Are Composite doors better than uPVC door?

Purchasing a new front door can be extremely exciting as it can completely change the appearance of your home. A front door is the main focus point as it is the entrance point into your property. So making this extremely secure from intruders, is very important!  When procuring the right front door for your property, various things must be considered such as the overall design, colour, a energy rating, features, also the security features.

Throughout this blog we will consider the differences between the composite and uPVC doors as these are the most popular front door types on the market. Many homeowners get completely confused between the uPVC and composite doors as they do not understand the difference between these two doors. With all the different features that are available with these doors, this makes the understanding even more difficult.

UPVC doors have dominated the market for many years, making them the market leaders due to their very low price, ensuring that they are not just affordable but practical as well! However, if we are considering the composite door, then this door is even more superior not just with the additional features that are available, but the overall style as well. This is why the composite door has become the new market leader. So if you ask us about our advice on which door to purchase, we will always guide you towards the composite doors due to its substantial advanced features which will outweigh the lower cost uPVC doors.

Why choose a Composite from Posh Windows & Doors Peterborough

Our composite doors have enhanced security features which comply with British Standards BS6262. All glazing are toughened for extra security, not forgetting the multi-point locking mechanism and its 3 star rating, two hook locks also the mortice lock and latch.

Our doors are available in both A and A+ rating with the best thermal efficiency allowing the outstanding energy efficiency for any Peterborough home.

These composite doors have near enough no maintenance to worry about. With just a quick occasional wipe down with a damp cloth.

The composite doors are manufactured with a traditional timber look, but without the negative issues that come with wooden doors. The composite door can withstand heavy impacts that happen on a daily occurrence with family life. Therefore reducing surface marks which allows these doors to maintain their appearance, year after year.

Composite doors are manufactured with brush seals and weather seal gaskets, preventing any weather condition from entering a property.

The life expectancy of a composite door out ways its adversary uPVC doors due to its durability and high quality components. The composite door is also available in a large variety of colours and styles. Combining these additional qualities and its outstanding door features, delivers that aesthetic appeal that will make any home look stunning.

The only advantages that the uPVC doors have over the composite doors is their price. The composite doors are slightly more expensive which equates to around £200 extra. This will vary depending on the style of the door and its additional features.

Here at Posh Homes we aim to either match or beat any like-for-like quotes on any composite or uPVC door. This provides peace of mind that you will not just receive the quality of our doors, but the best price also!

Composite Doors vs UPVC Doors: Which is the best door for your home?

Whether you live in a modern or heritage Peterborough home, your front door will present your own personality and taste.

Your front door should be the focal point to your home. Creating a positive, relaxed impression that will welcome your friends, family and visitors into your home.

With many different designs and trends to consider it can be extremely difficult to choose the right front door. The most popular type of front door still remains the composite and uPVC doors. Both of these door materials offer the most stylish and function door on the market.

So when it comes to choosing between the composite doors vs uPVC doors, it can be a little perplexing! This is why we at Posh windows and doors Peterborough, have writing this blog to explain the difference between these replacement doors, so you can select the right one for your Peterborough home.

What is composite door made of?

Composite doors are manufactured from a variety of different materials, designed with a robust steel frame, with a timber core then filled with an insulated foam layer. This insulated foam inner layer offers an outstanding u-value. All materials are then glued into place then wrapped with a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) membrane. These composite doors are manufactured under high-pressure conditions, offering an incredibly robust and secure door which will resist any weather condition.

What is the UPVC door made of?

UPVC doors are manufactured with an insulated steel frame which is encased in un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC). The uPVC creates a strong thermally efficient sealed unit, which can resist any Peterborough weather condition. These uPVC doors look very different compared to the composite doors, they have a more of a plastic finish. But as they are slightly cheaper than its rivals, makes it a perfect solution when it comes to replacing your doors for a stylish affordable door.

What is difference in price between the UPVC doors and Composite Doors?

When it comes to choosing between both types of doors, the composite doors will always be more expensive. If you consider the same kind of design between both doors, you will probably pay 40% more for the composite door. So why pay more for a composite door? Simply because the composite door is manufactured with a more sophisticated system. The materials and technology which is used in production is much more costly than the uPVC procedure. Though initially you may be paying a little more for the composite door compared to the uPVC, but you will get a much better styled door, greater insulated, not forgetting security for your home.

