Is A Composite Door Right For My Home?

Composite doors are soaring in popularity these days – but what are they? And should you upgrade your front or back door for one?

Before you decide whether a composite door is the perfect fit for your home, allow the team at ArcOframe to explain more about what makes this type of door so popular in the UK.

 

What is a composite door?

A composite door is one that’s made from multiple materials – providing a strong and secure entrance to your home.

Often, these doors have a solid timber core, and materials like uPVC, laminate or Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP for short or fibreglass) surround it. Combining the beneficial properties of these materials, composite doors are much stronger, thicker and more durable than their conventional wooden counterparts.

Good to know then, that a composite door won’t fade, warp, crack or weather. And you’ll never need to don your overalls and paint it.

 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons so you can make a fully informed choice for your home.

 

The pros

·         Style

There’s no denying that a beautifully painted timber door can create a stunning focal point at your property – not to mention add value to it. However, composite doors, like the Visage ones in our brochure, offer a classic wood-grain effect, which makes them look just as good as real wood, only they require a lot less upkeep.

Unlike wood, composite doors aren’t prone to warping, fading and weathering. That means, you’ll get to enjoy the look of a freshly painted door for years to come – giving your home plenty of kerb appeal.

 

·         Choice

Often the first and only aspect of your home that visitors will see, your front door needs to make the right impression. Its colour, shape, size, style and finish need to reflect you and your home whilst withstanding the elements.

Luckily, composite doors come in a plethora of colours, styles and patterns. At ArcOframe, we even provide arched composite doors and frames, allowing you to fully customise your design whilst in keeping with the rest of your property.

 

·         Durability

Some doors can lose a sense of durability because of the style and design – but this isn’t the case with a composite door.

These doors maintain their strength, longevity and energy efficiency whilst giving your home a stylish look from the outside. On average, they can last up to 35 years and, unlike cheap uPVC, they won’t fade or look shabby. You also won’t need to worry about them cracking or paint peeling during harsh weather conditions.

 

·         Security

Thanks to the internal solidity of the door and steel reinforcements, a composite door is the safest and most secure option you can choose for your home.

Composite doors incorporate state-of-the-art locking mechanisms inside, making it incredibly difficult for intruders to gain access to your home – giving you the peace of mind that your family and possessions are safe.

 

The cons

·         The price

Whilst we can’t provide an exact figure, many homeowners will spend around the £1,000 mark for a composite door, maybe even more.

Composite doors are generally more expensive than their uPVC counterparts, but you get what you pay for. And in this case, that’s a high-quality, secure door that’s customised to your style needs.

If you’re on a limited budget, then a uPVC door may suit you better.

 

·         The creaking

Composite doors are known to creak when the plastic inside them contracts and expands as it comes into contact with heat.

When the sun has been heating your door all day, you may find that it’s harder to close without making a terrible screeching sound, usually because the door has swelled and no longer fits inside the frame.

As the door cools down, you may notice creaking sounds at nighttime but they’ll stop once the door returns to its normal size.

Considering a composite door?

The advantages of composite doors clearly outweigh the drawbacks.

If you’re interested in replacing your existing door with a composite alternative, ArcOframe is a leading supplier of composite doors in the North West and can assist you in choosing the perfect one for your property.

Before we start designing your new front or back door, we’ll discuss your requirements in further detail – including your colour, shape, size and style preferences, as well as your budget.

To get the ball rolling and benefit from a composite door in St Helens or the surrounding area, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01744 615 111. Or, if you prefer, you can drop us an email at info@arcoframe.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you shortly.