Pros and cons of getting a new composite door
Composite doors are a fantastic investment for homeowners looking to upgrade their own wooden or uPVC front and back doors.
Made from a combination of glass reinforced plastic, solid timber, PVC, and insulating foam, these doors are renowned for their low-maintenance, durability, energy efficiency, and fantastic security features that they provide.
Like any other door type, there are both pros and cons of composite doors to consider, but it is widely accepted that this is one door type where the advantages far outweigh the negatives.
New doors are a big investment though, so it is worth looking at both sides of the story before you commit either way.
Pros of composite doors
Ultimate security choice
Security is one area in which composite doors stand head and shoulders above the competition. With reinforced materials built around a solid timber core, all connected to the frame by reinforced hinges and a multi-point locking system, composite doors are almost impossible for an intruder to penetrate.
Your door should look great, but its most important role is protecting your home and loved ones and no door does this better than a composite door.
Durability
Composite doors last for a minimum of 30 years on average with very little maintenance required to keep them in top condition during this time.
All that you’ll need to do it give your door a quick wipe down every so often and it will continue to provide a stunning entryway into your property for many centuries to come.
Style
There are a huge selection of colour and style options available to those looking to install composite doors on their property, not to mention an unlimited range of double and triple glazed glass designs.
With some door types, adding complex glass designs into the unit can compromise its structure and security, but not with composite doors. Door with glass panels fitted can be just as durable, secure and energy efficient as those without, as long as you choose the right installation company.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is incredibly important to homeowners at present and with prices soaring keeping your use of heat energy to a minimum is extremely important. Doors and windows play a major role in determining a property’s thermal efficiency and installing a new composite door to replace your existing uPVC door is one of the best investments that you can possibly make.
Composite doors are specifically designed to prevent heat transfer, keeping warm air inside your home and cold air outside They are also fitted perfectly within the frame to ensure that no draughts are able to find their way through. For maximum energy efficiency, ensure that you choose triple glazing if you decide to opt for a door design that is fitted with a glass window or the glass could compromise the entire unit.
Cons of composite
Cost
Pretty much the only negative of composite doors worth mentioning is that they do cost more than uPVC doors. This additional cost is the main reason that so many people still choose the ever reliable uPVC over the more energy efficient, durable, and secure composite door.
The cost of a composite door will vary depending on the exact design that you want, any double glazed glass designs that you would like to be included, and which new door installation company you use. That said you can expect to pay somewhere in the £2000-3000 region for a new composite front door from a respected installation company.
In comparison uPVC doors start in the region of around £1000+. Bear in mind, however, that composite doors can save you a huge amount of money in the years to come. Their superior durability means that you will have to do very little maintenance and it will still be several decades before you need another one. They are also incredibly energy efficient meaning that you will save money on energy bills and if the fantastic security features they come fitted with prevent a break in, you could save thousands of pounds on damaged or stolen goods.
Creaking sound
The only other negative of composite doors that comes up on a regular basis is that they sometimes happen to creak in hot weather or when there has recently been a significant change in the outside temperature.
All this sound means is that the plastics in the door are expanding and contracting, and as they are designed to do just that, this sound does not indicate damage being done.