Door Security

Many people think that because uPVC doors are much cheaper than composite doors, then this will affect the security and quality of the door. This however is far from true. UPVC doors are astoundingly strong, secure and robust. This is achieved due to its extremely strong outer frame, not forgetting its multi-point locking mechanism. So when you combine these components together then you are creating a very strong door.

However, when we talk composite doors, then we are taking the door to another level. Composite doors have a glass-reinforced plastic core commonly known as GRP. This outstanding outer layer offers a high level of robustness and security.

Though the composite door does offer that extra quality and security, it still would be extremely difficult for any burglar to break through either of these doors.

Door Thickness

Composite doors are created much thicker than the uPVC, this itself offers increased insulation and stoutness. A common composite door will normally be manufactured to 44mm in thickness, while the uPVC is normally around 28mm. This enlarged thickness allows increased flexibility when it comes to style. Not forgetting that sturdy robust feeling when you open and close the door. However, both door designs are extremely resilient and offer outstanding insulation not forgetting a huge range of designs.

Door Maintenance

When it comes to door maintenance both uPVC doors and composite doors are both near enough maintenance free. All these doors require is a quick wipe down with a damp cloth, otherwise you could use an uPVC cleaner to get rid of those unwanted marks.

Door Warranty

Both doors come with a 10 year guarantee. However, the composite door will be expected to outlive this warranty and should last for around 30 years. While the uPVC door should last around 20 to 25 years, however this will purely depend on the quality of the door, how it is installed, and how you take care of it!

Door Design, Colour Range and Styling

When it comes to the uPVC one of the main characteristics that distinguishes this door is the plasticity finish. Whilst the composite doors offer a more sophisticated timber appearance and style.

When it comes to colour range, though the uPVC range is extremely good, the composite door range is outstanding as you can even match near enough any RAL colours. Both doors do offer an extensive range, they also offer duel range which means that you can have a different colour inside to outside.

In regards to door furniture, there is not much difference at all. They both offer the same range in handles, letterbox’s, knockers and spyholes. They also offer the same range in glass, so whatever the furniture, both doors are outstanding.

Door Thermal Efficiency

As mentioned earlier the composite door out ranks the uPVC door in thermal efficiency by miles. It is achieved due to the composite doors extra thickness and the GRP outer layer. But do not under estimate the uPVC doors performance, as both doors will keep the heat in whilst preventing unwanted draughts.

The composite doors also offer brush seals and weather proof gaskets, which will illuminate any weather from entering your home.

Summary – Composite doors vs UPVC Doors

When deciding which type of door would be best suited to your home, then you must weigh-up every factor.

Both doors are extremely low maintenance as they are mutually well insulated doors. When it comes to security, the composite door has additional security features, however they will both keep out the burglars.

UPVC Doors: Much cheaper than the composite doors, thinner and plastic appearance, but offer style which is affordable to most households.

Composite Doors: Offer a traditional timber appeal, whilst proposing functionality, sophistication and elegance. Composite doors are conversely more expensive than the uPVC doors. But this small additional cost outweighs the advantages that these doors do provide.

All households have their own character, so when it comes to replacement doors, it takes a lot of thought and effort to decide the right door. The price might play an important part when choosing between the uPVC door range and the composite. But so should you own preference and finesse.

When it comes to back doors and garage entrance doors, then the uPVC doors are extremely popular. As these doors are hardly seen, so functionally and security are the main considerations.

So whether you require a composite door or uPVC door contact Posh Windows and Doors Peterborough as we have an extensive range which will make your home look stunning!

Transform your home with Composite Doors!

There is no better way of freshening the appearance of the exterior of your home than a brand new composite door! Composite doors can add character to your property, showing off your personality and style. By replacing your old door with a composite door might only seem like a small change, but with the right style door it can really make an impression.

Composite doors have become the most popular type of door in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire for many different reasons. Throughout this blog we will highlight some of the benefits of purchasing a new composite door.

