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Polycarbonate sheets have gained popularity in the building industry due to their versatility, durability, and light-transmitting properties. They are often used as a cost-effective alternative to glass, and their high impact resistance makes them perfect for use in areas that require high safety standards. Polycarbonate, a classified thermoplastic, comes in different grades and thicknesses, making them suitable for various purposes. At Edge, we supply 10mm, 16mm, 25mm and 35mm thick polycarbonate sheets – plus, the 2mm solid sheets. Let’s explore some different applications.

One of the most popular applications of polycarbonate sheets in the building industry is in roofing. The panels are typically made up of multiple layers of polyca  rbonate sheeting, which are laminated together to create a strong and durable roofing material. Polycarbonate roofing sheets are lightweight and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them the ultimate choice for both residential and commercial buildings. They are also UV resistant, which helps to protect the underlying structure from the damaging effects of the sun. Polycarbonate roofing sheets are available in different colours and textures, making them suitable for a wide range of architectural designs. Roofers are likely to choose polycarbonate sheets for some of their projects due to its light weight and easy installation. No more lugging heavy glass up tall ladders, with the huge risk of damage to person and property! PVC roofing sheets are also fire-resistant, making them ideal for use in areas that require high safety standards.

In addition to their use in roofing applications, polycarbonate sheets are also commonly used in the construction of wall cladding systems and partitions, often acting as sound barriers and noise walls. Polycarb sheets are brilliant in these settings because of their sturdiness and because they are manufactured to reduce noise levels, making them suitable for use in the urban areas. The sheets can also be customised to fit the shape of the barrier or wall, making them an ideal solution for complex office spaces and conference rooms.  Polycarbonate panels are also a popular choice for areas such as hospitals and schools, where hygiene and cleanliness are important. These panels are easy to clean and maintain, and they are also resistant to scratches and impact damage. Polycarbonate partitions are also commonly used in office buildings and other commercial spaces, where privacy and noise reduction are important.

Polycarbonate roofing sheets are often used in greenhouses and other agricultural structures. They work well in these applications because they are lightweight, durable, and can protect plants and animals from the elements. As the polycarbonate roofing sheets are UV resistant, they helps to protect the plants from the damaging effects of the sun. The different grades and thicknesses available make the sheets suitable for different types of plants and growing conditions.

Polycarbonate sheets are also commonly used in skylights, orangeries, and atriums. They bring many benefits to these types of installation because, like glass, they transmit lots of light, making them suitable for creating bright and airy spaces – allowing natural light to filter into buildings while still protecting them from the elements. Polycarbonate sheets can also be curved and shaped to fit the shape of the building, which broadens the design opportunities for architectural developments.

Plastic roof sheets are also commonly used in the construction of canopies, walkways, and awnings. These structures are designed to provide shade and protection from the elements, and they are commonly used in outdoor dining areas, shopping centres, and other commercial spaces. Polycarbonate sheets are a perfect choice for canopies and awnings, as they are lightweight, easy to install, and provide excellent protection from the sun and rain. Another great application of polycarbonate sheets is swimming pool houses or enclosures. The sheets protect the pool from the elements and provide shelter for swimmers. They are available in different grades and thicknesses, making them suitable for different types of swimming pools and enclosure designs.

So there’s quite a few ways you can use polycarbonate sheeting in your projects! If you have any questions or would like a quotation – we’d love to help. Give us a call on 03450213333 or pop an email to [email protected] with your requirements.

Explore our range of roof systems, tiles, and corrugated PVC roofing sheets.

More and more, people are turning to wall panels as practical and stylish design solutions for bathrooms, and Zest have created the ultimate product range of shower panels for you to work with, and to offer your clients.

Wall panels are one of the next big interior design trends. Often referred to as ‘wet wall panels,’ their popularity is due to their easy installation, and practical and versatile qualities. As such, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice when it comes to kitchen and bathroom refurbishments.

Our lives are becoming increasingly busy, and time is limited, so homeowners are choosing to cut their cleaning time short by opting for easy to manage and stylish PVC shower panels. With no need for touching up grouting, descaling or scrubbing mould and mildew from their bathroom, it’s no wonder that they are so popular.

Working with wet walls – what do you need to know?

