Your front door not only counts for so much of your home’s unique character but, most importantly, is at the frontline of keeping you and your loved ones safe. It’s your family’s face to the neighbourhood and ought to exude warmth and invitation to the guests you welcome, whilst also being reliable, robust, and endurable enough to barricade your property from potential intruders.
And so picking the best kind of door for you can be an important challenge to get right. The safest way about this is to be fully informed on the details and a good place to start is learning all there is to know about the two most popular options. So, are composite doors better than uPVC doors?
Well, the answer lies within the delicate balance of quality and affordability. Keep reading to understand the differences between these two types of doors and which might best suit your priorities.
What is the difference between composite and uPVC doors?
The different materials door manufacturers use to construct composite doors and uPVC doors impact the durability and security of each. UPVC builds are mostly made up of plastic and are favoured by many for their affordability and energy efficiency.
The manufacturing process involves an insulated steel frame that is protected with unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) which ultimately creates a well sealed unit. These materials are strong and insulating but can give your door a plastic sheen finish.
Composite doors, on the other hand, are made using a diverse array of materials. Typically, this also includes a steel frame but this time with an additional timber core and foam layer that contributes further to its thermal efficiency. This construction is then encased with glass reinforcing plastic (GRP) in a highly pressurised process. This promises residents a reliable, secure door that endures even the worst of the elements.
Security
Considering the fundamentals that make up each, are composite doors more secure than uPVC?
While uPVC doors are certainly a secure solution with the perk of affordability, composite doors offer that extra level of protection. The additional layers of robust and diverse materials and lamination are highly effective against standard burglary attempts. This can be easily observed by simply how much thicker the typical composite door is to its uPVC counterpart.
Despite composite doors being the triumphant party on the issue of security, uPVC doors can be great choices, especially with the latest key locking equipment and technologies that Framemaster supplies. Make sure to browse our selection of intricate locks for windows and doors along with more of our complimentary accessories.
Thermal Efficiency
Energy efficiency is always maximised by thick, well insulated furnishings and high quality compounds. So in this case, the highly dense composite doors are again the better choice.
However, with doors built by sophisticated suppliers like Framemaster, there won’t be much difference between the two, as both will boast of outstanding thermal efficiency. At Framemaster, our 70mm triple glazed doors are not only aesthetic splendours but are praised for being some of the best A-rated door designs in the area. This means, no matter your personal preference, your home’s front door will remain weather-proof and protective against all weather, ensuring your abode remains warm and comfortable no matter the season.
Lifespan
In terms of lifespan, it’s tricky to establish whether composite doors are better than uPVC doors.
Due to the outstanding quality materials composite doors make use of, they can be expected to last around three decades or more, so long as it is looked after appropriately. Whilst uPVC doors are similar in longevity, they tend to last slightly less time at around 20 to 25 years.
However, the time and cost of maintenance for uPVC doors is effortless. Because of their widespread popularity amongst UK homeowners, acquiring refurbishments and renovations for uPVC doors is pretty simple. Skilled professionals in the industry like us here at Framemaster carry out this type of work all the time, with a friendly team that is always only a phone call away.
Aesthetics
Of course, the argument of aesthetics is a highly subjective one, and different homeowners will want to mimic different styles. What is certain is that uPVC doors have more limited stylistic options as a consequence of it being made up of primarily one material. Whilst you can select between a wide range of colours, composite doors offer further flexibility in the case where you might have a specific ideal vision already in mind. Alongside the choice of colour, various textures and glazing solutions are available for your selection.
uPVC and Composite Doors with Framemaster
Here at Framemaster we supply and fit a range of composite and uPVC doors across the West Midlands. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you with finding the perfect front door for your home’s security and style.
We work closely with our clientele to offer spectacular bespoke home furnishings that cater to your personal vision. Dulux Weathershield’s study revealed that it takes less than 10 seconds for someone to make an important assumption after first seeing the style of someone’s front door. Hence, we take seriously your safety concerns and stylistic preferences, whether that be establishing a chic, contemporary look or a more traditional appearance that helps make your home your own.
But we don’t just stop at doors! If you’ve always dreamed of having a cohesive matching set of windows and doors, why not browse our range of examples here? And on top of that, we also happen to be experts in all things home improvements, from your windows to your conservatory. With all the work we do, we’re committed to fostering a safe and happy domestic life for each of our customers and their loved ones, all whilst increasing that all-important market value of your home.