Composite Doors have a wooden appearance

Timber doors have an attractive appearance creating a warm charming personality to any home. However, these old wooden doors do come with many underlining issues, such as constantly requiring repainting. Wood also tends to warp over time therefore requires repairs trying to maintain its original look.

Composite doors are manufactured taking these issues into consideration, they also create the look and feel of real wood. They also offer a mixture of robust materials which will not warp or damage over time. These stunning composite doors are the most durable hardwearing doors on the market. They also require very little maintenance.

The composite doors are designed with a GRP (glass re-enforced plastic), which prevents the door from warping, rotting or fading. Not only does it protect your home from any weather conditions, but it also makes your home looking stunning as well. Whether you are looking for a modern door style or a heritage charm, these beautiful doors will not compromised on their impeccable functionality.

Glazing and Panel Options

When it comes to glazing options there is no other door which is as versatile when it comes to glazing and panel options. These composite doors are available with a huge range of glazing options. Whether you are looking for a simple design, or a colourful triple glazed options, the choice is yours. Not only do they have some brilliant designs, but they are also available in either composite side panel or uPVC side panel also. The composite side panel are manufactured using the typical composite door design with a large glazing option. While the uPVC panel will be a more of a thinner uPVC surround with the same glazing option. So whatever option you opt for you can be reassured that you can personise the front of your home.  With your very own unique decorative glass option, you can be reassured that your door will be individualised.

Customising your Composite Front Door

It can be extremely difficult when it comes to choosing a replacement front door with various styled properties. There are however other ways of maintaining a particular design but tailoring the composite door to show off a variant look. This can be achieved by changing the colour of your door or even the door finish. By amending the hardware options can maintaining a contemporary style such as the handles, letterbox or even the door knocker.

Benefits of a Composite Door

Though composite doors are manufactured by combining a mixture of various materials, they don’t however compromise quality. Each material is specially selected due to their qualities, creating an extremely strong, robust door that will exceptionally secure against any intruder.

The composite door is manufactured using a multi-layer of materials such as PVC, timber and an insulated polyurethane foam core. These materials offer a strong resilient door whilst maintaining a light insulated core. This combination makes these stunning composite doors the ideal door for homeowners who may live near busy roads who may require a soundproof door.

Finding the right Composite Door manufacturer

Posh Homes Peterborough – have many years’ experience building an exceptional reputation across Peterborough, Stamford and Huntingdon areas. With the understanding approach to affordable but quality double glazing products, which will enhance the look of any home. Whatever the period, whether it’s a modern home or a heritage property, we will have the right product for you.

We offer one of the most extensive collections of composite doors in Peterborough, making it much easier for homeowners to select the right front door for their property.

We will never pressure sell a double glazed product, we will simply provide an affordable quote, then let the customer choose to use our company. If you would like to discuss any double glazed products then please don’t hesitate in contacting Posh Homes Peterborough, for a free no-obligation quote.

Aluminium Bi-fold door Whittlesea, Peterborough

We were invited to a home in Whittlesea, Peterborough to provide a quote to remove some French Doors and large window then install a large 4.5m white aluminium bifold door. Between the French doors and window was a centre element of brickwork. To remove this brickwork a large steel lintel would be required as an active support for the tiled roof.

Once we were offered this double glazing contract, we brought in our structural engineer to calculate the requirements for the steel lintel. Calculations were taking measuring the room dimensions, the wall dimensions and thickness, also the roof pitch.

The client went through our catalogue and decided to go for the 5 door white aluminium door. They went for the 5 door instead of the 4 door as this offered the ability for the single opening door to open independently as a traffic door, but with the ability to slide with the remaining 4 doors to the right providing a complete opening.  They also opted for the stunning chrome handles and locks.

Brickwork

Once the aluminium bi-fold door was fully installed and working correctly, then the upper brickwork was then replaced. The roof tiles were then replaced and the drainage system was also fitted.

Plastering 7 Floor Levelling

The inside of the property where the steel had been installed required plastering and made good. Not forgetting the uneven flooring where the previous brickwork was. Once this was complete then a wooden flooring g strip was laid matching the existing flooring.