As tradesmen, there are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to working with wet walls, wall panels or shower panels. If you’re new to the concept, we have everything you need to know in this blog, and once you have discovered the ease of application, you will never want to use tiles again. Wall panels are easier and far quicker to install with just a few simple tools than traditional tiling, saving you and your team time and money.

Wall panels offer more design options than tiles, paint, or wallpaper and give a realistic finish. This results in an ideal alternative to other more traditional wall covering systems.

In this blog, we aim to give you as much information as possible about wall panelling, including where wall panels are best used and the benefits of using them in the home, so that you are armed with a wealth of information in your toolkit when it comes to advising your clients. We will also introduce you to Zest Shower Panels, a popular product which we stock from one of our most trusted suppliers.

Introduction to Zest:

Edge Building Services are a leading stockist of Zest’s shower panels. Zest create unique, stylish and modern wall panel designs. All of the Zest wall panels are 100% waterproof, made with a quick to install tongue and groove design and are easy to maintain. They are available with a variety of different effects including stone, tile, wood and marble, with various finishes including satin or gloss.

Zest’s collection of wall panels includes a range of sizes and thicknesses, here are a few of our favourite products:

Wall panel usage

Wall panels can be used for various applications in both residential and commercial properties.

Residential: In residential properties, wall panels can be used in both kitchens and bathrooms to create a modern look with minimal effort.

Commercial – in commercial environments, wall panels can be used to line walls of public facing settings in restaurants, hotels, bars, offices, salons— as well as ‘working’ kitchens and bathrooms, basically any space that needs an easy to maintain, modern finish.

As previously mentioned, the greatest benefit of using these wall panels is that they are easy to install compared to other types of finishes like tiles or wallpaper. Wall panels come in many sizes and colours so homeowners can match them with their existing décor or create a completely new look with ease. They also require minimal maintenance; a quick wipe down will keep them looking good as new, making them the perfect solution for homeowners who are time poor.

The benefits of wall panels

Cost effectiveness:

Regardless of the function or aesthetic effect you’re wanting to achieve, wall panels are often a cheaper alternative. Many of us dream of a certain style for our homes, and your clients will likely have their heart and sights set on a particular look, which until relatively recently with the introduction of wall panels, may have been tricky both practically and financially to achieve.

Practicality: 

Wall panels come in a range of designs from marble, brick, slate and tiles to name just a few. Wall panels are a top choice for bathrooms/wet rooms or kitchens where wipe clean and waterproof surfaces are desired.

Long lasting:

In most cases, wall panels can be fitted over existing wall coverings, even tiles. Most wall panels are made using PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) and have natural waterproofing qualities. Due to their synthetic nature, they are designed to be long-lasting, with little management and so are a worthwhile investment for any environment.

Insulation:

Wall panels provide excellent insulation because they don’t allow heat or cold air to escape through cracks like tiles do. They also have the added benefit of being able to be replaced easily if the homeowner decides to redecorate or chooses a different colour theme. Wall panels can easily be removed and replaced with something new!

In conclusion, at Edge Building Products we believe shower panels are a great alternative to tiling, wallpaper and paint for kitchens, bathrooms and other interior areas of high moisture content. The variety of quality PVC panels on the market has enabled us to keep up with client’s changing lifestyles and embrace the advances of modern technology.

We hope you’ll enjoy working with shower panels and if we can help in any way, just give our team a call on 0345 021 3333 or come and visit us in store in either Horsham, Chichester or Croydon.

March IOM Article – Neil Ansell Building & Carpentry

This month, we’re pleased to award Neil Ansell Building & Carpentry with the Installation of the Month award, for his fantastic installation of window, door and lantern and the glazing, also supplying fascia, soffits and guttering in his project located in the Horsham area.

Photography credits: Locations Photography.

The project started in late September 2022, and the shell was complete by early December. Neil went back to the project in the new year 2023 to build the porch and lay flooring after the kitchen had been fitted. The company had a few challenges to tackle during the project – one of these was negotiations with the water works company, and another was fitting some products in the colder, fluctuating temperatures.

Neil comments ‘Edge’s bespoke team were helpful with sourcing the window, door and lantern and the glazing.’

Congratulations Neil on your award for this fantastic project – we look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!

Pictured products: Origin French doors, sidelight units and window. You can also see how much natural light the lantern brings into the space.

