors are also known for their durability, often coming with lengthy guarantees. They’re able to withstand harsh weather conditions and are resistant to fading and warping, making them a practical, low-maintenance option. Security is another main benefit, and most composite external doors are fitted with multi-point locking systems, keeping your home safe. With lots of customisable options available too, it’s easy to design a high-quality, composite door that complements the style of your home and makes a strong first impression.
Key Considerations When Choosing Composite Doors
With such a huge range of composite doors on the market, there are a few important factors to consider when choosing the right solution for your home. Here are some factors to help you make the right decision:
Door Style
The style of the door doesn’t just affect the appearance, but also the functionality. A simple, solid entrance door provides a classic finish that works for most properties, while adding one or more side panels can increase natural light in your hallway and add visual appeal to your exterior. If privacy is a concern, side panels can be designed with decorative or frosted glazing to restrict the view into your home. For some homes, stable doors that are split horizontally can be particularly beneficial. For example, they’re commonly seen in rural family homes, where they increase airflow while keeping pets and children safe indoors.
Foam Core or Timber Core
You have a choice of highly insulating foam and timber cores, both of which have pros and cons. Foam core composite doors are made with high-density polyurethane foam, making them lightweight, simple to install, and relatively cost-effective. They offer exceptional thermal efficiency, but they’re sometimes considered less robust and don’t have the ‘solid’ feel of timber core doors.
Timber core composite doors feature a 3-layered inner core of cross-laminated engineered hardwood, resulting in a heavier door that provides exceptional strength and durability. These doors provide security and longevity, but they can come at a slightly higher cost. When choosing a core, experienced composite door suppliers and fitters can provide some tailored advice based on your personal needs.
Locking Options
Security is one of the main reasons homeowners invest in a composite entrance door. Standard locks are a popular choice, where the door locks when the handle is pushed upwards, but more advanced options are available. Auto-engaged locks will automatically lock as soon as the door is shut, which is useful when you’re in a rush, but can cause problems if you often forget your keys. Multi-point locking systems are becoming more common too, providing several locking points along the frame to enhance your home’s security. For peace of mind, all locking systems should come with a lifetime guarantee.
Glazed Panels
Incorporating glazed panels into the composite door design is a great way to balance style, privacy and natural light. For instance, a single, full-length glazed panel will maximise daylight, making your entranceway brighter. Whereas multiple smaller or frosted panels help maintain privacy while still increasing light. Decorative glazing can elevate the door design, and using different shapes or patterns can contribute to kerb appeal. Opting for double glazing or triple glazing will ensure the glazed panels don’t impact energy efficiency or security.
Customisation Options
One of the biggest selling points of composite entrance doors is the level of customisation available. You can choose virtually any RAL colour, ensuring the door doesn’t look out of place once installed. Dual colour options are also available, so you can choose different colours for the external and internal sides, complementing both your home’s facade and interior discord. Woodgrain finishes can help create a natural timber look too, adding character and charm.
When designing a new front door, you have complete control over the hardware. From handles and knockers to letterboxes, there are different styles, materials, colours and finishes available. These personal touches can help to ensure the final design is perfect for your home. Working with a reputable composite door company ensures every detail aligns with your individual style as well as your lifestyle requirements.
Why Buy Composite Doors from Professional Suppliers and Fitters
It’s easy to see why composite entrance doors are so popular, and they’re a great choice if you’re considering replacing your existing door. Taking the time to consider everything mentioned above can help you choose the right door for your home, ensuring it not only looks great but also provides long-lasting performance and security.
When searching for a local composite door supplier and fitter, contact our team at The Best Window & Door Company today. We are trusted window and door specialists, supplying a wide range of products to homeowners throughout Lincolnshire. All of our composite doors are made-to-measure and come with A+ rated energy efficiency and the latest multi-point locking systems as standard. We will be happy to provide you with a consultation to help you choose the right composite entrance door for your home.
