Composite Door Security Features

You may be surprised but not all doors types are manufactured to the same standard. When it comes to door security and life span, then there is no better door than the composite door. Composite doors are pertinently new in comparison to the uPVC doors and old timber doors. However, composite doors are gaining popularity and are over taking the market when it comes to replacement doors. The reason for this amplification is due to the level of security these composite doors offer!

Composite doors vs timber and uPVC doors

When it comes to replacement front doors, there are three main choices that people opt for; composite, timber or uPVC. To help you understand the differences including advantages of each, we have included more details of each below.

Timber Front Doors

Timber doors look incredible as front doors especially in heritage type properties.  They offer sophistication, character and a larger opening door which other doors cannot offer without side panels. However, timber doors are generally expensive, not only to purchase but to maintain as well. The general maintenance requires stripping the paint off these doors and applying an undercoat then glossing these doors yearly. Not forgetting fixing splinters and rotting areas too. These timber doors can be effected from the rain, snow, direct sunlight. This may resulting in warping, twisting or even peeling. Wooden doors are generally high maintenance which makes them become poor energy efficient as time goes on.

UPVC Doors

When it comes to cost effectiveness, then uPVC doors are the doors for you. They are generally the cheapest on the market, however extremely durable which require very little maintenance. As they are made from uPVC they do not need any form of painting. The only maintenance they require is a simple wipe down with a damp cloth. Our uPVC doors have a very good security features including a multi-point locking mechanism. They are also fitted with YALE locking cylinder as standard. When it comes to strength and quality, uPVC doors are the weaker door compared to the timber doors and composite. However they are extremely good quality doors which will last for at least 20 years.

Composite Doors

Composite doors are now the preferred door when compared to the timber or uPVC doors. One of the main reasons is due to the robustness and security features that they provide. Composite doors are manufactured with a combination of extremely durable and robust materials, which are clued together under high pressure facilities. These composite doors are manufactured taking previous mistakes from its rivals into account. The outcome has resulting in a high quality door that is exceptionally resilient which will withstand any weather condition. These doors are designed with woodgrain appearance so that they look like the timber door, but with a 2mm GRP outer layer to increase its rigid performance. With its multi-point locking mechanism as standard, makes these particularly secure. Due to the GRP outer layer this increased strength prevents any warping.

When it comes to weather proofing these doors are good. Composite doors are BSI tested which comprises of 6l of water being projected against the door every minute. This simulates extreme weather conditions.

The composite doors are also tested within a forced chamber imitating high winds to extreme hurricanes, ensuring that these composite doors will withstand the toughest weather environments. The composite doors passed these tests at ease.

Composite Doors Security Structures

To understand how secure the composite door actually is, we have illustrated varies areas which will give you a more of an understanding.

Yale Locking Cylinder

The Yale locking cylinder has passed numerous tests ensuring that it is the most secure door cylinder on the market.  With an anti-snap design not forgetting its anti-bump properties makes this lock extremely robust. It is also resilient and cannot be picked, drilled through, tampered even with a torque or force from a hammer. An intruder cannot even saw through this lock or break it with a wrench. With an anti-corrode and heat element, ensures that this cylinder is unbreakable. To back this up Yale offers a life time guarantee on every cylinder.

These outstanding locking cylinders has been awarded the BS EN 1303:2005 standard, this is the highest rating that any lock could have. The equivalent awards are also giving to exceptional flood defences or even crash helmets, which proves that these cylinders are outstanding and secure.

Composite Door Glazing Units

These glazed units are available in a huge range of styles, sizes and colour formations. They maximise light into your room whilst offering privacy and security at the same time. All glazed units come in either double glazing or triple glazing. We can even customise your glazed units to your very own taste. These glazed units are fully insulated which complement the composite door in energy efficiency. With internal beading and easy maintenance there is even a reinforced cover for enhanced security.  For additional warmth or even customised design, triple glazing delivers even more possibilities. Design glass can be created by sandwiching three pieces of glass together with various designs, creating a magnificent art piece for any composite door.

Composite Door Locking Mechanism

All of our composite doors are fitted with a multi-point locking mechanism as standard. These locks have passed the PAS24 and BS6375, which is giving when a locking can pass a certain criteria. These composite door locks passed at ease receiving the highest grade for any door security and weather resistant.

Door Steel Dog Bolts

These dog bolts are installed alongside the hinge of the door, this aids in securing the door to the frame when the door is closed. These door dog bolts aid to the prevention of an intruder trying to kick or even barge their way through the hinge side of the door.