Our PVC underground drainage pipes are commonly used in the construction of drainage systems for both residential and commercial projects. These pipes are made from a durable and lightweight material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is resistant to chemicals, corrosion, and weathering. They are also easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice among contractors and homeowners. Here we’ll be delving into the different types of PVC underground drainage systems and presenting some best practices to follow when installing them.

One of the major advantages of PVC underground drainage pipes is their durability. PVC pipes are designed to withstand heavy loads and high pressure, making them an ideal choice for underground drainage systems that are often subjected to these stresses. They are also resistant to chemical corrosion a  nd damage from weathering, which ensures they have a long lifespan and will not degrade over time.

We know you don’t want to have to dig up your underground drainage system to replace it a short time after you install it!

Why choose PVC for underground drainage?

Another benefit of PVC underground drainage pipes is their lightweight design. Unlike traditional drainage pipes made from materials like concrete or cast iron, PVC pipes are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. This makes them easier to install and transport, which can reduce completion time and labour costs – no more lugging heavy materials around on-site and wasting good money that could be spent elsewhere on your project.

PVC pipes can be quickly and easily cut to size, allowing contractors to create custom lengths of piping that fit the specific needs of a project. They can also be joined together using a variety of connection methods, including solvent welding and mechanical couplings, which allows for flexibility and versatility in installation.

Unlike other types of drainage pipes that may require regular cleaning or repairs, PVC pipes are resistant to corrosion and blockages. This means that they require minimal maintenance over their lifespan, which can save time and money for property owners.

Another advantage of PVC underground drainage pipes is their affordability. PVC is a relatively inexpensive material compared to other types of drainage pipe materials, which can make it a cost-effective choice for drainage systems. Additionally, the ease of installation and low maintenance requirements can further reduce costs associated with installation and upkeep.

Our recommendations for underground drainage – Giving your project the Edge.

At Edge, we stock soakaway crates, drainage pipes, channel drainage, manholes, chamber bases and tools for a simple installation. Our team is always on hand with helpful advice and guidance. Let’s have a closer look at our range.

Soakaway crates, sometimes known as attenuation crates, are a type of underground water storage system used to manage surface water runoff. They are designed to capture excess rainwater and slowly release it into the ground to prevent flooding and erosion. Soakaway crates are made of plastic and have a honeycomb-like structure that allows for efficient water storage and filtration. They are easy to install and maintain, and can be used in a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. We also supply the Geotextile membrane to go with the soakaway crates.

Drainage pipes, bends, branches, and gullies are essential components of a drainage system that helps to remove wastewater and surface water from buildings and outdoor areas. Our drainage pipes come in various sizes and shapes to fit specific needs. Bends, branches, and gullies are used to change the direction of the flow and prevent blockages. Drainage systems require a small amount of maintenance to prevent clogging and ensure proper function.

Our PVC chamber bases and manholes are used to provide access to the drainage system for maintenance and repair and can be customised to fit specific requirements. Chamber bases are used to create a base for the manhole, while manholes provide access to the drainage system for cleaning, inspection, and repairs. They are an essential part of any drainage system and must be installed correctly to ensure proper function.

Channel drainage, also known as linear drainage, is another type of drainage system used to collect and remove surface water runoff. It consists of a long, narrow channel with a grate on top that allows water to enter. The water is then directed to a drainpipe or soakaway crate. Channel drainage is commonly used in driveways, patios, car parks and other outdoor areas where water runoff can cause damage. It is easy to install and can be customised to fit specific needs.

Our PVC underground drainage systems are an excellent choice for a variety of drainage applications due to their durability, ease of installation, low maintenance requirements, and affordability. While there are some potential considerations to keep in mind, such as susceptibility to extreme temperatures and expansion and contraction, these can be mitigated with proper installation and design. Overall, PVC underground drainage pipes offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for drainage needs in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Should you have any questions about our range of underground drainage pipes or require a quotation, please reach out to [email protected] or give us a call on 0345 021 3333.

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) wall and ceiling panels and cladding are an increasingly popular choice for areas of the home or workplace that require high standards of hygiene for example, kitchens or bathrooms. Often called ‘hygiene boards/panels’ for this very reason, they are specifically designed to provide a hygienic and sanitary environment, due to their anti-bacterial resistance and durability, whilst still appearing aesthetically pleasing and not compromising the interior styling of the space.

