What is a composite door?

Composite doors are built to last

What is different about composite doors?

Composite doors are manufactured from several materials. They usually have a solid timber core laminated with uPVC or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).
Composite materials make the door more solid, robust, and weatherproof. They are most often used as external front doors on domestic and commercial properties.
Composite doors keep their appearance longer and help protect the inner timber core from cracking, warping or rotting in prolonged poor weather.
Laminated layers add more strength and improve thermal properties, helping to retain more of the building's natural heat and reducing heating bills.
A minor downside to composite doors is the tendency to 'squeak and creak' if exposed to long periods of sunshine. This happens as the different materials can expand and contract at different rates.

Are composite doors safer?

Most composite doors have multi-point locking mechanisms and intruder-proof handles to prevent burglars from breaking in. At the same time, the solid timber core and durable outer layers are often impact-resistant, providing even greater protection. Composites are generally seen as having superior security to both wood and uPVC, as the laminated layers are much less prone to damage. For enhanced security, many homeowners choose to add Wi-Fi-enabled smart door locks.

How long will a composite door last?

Although they resemble a traditional door, composite doors are much tougher and last far longer. A lifetime of 30 years is on the conservative side, and a quality composite door will usually last much longer than this. As the outer layer of a composite door is made of GRP, its colour should not fade throughout the door's lifetime. The paint is added while the plastic is still liquid, so the colour is integral to the door. UPVc doors have the same lifespan, but the colour and finish are not as robust. Both door types require minimal maintenance, just the occasional wipe-over with a non-abrasive cleaning solution and oil spray on the hinges.

Is there much choice with composite doors?

Composite doors have quickly become popular among homeowners. Like traditional doors, they come in a wide range of styles and colours, so you should have no problem finding the right style and colour combination. Indeed, modern composite doors offer almost limitless options for colours and finishes to match your taste or existing designs. The outer skin can be manufactured with a smooth finish or given a wood grain effect, making them almost indistinguishable from wooden doors.

How do I choose a composite door installer?

Always look for the FENSA logo when searching for a composite door installer near you. FENSA has approved installers that meet stringent tests and comply with all the building regulations for fitting replacement doors.
Read more about the composite doors installed by Select Window Systems throughout Cheshire and north Staffordshire.

More on doors

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Can you paint a uPVC door?