Yale Locking Mechanism

The Yale door locking mechanism comprises of 2 deadbolts, 2 rollers, 3 hooks and a latch. This configuration offers the highest security locking system which is fitted to all of our composite and uPVC doors as standard. Combining the robustness of the composite doors with the outstanding locking mechanism, ensures that it is near enough impossible for an intruder to break through these doors.

Laminated Internally Beaded Glass

Laminated glass is the sort of glass used in a car’s windscreen. It will take extreme blows and will not splitting and fall apart like tempered glass. When the laminated glass is broken, it remains intact providing an active barrier which prevents a burglar from removing pieces of glass then opening the door from in inside.  Laminated glass comprises of a thin sheet of plastic which is placed between both pieces of glazing, which holds the glass together if this glazing is broken.

Door Security Chains

Door security chains are ideal if you hear a knock at the door but you do not want to compromise your home security. This security chain is attached between the door and the frame, which allows you to open the door far enough to see who is on the other side. If an intruder tries to break through that gap, the chain will prevent the door from fully opening. This gap is small enough to see who is on the other side, while wide enough to pass a small package through.

Door Spy Hole

Door spy holes are another ideal security feature which allows a homeowner to see who is on the other side of the door without compromising security. Spy holes can be integrated within the door knocker. Door spy holes are extremely popular features on the composite doors which can even surge the overall look and style of the composite doors appeal.

Bespoke Composite Doors Peterborough

The first thing that anyone will see when they visit your home is your front door! It is therefore important that your front door matches your personality and the rest of your décor. Your front door actually represents you and the rest of your home.

So to get the best impression you need to make your own unique customised door. This is done by selecting what colour you want for your front door. If this is a DIY job with an old wooden door, then you can purchase door paint from your local DIY shop. The next thing to look at is ‘does your door actually fit correctly’? If you try to purchase a new front door from your local home improvement store the dimensions will probably not be the same as you require for your own customised door. If this is so, then what should you do next?

We can answer this very quickly with – bespoke composite doors!

Customising your own Composite Door

Composite doors can be easily customised and made to most specifications for any households. Composite doors are manufactured using various components such as: wood, PVCu, insulation material and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). These materials were specially selected to counter previous door errors, providing a robust and secure front door.

All of our composite doors are made-to-measure to fit exactly into the customer’s front door opening. This ensures that the door will be weather resistant whilst preventing unwanted drafts from entering your home. Composite door are very unique and will not warp, shrink or expand like other doors. The GRP outer layer is highly resilient, which protects the door from weather change, not like timber doors. The foam insulation helps to maintain room temperature providing an insulated door against all weather conditions.

One of the most impressive things about the composite door is that it has the appearance of that old timber door. This is achieved with the grain effect within the surface of the composite door. However, not like timber doors, these composite doors require near enough no maintenance at all. Just an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth.

As mentioned previously, the greatest advantage of the composite door is that it can be designed uniquely and tailored to your own specifications and requirements!

Bespoke Composite Door Designs

There are many different composite door styles on the market. From the traditional 4 panel 2 square to the modern 4 square composite door. Whatever style door you choose you can customise every element to your own taste.

We have highlighted five main features that you can choose to modify, however there are so many others to choose from.

Composite Door Long Bar Suite

The composite door is available with a long handle instead of the traditional door handle. The long bar is made from stainless steel patina and is available in three different sizes: short, medium and long. Not only is this door bar available in straight, but is also available in a curved sculpted bar as well. This bar does not only look good, but offers a sturdy surface to pull shut your door as well.

This long bar really adds sophistication and a modern style to your front door. Adding a unique contemporary appeal to your front door.

Composite Door Handle

The composite door with a long handles is only available without the traditional door handle. Instead it has a pull-shut locking device. So when the door is pulled closed, it self-locks. But can easily be opened with a door key from outside and a thumb-turn key from the inside. This handless door looks stunning and sleek, offering a modern clean appearance from the outside.

A handless suite deters most burglars and thieves as it makes it even more difficult to break in. Many thieves or opportunists, often try to open the front door by the handle to grab a set of keys from inside the house. This slam-shut systems deters this opportunity, so you can be reassured that when you close the front door behind you, it is locked!

Composite Door Square Suite

The composite door with square suite comprises of a squared shaped door handle which is used to open and close the door. This extra-modern furniture delivers elegance and beauty to your door, with a stunning squared knocker to complement the squares handle.

The squared handle makes the composite door look extremely modern and sleek. This doors shows off the homeowner’s personality.