PVC wall and ceiling cladding or hygienic boards are a rapidly growing in popularity as a modern building material, and due to their durability, easy installation, affordability and aesthetic appeal, hygiene boards are fast becoming a hot trend for consumers too.

They can be installed as a single layer or in multiple layers depending on the desired result. PVC cladding is also fire resistant (many coming with a certified fire rating), water resistant, and have good thermal insulation properties to keep homes or commercial spaces comfortable and maximising on energy efficiency throughout the year.

PVC cladding can also be found in many different colours and finishes to allow creative freedom when designing spaces. Hygienic boards or ceiling panels are commonly used in domestic kitchens and bathrooms but are also a popular choice in commercial spaces where cleanliness and hygiene is paramount. PVC panelling is also an ideal choice for these spaces as they are able to provide both practicality and aesthetic appeal at an affordable price, something of growing importance in today’s climate!

Everything you need to know about PVC wall and ceiling cladding:

Here are some of the key need-to-know points to equip you with the tools to be able to provide your clients with all the knowledge they need to ensure they are making the right decision for their home or commercial interior.

How does the antibacterial benefit work?

The main advantage of using hygiene panels is their anti-bacterial properties. The surface of these panels inhibits the growth of unwanted and harmful bacteria which can cause food contamination or health issues from poor hygiene. This means that surfaces stay cleaner for longer periods of time without regular intensive cleaning, again a huge benefit to your clients!

In addition, hygiene wall and ceiling cladding prevents water ingress which can cause damage to walls and ceilings over time due to moisture retention.  These panels, when sourced, installed and cared for correctly, have a long-life span, typically lasting at least 20 years, but depending on the PVC cladding used, some high performance PVC cladding will last up to 50 years, if maintained correctly.

Colours and Styles:

Hygienic PVC cladding and ceiling panels also come in many colours, thickness and designs which can add an aesthetic appeal to any space they are installed in. Long gone are the days where all that was on offer was a plain white sheet!

Here at Edge Building Products, we stock a variety of brands to help you achieve the desired result:

Visit our Interior Product catalogue for individual product specifications and qualities. We offer a variety of accessories to accompany the panels themselves such as Stormgrip 2 Part Adhesive for Hygiene Cladding and a range of corners and trims for panelling.

With all of these features, it’s no wonder that PVC wall cladding has become an increasingly popular choice for both home and commercial use.

 

Why choose Edge Building Products for your PVC panel and cladding solutions?

Edge Building Products specialise in stocking and providing low maintenance, high quality building plastics for trade. We are passionate about delivering our trade customers with top quality customer service and competitive prices.   Our wider product range at Edge also includes everyday tools and consumables required by trade professionals, as well as sealants, adhesives, cleaning products, fixings and flashings in addition to bespoke windows, doors and roof glazing through our Bespoke Department.

We have three trade counters, offering free hot drinks to customers, in Horsham, Chichester and Croydon. At Edge Building Products, we offer next day delivery for orders placed before 3pm sent complete with some free chocolate – because who doesn’t love free chocolate?!

For more information on Edge Building Products, the services we provide or the products we stock, visit: www.edgebp.co.uk

Window cills, also known as window ledges and sometimes spelt ‘sills’ or windowsills, are horizontal ledges located at the bottom of windows. Although often overlooked, they serve an important purpose for the window fitter and homeowner – and offer numerous benefits. Here we explore why window cills are a good idea to install when you fit your windows.

  1. Protection from Water Damage

Window cills play an important role in protecting your home from water damage. When rainwater falls on the outside of your window, it can easily enter your home if there is no proper barrier to stop it. Window cills provide this barrier, preventing water from entering your home and causing water damage to the walls and floors. This is particularly important for homes in areas that experience frequent rainfall.

  1. Energy Efficiency

Window cills also contribute to energy efficiency in your home. When properly installed, they create a seal between the window frame and the wall, reducing air leakage and preventing drafts. This means that your home will be more energy efficient, as less air will escape, and less energy will be required to heat or cool your home. Additionally, some window cills are made from materials with insulating properties, which can further improve energy efficiency – like PVC for example!

