Whether the security of your home has been compromised or you simply want to update the exterior of your property, you may be in the market for a new front door, and the choices available are seemingly endless. From materials and styles to colour schemes and additional decorative features, there are tons of decisions that accompany the purchase of a new front door, and both security and style are likely to be at the forefront of your mind when choosing a model.
One style of door that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years is the composite door. As a modern style of door that offers security, energy-efficiency and aesthetic appeal, it’s no surprise that many homeowners are opting for composite doors both internally and externally to give their properties an all-round boost.
There’s no denying that composite doors are a good investment for property owners. That being said, if you still need some convincing, we’ve put together a complete guide to composite doors, explaining their many benefits.
What are composite doors?
First things first, it’s essential to understand exactly what composite doors are and how they’re made. Composite doors are constructed using a variety of different low-maintenance materials which are fused together in high pressure conditions. Whereas most doors are single-material, composite doors take the best qualities from a variety of different materials and these are arranged in layers to create a stronger and sturdier product.
Composite doors can be constructed from a range of different materials, however, they are all created based on the same principle. They are made up of a central core material (usually foam or engineered timber) and layers of other materials including Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) and Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) that act as a skin for the door.
Composite doors have an advantage over single-material doors in that they capitalise on the pros of a variety of different materials as opposed to just one, making them an all-round superior product. Additionally, different materials are used to counteract any possible flaws. For example, wooden doors are known for being stylish yet high-maintenance and by contrast, uPVC windows and doors are easier to maintain but less aesthetically appealing. However, composite doors succeed in being both stylish and low-maintenance, ensuring you get the best of both worlds.
The benefits of GRP doors
Generally, the only aspect of a composite door that is subject to change is the core material and with this in mind, the terms ‘GRP doors’ and ‘composite doors’ are interchangeable. Now that you’re aware of what GRP doors are, it’s important to know what benefits they could bring to you and your household. Some advantages include:
Low-maintenance
Whereas wood often needs to be varnished to maintain its appearance, composite doors are very easy to look after by comparison. The GRP skin means the door can simply be wiped down with a cloth when dirty and other than oiling the hinges, composite doors virtually require no other maintenance to remain in good condition. Running a household can be stressful to say the least and with this in mind, it’s worth investing in low-maintenance features that can more or less look after themselves.
Durability
As mentioned previously, composite doors consist of layers of different materials and as a result, they are usually extremely strong and sturdy. They are also resistant to fading, scratching or warping and further to this, they are designed to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. In fact, GRP is often used to protect sea vessels from adverse weather and with this in mind, you can rest assured that your GRP composite front door will stay in tip-top condition, even in the most severe weather
Energy-efficiency
As a door that offers great heat retention, this is undoubtedly an energy-efficient product. Composite doors are known for keeping warm air in and cold air out, giving you peace of mind that you’re not wasting energy. So, not only could composite doors reduce your property’s carbon footprint, but they could also save you money on your energy bills- win win!
Security
When you’re in charge of a household, nothing is more important than the safety and security of your property and the people in it. As previously mentioned, composite doors are extremely robust and sturdy and, when paired with a multi-point locking mechanism, you can rest assured that you’ve got a solid front door with enhanced security.
Aesthetic appeal
In addition to being practical, composite doors offer lots of different options when it comes to aesthetics. From colour schemes and designs to styles and finishes, your composite door can be customised to suit your exact preferences, ensuring it fits in seamlessly with your property’s overall look. Whether you’re choosing a front door or interior doors, a limited choice can sometimes result in compromising your property’s kerb appeal. However, with composite doors, you’ll find that you can tailor your door to suit your specific requirements, ensuring your home accurately reflects your personal style.
Versatility
Composite doors lend themselves to both internal and external use and, as they can be designed to exact specifications, they will fit in with more or less any style of decor. Whether your home has a more traditional or contemporary feel, your composite doors will undoubtedly complement other features in your property, making them the perfect addition to your home. So, whether you’re aiming to increase security or simply make your property look more sleek, composite doors offer both style and practicality and can be installed more or less anywhere, making them extremely versatile.
A new front door that’s good value for money
Whilst it’s true that composite doors are usually more expensive than their uPVC counterparts, the value for money is undeniable. After all, these doors boast all the above-mentioned benefits and more, and considering the money you could save on your energy bills, they may end up actually being cheaper in the long-run. So, when considering the different front door options on the market, it’s essential to look beyond the initial cost and consider the big picture as composite doors offer fantastic value for money.
Finewood: door specialists in Scotland that supply top-quality internal and external doors
At Finewood, we pride ourselves on being Scotland’s largest door importer and supplier. Whether you require interior or exterior doors, we have a broad range of products available and our doors come in a variety of different colours, styles and finishes, ensuring you get doors that are the right fit for your home.
If you’re looking for additional features to complement your brand new door, we also stock a selection of mouldings including skirting, casing and door stops. Our experts can advise you on the best mouldings to pair with your new doors, ensuring your home has that wow factor.
To find out more about what our experts could do for you,contact us today and rely on Finewood to supply your home with top-quality composite doors.