Composite Door Bow Handle

The bow handle offers a stylish look to any composite door. Conveying a spectacular bow shaped steel handle complementing elegance, complexity and class to the front door. Just like the straight bar handle, this bow not only enhances the appearance of the door, but proposes a firm handle to safely close the door. The bow designates a more of a soft clean cut to the composite door.

The bow handle is available in various sizes, allowing all members of the family to be able to open this door which may be more difficult if the door was fitted with a high knocker or door knob, as these may be more difficult to reach.

The Composite Door Classic Suite

For those homeowners who opt for a more of a classic style such as shaped knockers or even traditional round doorknobs, then this is ideal for you.

The classic suite is one of the most popular styles due to the simplicity but stylish appearance. Whether you require a door knob in the middle of your door (for a classic look), or to the side (for a more modern look), this suite is ideal.

This classic suite can be installed to any composite door or any design. So whatever style property you live in whether is a modern home or a country or even traditional property, your composite door will look fabulous.

Composite Door Conclusion

All features which we listed and discussed throughout this door blog can be customised and installed to near enough any of our composite front doors. These features allow you to bespoke your own door design mixing features to best suit your own personality and home décor. We can even add additional house numbers to your door, if required.

With all of the different styles of doors and huge range of features and glass designs can make bespoken your composite door a little tricky. If this is the case then speak to one of our sales advisors and we would be more than happy to go through this with you.

The owner of the property in Bretton wished to change their front door for a stylish new composite door. They used our composite door designer to create their dream door. They opted for a central three-piece glazed door which was obscured preventing intruders from seeing into the property, whilst maximising light into the passageway.

Composite Door Furniture

Adding the correct furniture to your composite door will create that touch of style and elegance. With a choice of different hardware colours such as; Chrome, Graphite, Gold, Bronze, Black, Antique Black or even White. So with this huge range of hardware colours, you will be certain to match your décor.

Composite Door Letter Plates

Our letter plates are available in a wide range of colours and sizes to meet the requirements for any style door. The 12in metal letter plate has an anti-snap flap built in, allowing the flap to open to 180 degrees, allowing an A4 size letter or paper to be posted. The letter plate which is fitted to the inside of the door, prevents burglars from opening the door via the internal thumb turn.

Composite Door Handles

Our contemporary door lever is ideal for any traditional or modern homes proposing a statement to any Peterborough home. All composite door handles are available in the same colour theme as the rest of our hardware. So your home will not just look good, but well secure as well.

Composite Door Pull Handles

Chrome handles have become extremely popular adding that finishing look to the modern door. These pull handles are very stylish, which are available in three different length; short, medium and long. These handles are available in stainless steel providing a popular choice to modern properties including new builds.

Door Knockers

With a choice between the urn (modern style) or bullring knocker (traditional style), or even the slim-line knocker for the more modern look. Many of our knockers are available with a built in spyhole for that increased peace-in-mind and security. All of our door knockers are available to match our other hardware such as letter plates and handles. This will propose a seamless finish to your composite door.

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!

Why buy a Composite Door!

We understand how difficult it can be to choose a new front door for your home. Over the recent years composite doors have become increasingly popular which makes choosing a door even harder! When choosing a new composite door there are many factors that are important, such as the style of the property, security features, not forgetting energy efficiency. With all of these factors to consider, where do you start from?

What are Composite Doors made of?

Composite doors are made up from a variety of different selected materials. The frame is usually made from reinforced stainless steel. While the inner-core has a solid timber core, then filled with a thermos-insulation. A GRP (glass reinforced plastic) outer layer is then used to seal these components together creating the ultimate composite door! The GRP is both scratch and scuff resistant allowing you composite door to look stunning for many years to come. Composite doors are extremely strong and secure doors. These doors are available as front or back doors.

Our composite doors are manufactured with a solid timber structured core with a galvanized steel reinforced profile. For additional home security we install as standard a multi-locking mechanism, offering the best home security.

Our doors are so secure they are even stamped with Secure by Design (police initiative in preventing crime). They are also extremely weather resistant and will not react to seasonal change like cheaper alternatives. These composite doors will not warp, discolor or rot. Composite doors are also very energy efficient as their thermal resistance is much greater than wooden doors or uPVC.

The Composite door has the appearance of a traditional timber door, however has many additional benefits such as it will not fade, discolour or even require much maintenance. All it requires is a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dirt.

Composite doors are becoming the standard front door for any new building developments. They are also popular for property renovations due to their long-term benefits including heat retention, home security and noise reduction.

So if you are looking for a replacement front or back doors and require good security, long lasting and highly insulated door, then look no further than a composite door.

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!