  1. Interior Design

Window cills can also enhance the interior design of your home. They provide a natural shelf that can be used to display decorative items or plants. Depending on the size of the cill, it can also serve as additional seating or storage space. The material and colour of the window cill can be chosen to complement the overall interior design of your home, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

  1. Protection from Insects

Window cills can also help to keep insects out of your home. By creating a barrier between the window frame and the wall, they prevent insects from entering through gaps or cracks. This is particularly important for homes in areas with a high population of insects, such as mosquitoes or ants.

  1. Protection from Accidents

Window cills can also help to prevent accidents. They provide a barrier between the window and the floor, preventing objects from falling out of the window and potentially injuring someone below. This is particularly important for homes with young children or pets.

  1. Durability

Window cills are typically made from durable materials such as PVC, wood, or metal, which can withstand the test of time. This means that they do not require frequent replacement or repair, making them a cost-effective investment in the long run.

  1. Easy Maintenance

Window cills are also relatively easy to maintain. They can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. PVC window cills do not require occasional sealing or refinishing to maintain their appearance and durability – making them a very straightforward option to install.

  1. Soundproofing

Window cills can also provide some degree of soundproofing. By creating a barrier between the window and the wall, they can help to reduce outside noise from entering your home. This is particularly important for homes located in noisy areas, such as near a busy road or airport.

So, as you can see, window cills are a pretty good idea for a variety of reasons! They provide protection from water damage, enhance energy efficiency, add to the interior design of your home, keep insects out, prevent accidents, are durable and easy to maintain, and provide some degree of soundproofing. For these reasons, investing in window cills is a smart choice for any homeowner.

We have a wide range of window board cills in stock at edge. Explore our range of hooknose window board, laminated window board, internal cap-over board and external window cill.

Feel free to get in touch with our team if you have any questions – email [email protected] or call 03450213333.

In the building industry, both anthracite grey and black are popular choices for both exterior and interior finishes. The preference for one colour over the other can vary depending on several factors such as geographical location, building type, and current trends. The way the colour is actually being used can also have a direct impact on the choice, so knowing when to recommend colour options can be important.

At Edge, our customers are always drawn to the dramatic shades of black and grey and often ask advice about choosing the right colour options for their space. In this article, we will explore the popularity of anthracite grey and black in the building industry and help define good use cases for both.

Anthracite Grey

Anthracite grey is a modern colour that provides a sleek and contemporary look to buildings with a colour that similar to charcoal or slate grey. It is a popular choice for windows, doors, and cladding materials such as aluminium, steel, and fibre cement cladding. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to complement various architectural styles.

When paired with shades of Grey or white it can be used to create a stylish monochromatic look. It can also be used as an accent or complimenting colour when paired with brighter hues such as red, yellow, or green.

Another factor that contributes to the popularity of anthracite grey is its durability. It is a colour that does not fade easily, making it a suitable choice for outdoor applications. Additionally, it is a colour that does not show dirt and stains easily, making it a low-maintenance option for building finishes.

Black

Black is a classic colour that has been used in the building industry for centuries, often associated with sophistication, elegance, and luxury. Black is most often used in roofing, windows, and doors, as well as in interior finishes such as paint and flooring.

One of the reasons for the popularity of black is its ability to create a dramatic contrast against lighter colours such as white, cream, or beige. It can be used to create a striking visual impact that can be used to draw attention to specific areas of a building.

Black can also be used to great effect when thinking about different styles and moods. It can create a traditional look when paired with brick or stone, or a modern look when paired with metal or glass.

Anthracite Grey vs. Black: Which is More Popular?

The popularity of anthracite grey and black in the building industry often depends on location and current trends. In some regions, one colour may be more popular than the other.

For example, here in the UK and Europe, anthracite grey is a popular choice for windows and doors, while black is more commonly used for roofing. Whilst In the United States, black seems to be a more popular colour for exterior finishes, including siding, roofing, and trim.

In terms of current UK trends, both anthracite grey and black are popular choices for modern and contemporary buildings. The use of these colours has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the rise of modern minimalistic design and the need for low-maintenance finishes.

However, some designers and architects argue that the popularity of these colours may be waning, especially Anthracite grey. They believe that the use of brighter and bolder colours will become more popular in the coming years, as people seek to create more vibrant and lively living spaces.

We believe that there will always be a demand for both true black and dark grey shades due to their versatile nature. They link in nicely with almost any property style and can both help achieve great effects.

Giving you the Edge – what we recommend

Anthracite grey is a modern colour that provides a sleek and contemporary look, while black is a classic colour that is associated with elegance and sophistication. For larger spaces which also employ glass or other modern materials, anthracite grey is a great option for making an environment feel open and clean without being too hard or industrial.

When you have specific features you want to draw people’s attention to then black may be a great option to help achieve this. If the client doesn’t like the use of black, then pairing anthracite grey with a bold colour such as red, yellow, or green would be a great alternative.

At Edge, you can purchase most of our products in Anthracite Grey or Black, as they are both in our standard colours range. From guttering and window trims to roof lanterns and silicone, we’ve got it covered.

Email [email protected] or call 03450213333 to find out more!

If you’re considering a new decking project, composite decking could be the way forward. We offer a wide range of composite decking options that are becoming increasingly popular due to their benefits over traditional decking materials.

Here are 12 reasons why you should choose composite decking:

  1. Longevity: Composite decking is highly durable and won’t warp, twist, or rot over time. It’s also highly scratch and wear-resistant, even in harsh environments.
  2. Low maintenance: Unlike timber decking, composite decking hardly needs any maintenance at all. No wood treatment, staining or sealing is required.
  3. Safety: Composite decking has non-slip and splinter-proof features, making it safe for high-traffic areas.
  4. Environmentally-friendly: Our composite decking is made from FSC® certified wood, ensuring that the forest from which it is sourced is managed sustainably.
  5. Appeal: Our composite decking is available in a wide range of colours and finishes, providing a beautiful aesthetic to your project.
  6. Quality: Despite being sleek and lightweight, our composite decking is made from sturdy wood polymer for maximum resistance to wear and tear.
  7. Easy to install: Our composite decking boards are designed for easy installation with ease-of-handling and timesaving on site in mind.
  8. Affordable: While composite decking may seem expensive at first, it can save you money in the long term compared to traditional decking materials and their maintenance costs.
  9. Wide range of finishes: Our range of WPC decking is available in a wide range of colours and configurations, including timeless greys and blacks, classic neutrals and browns, woodgrain finishes, and grooved boards.
  10. 10-year warranty: All of our composite decking boards, accessories, and fixings come with a 10-year warranty.
  11. Realistic look: Our decking boards have a realistic woodgrain look, giving the impression of real wood without the inconvenience.
  12. Broad range of applications: Our composite decking is suitable for a broad range of applications, including private homes and gardens, parks, recreational grounds, poolside, outdoor eating areas, caravan and camping sites.

Composite decking types:

Edge BP offer three main decking boards to choose from:

Classic – grooved finish decking boards, one colour per board

Signature – woodgrain finish decking boards, reversible boards with two colour options per board.

Triton – reversible finish boards, woodgrain on one side and grooved on the other.

 

Get in touch with our team to discuss your composite decking requirements!

[email protected]

03450213333

We can also send you a composite decking sample if you require.

When looking for the best exterior door to enhance the security, insulation and accessibility of the home, it’s important to understand the different doors that are available and the benefits each of them offer.

Composite doors and uPVC doors are two popular options when it comes to exterior doors, and both offer a range of advantages that make them an ideal choice for the home.

Did you know that up to 10-20% of a house’s heat can be lost through external windows and doors? The efficiency of these glazing systems is therefore extremely important. In 2010, new doors were required to have energy efficiency assessments, and must score a U Value rating of 1.8W/m2K or less. The lower the door’s U Value rating is, the more energy efficient it is, so when homeowners are deciding which door to pick for their home, it’s important to pay close attention to the lower scores!

Low-maintenance windows and doors are often an important consideration for time-poor property owners, and alongside this, cost will almost always be one of the biggest considerations when choosing a door.

Then there is the all-important security factor. Will the exterior door protect the home from intruders? How strong will be it, and will homeowners sleep soundly at night, safe in the knowledge that their door is robust and secure?

In this blog, we will drill down to both composite doors and uPVC doors and explore the benefits of each.

Best exterior door: Composite Doors

Composite doors are a great option for homeowners looking for a stylish door to protect their property. They are classic in appearance but modern in their make-up, and the combination of materials that are used in their construction makes them incredibly secure and highly energy efficient.

Composite doors are constructed from a mixture of materials, but the main material is timber which is a natural insulator. Other materials in their make-up are insulating foam, laminate, uPVC and fibre glass.  This winning combination creates an incredibly strong and secure door.

Newer, modern doors such as composite doors, are both better insulated and more likely to fit tightly into door frames, therefore reducing draughts. Because composite doors have excellent thermal insulation properties, they retain heat within the home during colder months, and this means homeowners don’t have to spend unnecessary amounts on energy bills…. an important consideration during this cost-of-living crisis.

Composite doors also offer a much more aesthetically pleasing look than many other types of doors. They come in a variety of styles and colours to suit many different styles of home, which makes it possible to find a door that fits perfectly with the homeowner’s taste and preference.  Many composite doors offer the opportunity to add a feature glass design to add character to the door through bespoke artistic, colourful options or privacy glass.

Composite doors are extremely robust and durable too; they won’t warp or crack over time with fluctuations in the weather and are long-lasting without needing regular maintenance. In addition, composite doors include multi-point locking systems which ensures the home is kept safe and secure from intruders.

They also require very little maintenance; since they are made from several components, there is less risk of damage or wear-and-tear over time. So as a long-term investment, composite doors are a great option.

All in all, composite doors are an ideal choice for those looking for superior energy efficiency combined with added style, bespoke design and security for the home.

Best exterior door: uPVC Doors

uPVC doors have become increasingly popular over the last couple of decades.  uPVC, or ‘n-plasticised polyvinyl chloride’, is a synthetic plastic material and the third most widely produced polymer of plastic. uPVC is considerably cheaper than timber, and with a longer life span, and for this reason, they have long been the favoured material for windows too.

uPVC, like composite doors, have excellent insulation capabilities. When fitted correctly, uPVC doors form closed air systems that are effective in minimising heat loss, so they are great for keeping out draughts and keeping heat in, making them perfect for energy efficiency.

uPVC doors also offer a high level of security for the home and are long-lasting with minimal upkeep or repair needed. Not only this, but they are available in a wide range of styles and can be matched with the same style uPVC windows.

PVC is resistant to weathering and rot making them an ideal solution for front doors… it doesn’t react with water or air, making it the perfect choice for properties in locations where high salt content can cause issues, such as by the sea.

Perhaps the biggest reason homeowners choose uPVC doors is their value for money and low maintenance. uPVC is easily cleaned and requires minimal upkeep from the homeowner…. a quick wipe down with a cloth or soft brush is all that’s needed to keep these doors looking as good as new.  Installation of uPVC doors is also relatively easy compared to other materials.

Should homeowners choose uPVC or Composite Doors?

In some instances, uPVC doors can be up to 40%-60% cheaper than composite doors, and cost can often be the reason why homeowners choose one over the other. Composite doors have a more advanced make-up, and this is naturally reflected in the price.

Both composite doors and uPVC doors offer plenty of great benefits that should be considered when selecting the best exterior door for the home. Both types of doors provide added security features such as reinforced frames or multi-point locking systems which will help protect the property from potential intruders.  However, if comparing the two for security, composite doors do offer marginally more security than uPVC, and they also slightly outperform uPVC doors when looking at their energy efficiency, due to their thickness.

Ultimately, deciding between uPVC or Composite as the best exterior door will come down to personal preference based on budget constraints and desired look and style.

Edge Building Products sell a wide range of uPVC doors with both flat or moulded panels, stable doors, patio doors and French doors….. uPVC remain our most popular type of door! With matching window designs and accessories, such as pet flaps and door hardware, there is a style and price to suit most homeowners’ budgets. Furthermore, all locking systems on Edge uPVC doors are guaranteed against mechanical failure for 10 years.

We also sell a big range of composite doors in contemporary, rural or classic styles. Our bespoke department are able to provide high quality, low maintenance glazing and are completely customisable to meet your clients’ specific needs.

Our counters, located in Croydon, Horsham and Chichester, are able to provide a wide range of low maintenance building products for the trade with next day delivery for the South-East of England. Our team are always available to discuss your requirements and can help you decide the option of best exterior door that best suits your clients’ needs.